World No. 1 Justin Rose had a stranglehold on the Farmers Insurance Open through 54 holes, but he had some big-time players chasing him on Sunday in Adam Scott, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and more. Here’s what you missed on Sunday at the Farmers at Torrey Pines.
Who won: Justin Rose (three-under 69, 21 under overall)
How it happened: Rose opened the day with a three-shot lead over Scott and led Rahm by four, but his Sunday playing partners did little to threaten him early. Rose was even on the front, but so was Scott, and Rahm played the front side in one under, making Rose’s lead three at the turn. A birdie on 10 pushed Rose’s lead to four, and he won by two despite Scott birdieing the last four holes. Scott shot 68 and was alone in second place.
Why it matters: It’s Rose’s 10th victory on the PGA Tour (to go with his 12 European tour wins), making him the winningest pro from England since 1945.
Best fill-in caddie performance: Rose’s regular looper, Mark Fulcher, had heart surgery on Jan. 17, and Rose has used Gareth Lord in his absence until Fulcher can return. So far, so good. Rose and Lord, who used to caddie for Henrik Stenson, tied for 34th at the Desert Classic last weekend before winning this week. Fulcher, of course, was watching the win unfold.
Best shot when it mattered: After a mediocre pitch on the par-4 15th, Rose saved par by sinking a nine-footer to stay at 19 under overall. Scott tapped in for birdie immediately after to jump into a tie for second at 16 under, meaning Rose’s crucial par putt kept his lead at three with three to play and didn’t allow for the two-shot swing down the stretch.
Best quote: “Fooch, that was for you, mate,” – Justin Rose, speaking to his regular caddie, Mark Fulcher, watching at home.
Best final round from a 14-time major champ: Tiger Woods made his first start of the season at the Farmers and put together his best round of the week on Sunday. He played the front nine (his final nine) in five-under 31 to shoot 67 and tie for 20th. His next start is the Genesis Open on Feb. 14.
Up next: The Tour heads to Phoenix, Ariz., for the Waste Management Phoenix Open, a.k.a. the biggest party in golf. Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson headline the field.
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