Brooks Koepka Returns As Torrey Pines Hosts Star-Studded Farmers Insurance Open

The Farmers Insurance Open, a staple of the PGA Tour and one of California’s most storied sporting events, returns to Torrey Pines in La Jolla for its 74th edition this week. After a brief period of midweek scheduling, the tournament is back to its traditional Thursday-through-Sunday format, promising four days of high drama and world-class golf on the picturesque bluffs overlooking the Pacific.

Since its first tee-off in 1952 as the San Diego Open, the event has grown in stature, drawing the world’s best to test their mettle against two distinct courses: the North Course and the formidable South Course. Both designed by Billy Bell Jr. and opened in 1957, these layouts have evolved over the decades, with the South Course receiving a major overhaul from Rees Jones in 2001 and a further tweak before the 2021 U.S. Open. The North Course, meanwhile, was reimagined by Tom Weiskopf prior to the 2017 tournament, narrowing the scoring gap that once existed between the two.

Golf aficionados know Torrey Pines as a true test, with the South Course stretching a daunting 7,765 yards (par 72) and boasting a 2025 stroke average of 73.68. The North Course, at 7,258 yards, plays slightly easier with a 2025 average of 72.57. But don’t be fooled—winning here is no walk in the park, and the history books are littered with tales of heartbreak and heroics amid the coastal winds and challenging rough.

This year’s field is as star-studded as ever, featuring ten major championship winners, including the much-anticipated return of five-time major champ Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour. Fans will also spot seven past Farmers Insurance Open champions vying for another title, alongside a strong contingent of local favorites. San Diego State alumni Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, and Justin Hastings are all teeing it up, as are Poway’s Charley Hoffman and Torrey Pines’ very own Michael Kim. Their presence is sure to draw fervent support from the galleries, which are expected to be lively throughout the week.

For those hoping to catch the action in person, grounds tickets are priced at $85 per day for Thursday and Friday, rising to $100 for weekend rounds. There’s no shortage of premium experiences either—fans can upgrade to the ULTRA Pass presented by Michelob ULTRA or the Canyon Club thanks to Pechanga Resort & Casino. Families are encouraged to attend, with children 15 and under enjoying free grounds admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Seniors and military members also benefit from discounted daily tickets starting at $50, making the event accessible to a broad swath of the community.

Television coverage is comprehensive, with Sky Sports broadcasting live from 17:00 each day, ensuring fans around the globe can follow every twist and turn. And twists are almost guaranteed at Torrey Pines. The event’s unique format sees all players tackle both the North and South Courses over the opening two days, before the cut whittles the field for a weekend showdown solely on the South Course—the same hallowed turf that hosted the 2021 U.S. Open, memorably won by Jon Rahm, and the relocated Genesis Invitational in January 2025, where Ludvig Aberg emerged victorious.

Recent history at the Farmers Insurance Open suggests that fortune favors those who start on the North Course—six of the last seven champions began their week there. But don’t expect the leaderboard to remain static. This is a tournament where fast starts are far from essential, and off-the-pace winners are common. In fact, Harris English, last year’s champion, sat tied for 18th after the first round and still managed to hoist the trophy, echoing a trend where winners have come from as far back as 113th after round one. Only a handful of halfway leaders have managed to convert their advantage into victory since the turn of the century, with Tiger Woods, Justin Rose, and Patrick Reed among the rare exceptions.

Speaking of past champions, the last decade has seen a fascinating mix of established stars and surprise packages. Notable recent winners include Matthieu Pavon (2024), Max Homa (2023), Luke List (2022), and Patrick Reed (2021). Some, like Pavon and List, were relatively unfancied pre-tournament, while others, such as Justin Rose and Jason Day, were always among the favorites. The path to victory at Torrey Pines doesn’t always follow a script—course experience is invaluable, but every so often, a first-timer or long-shot emerges from the pack, as Pavon did two years ago when he became the first Frenchman to win on the PGA Tour.

What does it take to win here? While the South Course’s length suggests that driving distance would be paramount, the stats tell a more nuanced story. Sure, big hitters like Ludvig Aberg have found success, but five of the last six winners have ranked between 34th and 55th in driving distance, showing that a lack of length can be overcome. Greens in Regulation, once a key metric, has faded in importance—no winner has topped that stat since Bubba Watson in 2011. Instead, Strokes Gained: Approach has emerged as a crucial indicator, with seven of the last eight winners ranking inside the top five in that category. Putting also remains vital, with five of the last nine champions ranking fourth or better in Putting Average.

Course familiarity, however, remains a strong predictor. Most winners have shown a liking for Torrey Pines in previous starts, whether through top-10 finishes or simply multiple appearances. Even Max Homa, who missed five cuts before his 2023 triumph, had posted ninth and 18th place finishes in earlier years. It’s a venue that rewards perseverance and learning—something both fans and players appreciate.

For those looking for drama, Sunday at Torrey Pines rarely disappoints. The 54-hole leader is far from a sure thing, and the event has become a playground for traders and fans who love a late charge. In 2024, Stephan Jaeger led after three rounds but finished tied for third, while Keegan Bradley surged from well back to contend. The volatility means that, even with 18 holes to play, the outcome is anything but certain.

As the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open gets underway, all eyes are on Torrey Pines. Will a local favorite rise to the occasion, or will another dark horse steal the show? With a field packed with major winners, hometown heroes, and rising stars, the only thing that’s certain is that golf fans are in for a treat. The action is just getting started, and as history has shown, anything can happen at Torrey Pines.