SAN DIEGO — Justin Rose didn’t just win the Farmers Insurance Open on Sunday at Torrey Pines; he dismantled the field, securing a seven-shot victory and setting a new 72-hole tournament record.
Rose shatters Record, Dominates at Torrey Pines
The English golfer’s commanding performance broke Tiger Woods’ longstanding record and signaled a return to form.
- Rose finished at 23-under 265, surpassing Tiger Woods’ previous record of 266 set in 1999.
- This marks Rose’s 13th career PGA Tour title and his second win at Torrey Pines.
- At 45 years old, Rose climbed to No. 3 in the world rankings, trailing only behind players younger than him since 2008.
Rose’s winning score of 23-under 265 broke Tiger Woods’ previous record of 266, set in 1999.
Rose’s dominance wasn’t just about the final score. He became the first wire-to-wire winner at Torrey Pines in 71 years, a feat Tommy Bolt last accomplished in 1955.He steadily extended his lead with each round – by one shot,then four,six,and ultimately a career-best seven strokes.
The Englishman opened with a stunning 62 on the North course and continued to excel on the challenging South course, which has hosted two U.S.Opens. His front nine on Sunday was particularly extraordinary,highlighted by a 35 that included a two-putt birdie on the par-5 sixth,a tee shot within 10 feet on the par-3 eighth,and a 35-foot birdie putt on the par-5 ninth.
The tournament enjoyed ideal weather conditions, even by San Diego standards, but lacked the usual drama, a situation Rose welcomed. The final day largely became a competition for second place, ultimately shared by Si Woo Kim (69), Ryo Hisatsune (69), and Pierceson Coody (66), each earning a consolation prize of $726,400. Coody’s strong finish also likely secures his entry into a pair of lucrative $20 million signature events.
Brooks Koepka, making his return to the PGA Tour after previously competing on LIV golf, received a warm welcome from the crowd on the ninth green, with fans chanting, “Welcome back, Brooks!” He finished with a 70 and is already looking ahead to the more boisterous atmosphere of the Phoenix event. “I love the chaos,” Koepka said.
this victory marks Rose’s 13th career title on the PGA Tour, adding to a decorated career that includes a U.S. Open championship, an olympic gold medal, and seven Ryder Cup appearances. At 45, Rose shows no signs of slowing down. He moved to No. 3 in the world rankings, surpassed in age only by Vijay Singh, who held the same ranking in September 2008.
Rose reflected on past performances, recalling his closing 66 at the Masters last year and his triumphant fourballs partnership with Tommy Fleetwood at the Ryder Cup. “Those days or those weeks or those rounds are definitely showing me that the gas is still in the tank,” he said. “Obviously, accessing it is the job now.”
The week also saw discussion surrounding LIV Golf,with Koepka’s return and Patrick Reed’s departure from the rival league.Rose acknowledged he had received an offer to join LIV but chose to remain on the PGA and European tours, a decision he believes is crucial for competing in major championships. “My career goals have always only been attainable by staying on the European tour and the PGA Tour,” he explained.
Rose considered his 2019 win at Torrey pines among his best, but felt this week’s performance was even more significant, particularly given his caddie, Mark Fulcher’s, ongoing recovery from heart surgery. “Now he’s got one for himself,” Rose said with a smile.
