Justin Rose Shoots Stunning 62 to Lead Farmers Insurance Open
Justin Rose delivered a masterclass performance at Torrey Pines, carding a brilliant 10-under-par 62 on the North Course to seize the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open. The 45-year-old Ryder Cup star recorded ten unanswered birdies during his opening round, establishing a one-shot advantage over American Justin Lower.
Rose Reflects on Exceptional Round
"It's a funny one, I feel like I managed my game really, really well today," Rose told the PGA Tour website. "I felt like I read the greens phenomenally, putted as you could see really, really well."
The English golfer acknowledged that while his performance wasn't completely flawless, everything came together spectacularly. "I wouldn't say it felt in complete cruise control – there was nothing kind of off, but some days you shoot 10 under par and every shot is as you see it, as you intend it," Rose explained.
He added: "The North Course is a course that you feel like you should be able to get but it's actually grown a few teeth over the years. You've got to play well, you've got to drive the ball in play which I did a reasonable job of."
Koepka's Subdued Return to PGA Tour Competition
Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka's much-anticipated return to PGA Tour action proved challenging as the five-time major champion laboured to an opening 73 on the South Course. Starting his round with three pars, Koepka dropped a shot on the fourth hole and failed to convert a birdie opportunity on the ninth, making the turn at one over par.
The American golfer, who had secured an early release from his LIV Golf contract at the end of the 2025 season, encountered further difficulties on the back nine. Koepka overshot the green on the par-five 13th, resulting in another bogey, before narrowly missing a birdie chance on the par-three 16th. He eventually signed for a one-over round after sinking his fourth shot on the final hole.
Emotional Comeback for Former Champion
Despite his challenging round, Koepka expressed renewed passion for the sport during his post-round comments. "I've fallen back in love with the game," Koepka told reporters. "Watching my son play a little bit and wanting to be able to see him watch me play well and realise how much this game has given me and how fun it is."
The returning star received warm welcomes from spectators throughout his round. "It was very cool to hear 'welcome back'... it was pretty much every hole," Koepka revealed, acknowledging the supportive reception from golf fans.
Other Notable Performances
Ireland's Seamus Power posted the lowest round on the more challenging South Course, firing an impressive seven-under 65 to claim a share of fifth place. The better scores predominantly came from those playing the North Course, with Rose's 62 setting the benchmark for the tournament.
Justin Lower, sitting one shot behind Rose, is competing under particularly special circumstances – his wife is currently 34 weeks pregnant with twins, adding an emotional dimension to his strong performance.
The PGA Tour had introduced a hastily-written Returning Members Programme to accommodate Koepka's comeback after his departure from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, where he had competed since 2022. The tournament continues with players facing both Torrey Pines courses during the opening rounds before the cut is made.
