Rich Beem predicts what a 12-handicap would have shot at Torrey Pines as the weather causes havoc at the Genesis Invitational

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Horrendous weather conditions made the opening round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines more than trick as the world’s best tried to battle their way round.

Only 13 players came in under par, with American Denny McCarthy playing remarkably well to come in at four-under from his opening round.

The likes of Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy scrambled around to be two under and even par respectively, while there were also some nightmare performances on display.

Adam Hadwin was rock bottom on 11 over, while Rasmus Hojgaard was 10 over and the in-form Sepp Straka struggled at six over.

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Golf fans had criticised the PGA Tour for allowing preferred lies but in the end, it did look like a smart decision given the weather issues.

Of course, seeing the top pros play in such harsh conditions always begs the question of how well an amateur would do.

And according to major winner Rich Beem, things would not go well for the average 12-handicapper.

What a 12-handicap golfer would shoot at Torrey Pines

Beem, who was commentating on the event for Sky Sports, got onto the subject of the scoring around Torrey Pines and spoke of how amateurs would do.

Indeed, according to Beem, a 12-handicapper would be lucky to get under 100.

“98. Easily [mid 90’s]. You figure they are going to hit three or four fairways, depending on what kind of player they are. Once you find this rough they are going to be hacking out sideways,” Beem said.

“Once you find this rough it is going to be a bogey at best. I mean 98 might be a little generous to be fair, it’s just brutal. Through in the weather conditions and things like that, it is just going to wear on that. Once you lose a bit of confidence, it’s just bye bye.”

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What a 10-handicapper would shoot at the WM Phoenix Open

It’s always interesting to see players who’ve been there and done it talk about how an average Joe would go about playing a top golf course.

Beem’s verdict of 25+ over par here makes sense and fits well with how other courses would eat up the average player.

Indeed, just last week, stats were shared to show how a 10-handicap would struggle at the Pete Dye Stadium course that hosts the WM Phoenix Open.

With the Masters coming shortly, the conversation will no doubt turn to how amateurs would do around Augusta.

And as usual, the answer will likely be in the 90s to 100s.