Once upon a time, Tiger Woods used to dominate at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, Calif., winning the 2008 U.S. Open and six Buick Invitationals, including four straight from 2005 to 2008.
Farmers Insurance Open 2012 Preview: Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson Ready To Battle Again
Times have changed, though, and not just because the Buick Invitational changed title sponsors to Farmers Insurance in 2010. Instead of returning to the event he used to own, Woods will spend the weekend at the Abu Dhabi Championship.
But while Woods may not be there, numerous PGA stars will, including three-time winner Phil Mickelson, world No. 9 Dustin Johnson and defending champion Bubba Watson. (There’s no word yet on whether Watson is bringing the General Lee.) In all, 10 former major winners are in the field, including Keegan Bradley, Stewart Cink and Vijay Singh. They’re all competing for a share of the $6 million purse, of which $1.044 million goes to the winner, and 500 FedExCup points.
Watson finished one stroke ahead of Mickelson at 16-under to win last year’s tournament, with a birdie on the final hole proving to be the difference when Mickelson’s ensuing eagle attempt fell short. Johnson and Jhonattan Vegas finished in a tie for third after shooting 13-under.
The 2011 Farmers Insurance Open was Watson’s second career win, though he went on to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in May. In his only other tournament so far this year, he finished in a tie for 18th place at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
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