Justin Rose has put in a dominant display so far at the Farmers Insurance Open.
He’s 17-under-par at this difficult course through two rounds, in what is one of his greatest ever performances. Rose’s Thursday round of 62 was his lowest opening round of a PGA Tour event in nearly 20 years, and he followed that up with a 65 to take a four-stroke lead into the weekend.
Rose had the advantage of playing the easier North Course first, allowing him to settle into the week, but now the field is on the South for the final two rounds. Every player is more than capable of putting up a high score at Torrey Pines, so no lead is safe.
But if there’s any player in the field with the experience needed to see this one out, it’s the 45-year-old. Rose won the St. Jude Championship and almost beat Rory McIlroy to the Masters, so he knows what it takes to perform when the lights are brightest.
After Friday’s action, Rose explained his plan for the weekend.
Justin Rose said he needs to ‘respect’ Torrey Pines to win
By going 10-under-par on Thursday, Rose afforded himself the luxury of being patient with the South Course. He took what the course gave him, took his medicine when needed, and left with a very respectable score.
This isn’t somewhere that you can force a score out of, but that’s easier said than done. Unless you have a big lead, which is Rose’s big advantage going into the weekend.
Rose revealed that his key to winning is patience, strategy, and respect for the course.
When asked how he’d approach the weekend, he explained: “Yeah, I was kind of even half thinking about that the last couple holes. I sensed I was going to have a lead.
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“I felt like I was even thinking about it and I thought that actually I don’t think anything changes. I’m not sure it’s a golf course that if I was chasing I would be doing anything different to what I have to do tomorrow, which is what I was saying.
“You go out and play this golf course as it’s designed to be played. There’s going to be pin placements that you can’t take on. You have to play it with some patience and respect and you’re going to have to play well.
“You’re going to have to play from the fairway. So yeah,whether I was four back or four ahead, like I don’t think it actually changes the task that much tomorrow.”
Rose survived a number of scares when out of position on Friday, and if he can continue to weather the storm over the next two days, he’ll win his second PGA Tour event in five starts. ‘
Justin Rose explains his success at Torrey Pines
Rose is a former champion at the Farmers Insurance Open, winning in 2019. He’s also a former winner of the US Open. The man just loves tough courses.
He said what he enjoys about this tournament and why he suits Torrey Pines so well.
I feel like in my career I’ve won on tough golf courses generally so that’s my M.O,” Rose said.
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“It’s the kind of a place I enjoy. It’s one of my favorite tournaments on Tour just the whole area, the whole atmosphere, the whole vibe. Whether it be Torrey Pines or Del Mar or the surrounding area, it’s just one of those places I feel good.”
To become a two-time winner here at the age of 45 would be a seriously impressive accomplishment, in what’s become a legendary end to a career.
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