On a day that saw John Rahm, Tony Finau and a host of the world’s elite throw their best shots, overnight leader Sam Ryder absorbed blow after blow to maintain his lead at the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open. An utterly patient golfer who let his game in front of him, Ryder signed an even-par 72 to stay At 12 under the championship and in possession of a two-stroke lead.
While Ryder remained impressive in his play and behaviour, Ram had his lead cut short. The world No. 3 was on fire around South Court on Friday, passing a 6-66 that featured precision approach play. In reaching the 10-U-10, Ram is bested only by Finau, who signed for the championship round with an 8-U 64.
All three will feature in the final pairing in Saturday’s final round but they won’t be alone in chasing Ryder. Colin Morikawa, Max Homma, and Sungjae Im all reside at seven, and will make up the penultimate group. In the same issue, but it will be Sahith Thigala who, like Ryder, will be looking for his first win on the PGA Tour.
Leader
1 – Sam Ryder (-12)
He only made one birdie all day—in the 5th-6th inning—but it was his saves that caught my eye. Parallel to his 10-12 record, Ryder has played the hardest part of the golf course with even par. He’s missed his fair share of scoring opportunities down the stretch, likely kicking himself knowing his lead could easily be a four. However, he showed determination and courage which might provide the confidence to take the fight to Ram, Venau and their associates.
The other contenders
2. John Rahm (-10)
3 – Tony Finau (-8)
T4. Songjae M, Colin Morikawa, Sahith Thigala, Max Homma (-7)
8. SH Kim (-6)
T9. Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley, Joseph Bramlett, Ben Ann, Sam Stevens, Brendan Steele (-5)
Talk about making the most of your moving day. Finau cut the number straight when he made birdie on the 36th hole and took full opportunity to play in the second half of this tournament. Finau, who had an 8-under 64 on Friday, was the only player to cruise south court in a bogey-free manner and improve his scoring average by more than eight strikeouts.
Of his tour, Finau said, “I loved it all. It’s hard not to love it.” “The first couple of days the racket was very cold and not very comfortable with it but a few tweaks have been made in the setup and made it a lot better today, and it was evident with strokes that came in from a short distance for me. I think I – I hit it really well all three days I just got the best shots, even saves and birdie hits I really needed.”
Define the context of the ram path
After struggling to make the cut midway through his second round, Ram pushed himself into the competition with only 18 holes to play. Winning once is impressive, as twice enhances player quality, but winning three times in a row is a feat not often achieved on the PGA Tour.
Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy are the only players in the past decade to do so on the PGA Tour, joining Tiger Woods in the process. Woods managed to win three consecutive tournaments not once, not twice, but 14 times throughout his illustrious career.
“Nothing special,” said Ram. “You think about one day today, I wouldn’t know what to tell you. This week is a little different because I’m so comfortable on this golf course, but even in my short career I’ve seen it all here. Obviously, I hear a lot of people talk about it every time I walk by.” in the corridor, and everyone mentions three in a row, three in a row. I was kind of present to see Dustin [Johnson] Do all three in a row. He won the game of the match I think he’s going to get it done with me, he beat me in Mexico for that game too, so hopefully it’s my turn this time.”
Max is on the microphone
A truly remarkable innovation appeared on CBS’ first golf broadcast of the season. Throwing a microphone at Homa in the 15th round of the month, the CBS booth of freshman lead analyst Trevor Immelman, Ian Baker-Finch and Frank Noblewere able to ask Homa questions about the tough scoring opportunity ahead of him. Homa was great at the mic, throwing jabs back and forth and even walking spectators through an umpire when his ball was bowled into the green. Overall, it was a 10/10 viewing experience.
2023 Farmers Insurance Open Opportunities and Updated Choices
Odds Courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook
- John Ram: 23/20
- Sam Ryder: 23/10
- Tony Finau: 25/4
- Max Homa: 14-1
- Colin Morikawa: 15-1
- Sunjae Im: 20-1
- Sahih Thijala: 28-1
Luke List came from five strokes back a season ago, proving more than possible for the under-7’s. The law of averages suggests that it was Homa who showed up in the chasing group. He ranked fourth in strokes gained on Friday’s approach, but the 53rd on the greens seemed to burn the rim every hole. While Ryder was impressive in the third round and Ram was the favourite, Homma at 14-1 seemed the better value.