The Farmers Insurance Open is coming to the Torrey Pines South Course Jan. 28-31. The purse is $7.5 million.
The event, one of the San Diego region’s sporting jewels, will be played without fans this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top golfers who have committed to play include Jason Day (2015 PGA Championship), Jason Dufner (2013 PGA Championship), Brooks Koepka (2017 U.S. Open, 2018 U.S. Open, 2018 PGA Championship, 2019 PGA Championship), Rory McIlroy (2011 U.S. Open, 2012 PGA Championship, 2014 Open Championship, 2014 PGA Championship), Phil Mickelson (2004 Masters, 2005 PGA Championship, 2006 Masters, 2010 Masters, 2013 Open Championship), Francesco Molinari (2018 Open Championship), Louis Oosthuizen (2010 Open Championship), Adam Scott (2013 Masters), Bubba Watson (2012 Masters, 2014 Masters) and Gary Woodland (2019 U.S. Open).
The sport of golf has had fewer restrictions than other sports during the pandemic due to its format essentially fitting into current social distancing protocols (aside from spectator galleries).
Tournaments have been ongoing since the declaration of the pandemic shut down most of the sports world.
The Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake was home to the 2020 San Diego County Open last Oct. 13-15.
The tournament, which featured college golfers, former PGA Tour players, Korn Ferry Tour players and a smattering of amateurs, made a revival after a 19-year hiatus.
Sahith Theegala of Chino Hills came out victorious after firing rounds of 69, 66 and 64 for a three-day total 14-under par 199 to leapfrog several strong competitors.
The three-time NCAA All-American at Pepperdine University finished one stroke ahead of Yorba Linda’s Derek Castillo and Manny Manzone of Scottsdale, Ariz., Theegala recorded eight birdies and one bogey on the final day to take home the $10,000 champion’s check.
The professional purse totaled $55,000.
Kento Yamawaki of Encinitas captured the amateur division with a three-day total 12-under par 201.
The San Diego County Open presented by Enagic will return to Enagic Golf Club at Eastlake in October.
