How does one back up posting the low of the day? by following suit. That’s exactly what Sam Ryder achieved in Round 2 of the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open on Thursday as he carded a 4-under 68 on the more difficult South Course after his 8-under 64 on the North Course. Carding the best round among those making the trek on Thursday, Ryder enters the latter stages of the tournament at 12 under with a three-stroke lead over his nearest rival.
Oddly enough, his partner from the first two days is Brendan Steele (-9). The two will play each other again on Friday and hope the good vibes of the first doubles round continue as the big chasing pack includes some of the biggest names in the game.
Max Homma held his own with a 2-under 70 to sit six strokes behind Ryder. A winner in California earlier this season, the Los Angeles native will attempt to add his fourth title to his résumé in The Golden State.
Two-time tournament winner Jason Day is just one more behind at 5-under right with California’s Colin Morikawa. The two-time major champion led the field in strokes Thursday and is eyeing redemption after holding a late lead over Jon Rahm in his last start at the Tournament of Champions.
And while Rahm may have stalled on Wednesday, he was in hyperdrive on Thursday. Signing off for the day’s low round on the North Course, the world No. 3 signed for a 5-under 67, and was back in contention at 4 under.
leader
1. Sam Ryder (-12): It’s uncharted waters for Ryder, who holds the 36-hole lead for the first time in his PGA Tour career. While some may suggest lethargy over the final 36 holes, his second round on the South Course may tell a different story. Having finished second in strokes gained on the tee to green, second in strokes gained approach and fifth in strokes gained, Ryder will be difficult to catch if he is able to perform in somewhat similar fashion down the stretch.
“I’m not really going to completely change my approach. It’s just one of those things that just starts happening. Like I didn’t go out there on Thursday and I think I’m going to shoot 8-under today.” because the weather was nice. I hit some good shots and the rounds started coming to me,” Ryder said. “So, I’m just going to, you know, all the cliché things, try and take it one shot at a time. … I mean, playing this golf course late or later, it’s tough on the greens.” But traffic and it’s not – it’s never easy out there. So, just going to try and push it and see if I can put myself in a good position and stay aggressive.”
other claimants
2. Brendan Steele (-9)
3. Tano Goya (-7)
T4. Max Homma, Taylor Montgomery, Brent Grant, Sahith Thegla, Vincent Norman, Sam Stevens (-6)
T 10. Jason Day, Colin Morikawa, Sam Stevens, Ben Griffin, Andrew Novak (-5)
I was very impressed with the golf played by Homa in the second round. While the winds were gusting to 40 miles per hour that day, Homa never wavered and appeared as if he would quickly take a southerly direction from the storm. With five birdies in his opening nine, he has finally slowed down but is still in perfect shape in this tournament.
Aim point implementation on the greens continues to be beneficial as he finished tied for 12th in strokes gained on Thursday. Looking extremely comfortable in all aspects of his game, Homa’s rise continues in 2023 and Saturday could be his second win of the season.
Can five holes take Rahm to his third straight?
The world No. 3 was stuck in neutral for most of his second round as the normally accessible North Course proved more difficult due to windy conditions. Turning into even par, Rahm began his back nine with four straight pars until he caught lightning in a bottle. Playing his last five holes at 5 under on Thursday, the Spaniard quickly moved into contention with a round of 5-under 67 from just outside the cut line. Rahm finished the tournament tied for 14th and eighth, at 4-under. turns off speed.
Rahm said, “It was nothing special. I knew that was the most scoreable part of the golf course on any given day. Holes 5-9, with or without wind, is where you can take advantage of the course.” “Fortunately, I’m hitting it really well. There’s no difference between those holes or any other five, four holes you can choose from throughout the round. It’s all guesswork with the right wind in them.” . I think maybe I was a little more aggressive after that second shot on 6 and got into the mindset of making birdies instead of being a little tentative, which is easier to do when it’s flowing as hard as it was today.”
California dreaming’
The first page of the leaderboard is full of players with ties to California. Homa is a native of Los Angeles and has three titles in his home state. Morikawa, his partner for the first two rounds, is also from LA and won his first major at TPC Harding Park in the Bay Area. Steele, Montgomery and Thegla all have their own connections to welcome Homecoming in the first few days.
2023 Farmers Insurance Open Odds, Picks
Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
- Sam Ryder: 16/5
- Brendan Steele: 6-1
- Max Home: 25/4
- Jon Rahm: 7-1
- Taylor Montgomery: 15/2
- Jason Day: 8-1
- Colin Morikawa: 9-1
- Sahith Thegla: 12-1
He is the only player listed below 40-1 on the odds board as bookies believe the tournament has turned into an eight-man race. It’s hard to disagree with them as Ryder has been impressive so far, but I wouldn’t count any of them in the immediate chase pack.
I still believe Homa has found a way to win this tournament as he turned in a somewhat disappointing round of 2-under 70 on Thursday. A total of six birdies, Homa reached first place on the greens in regulation and third place in strokes from tee to green. He burned his fair share of edges, and if those putts fall over the next 36 holes, the 32-year-old will have a great chance to grab Ryder.
