Thirty-one golfers are within four shots of the lead. They made golf look easy. Four played the South Course at Torrey Pines. Or the course that will host the U.S. Open in June. They made golf look easy. On the harder course. Here are three things you need to know after Thursday’s first round of the Farmers Insurance Open, played on two courses at Torrey Pines in San Diego.
Patrick Reed and Alex Noren lead
Patrick Reed and Alex Noren led the North Course contingent. And lead the tournament.
Each shot eight-under 64s — Reed made eight birdies and no bogeys, and Noren had seven birdies, a bogey and an eagle — for a one-stroke lead over Scottie Scheffler, who also played the North. Twelve players are two shots back, though only Peter Malnati and Ryan Palmer played the South.
“Felt like I hit the ball well,” Reed said. “Left myself with a lot of good opportunities, a lot of makeable putts, and when you’re doing that around a golf course like the North, you have to go take advantage of it, especially with what’s coming within the next 24 hours.”
Malnati had seven birdies and an eagle in his round, and Palmer made seven birdies.
Rory McIlroy is four shots back
The five players who are three shots back all played the North. Two of the 11 players who are four strokes back — Rory McIlroy and Lucas Glover — played the South.
McIlroy played his front nine at four under and his back at even.
“I got off to a great start, four under through nine,” McIlroy said. “A little disappointed I didn’t pick up a couple more on the way in, especially with the two par-5s, not picking up any shots there. Yeah, I think anytime you shoot 68 on the South Course here you’ve got to be pretty happy.”
Jordan Spieth is five strokes back
Among other players, Jordan Spieth (North Course) and Jon Rahm (South Course) are five shots back after 69s; Xander Schauffele (North Course) and Rickie Fowler (North Course) are six behind after 70s; Phil Mickelson shot a 71 on the North Course; and Brooks Koepka fired an even-par 72 on the South Course.