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2021 Farmers Insurance Open: Top 10 power rankings at Torrey Pines

By Mike Randleman

Jan 23, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; Michael Block plays his second shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - North Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2020; San Diego, California, USA; Michael Block plays his second shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course - North Course. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 29, 2017; La Jolla, CA, USA; Jon Rahm celebrates after a eagle on the 18th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Co. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; La Jolla, CA, USA; Jon Rahm celebrates after a eagle on the 18th hole during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Co. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

If I knew Jon Rahm was in full health, he’d be my pick to win this week without much thought.

After he withdrew from last week’s The American Express citing a tweaked muscle he suffered the week prior, I’m casting some doubt.

“Truth is, I hurt myself in the gym on Friday. I’m taking time off now trying to be smart. I could play right now but I don’t want to make it worse,” Rahm told SiriusXM Radio’s Colt Knost.

There’s no reason for Rahm to push it at this point in the season, so I want to take his word that he’s just being overcautious. With that said, he is a big competitor and would hate to miss an event where he’s played so well.

That could mean rushing back to soon.

That’s why I’m a bit tentative to rank him higher than this.

I’ll eat crow next week if I need to. He won the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open in thrilling fashion in his debut and maiden PGA Tour victory (72-69-69-65). Rahm finished top 30 for his worst finish at this event in 2018 (T-29th, 68-66-75-77), posted T-5th in 2019 (62-72-68-72) and was solo second and only a shot off the pace a year ago (68-71-65-70). Only a closing 65 by Marc Leishman could overtake the overnight leader Rahm.

‘It’s just a really good atmosphere. And we come here so often that it almost feels like, with Phoenix and Spain, a home event honestly,” Rahm was transcribed in 2020 by Tee Scripts. “We spend a lot of time here. We stay at the same hotel every time we come and it’s just comfortable. That’s the best word, comfortable and familiar, and once you’re comfortable and you just keep on going in that routine, it’s easier to play good golf.”

Rahm is one of the best par-5 players in the world. He’ll be able to get home in two shots more than most this week on Torrey Pines’ mammoth holes.

The 26 year old’s played well here whether he’s driving it well or not. As long as he’s rolling in putts and is in reasonable health, he’ll be in the mix come Sunday.

Rahm finished T-7th with his new Callaway clubs at the Tournament of Champions in his only start of 2021. That will be another factor keep an eye on going forward.

It was his ninth straight worldwide top 25 an his second T-7th in a row (Masters).

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