Harris English Takes Lead at Farmers Open \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Harris English surged to a one-shot lead at the Farmers Insurance Open after a 6-under 66 in the third round. His stellar finish, highlighted by three consecutive birdies, put him at 9-under 207, just ahead of Andrew Novak. The tournament concludes Saturday due to NFL scheduling.
Harris English Leads Farmers Insurance Open: Quick Looks
- Third Round Performance: English shot a 6-under 66, finishing with three straight birdies.
- Leaderboard: English leads Andrew Novak by one stroke at 9-under 207.
- Course Challenges: After a windy second round, calmer weather favored low scores.
- Notable Finish: English holed a 131-yard shot on the 18th for the lead.
- Chasing Players: South African rookie Aldrich Potgieter trails at 7-under, with others four shots back.
Deep Look
Harris English showcased his skill and poise on Friday at the Farmers Insurance Open, surging into the lead with an impressive 6-under 66 in the third round. Closing his day with three consecutive birdies, English moved to 9-under 207, a stroke ahead of Andrew Novak as the tournament heads into its final round at Torrey Pines. With calmer weather offering more scoring opportunities than the previous round, English capitalized, highlighting why he remains a formidable competitor on the PGA Tour.
Mastering Torrey Pines: English’s Standout Round
The South Course at Torrey Pines provided a dramatically different challenge on Friday compared to the brutal winds that disrupted play on Thursday. English adapted masterfully to the improved conditions, making three birdies in four holes before the turn and ramping up the momentum with four birdies in his last six holes. His final flourish came on the par-5 18th hole, where his 131-yard approach shot landed just inside three feet of the pin, setting him up for an easy birdie to take the outright lead.
“Today was way easier condition-wise,” English reflected after his round. “Yesterday was wild. … You’ve just got to manage your game, and I’ve done that.”
English’s experience at Torrey Pines has been mixed but memorable. In 2015, he reached a four-way playoff here before losing to Jason Day. Since then, he has remained a consistent performer on the tour, racking up nine top-10 finishes over the past two seasons. However, a win has eluded him since 2021, when he triumphed in a grueling eight-hole playoff against Kramer Hickok at the Travelers Championship.
Andrew Novak’s Bogey-Free Charge
While English stole the spotlight late in the day, Andrew Novak delivered a remarkable performance of his own. Novak matched English’s 66 but did so without a single bogey on his card. The 28-year-old briefly held the lead before English’s late surge nudged him into second place.
Novak’s standout moment came on the 18th hole, where he sank a clutch 20-foot birdie putt to close his round. A victory at Torrey Pines would mark Novak’s first PGA Tour title, an achievement he has been chasing since joining the tour four years ago.
“You want to win, and anytime you want something, you might put pressure on yourself,” Novak admitted after his round. “There’s going to be nerves … I’ve gone through Q-school. I’ve been sweating out cut lines. It’s all just nerves. I’ve been nervous a lot of times playing golf. It’s just part of it. You just have to step up and hit the golf shot.”
A Rising Star: Aldrich Potgieter’s Breakout Moment
South African rookie Aldrich Potgieter also had a day to remember, finishing with a 5-under 67 to move to 7-under 209. The 20-year-old’s round was highlighted by three birdies on par-3 holes and an incredible eagle on the par-4 12th, where he holed out from 173 yards with an 8-iron.
“Par 3s probably aren’t my strongest out of the pars, but I was hitting the ball a lot better today,” Potgieter said. “Especially on those holes, I put myself in good spots to hole some putts.”
Potgieter’s strong third round came after a challenging 76 on Thursday, where he battled fierce winds. As the weather improved, so did his game, and he now finds himself in contention heading into the final day.
Weather Shifts and Tournament Dynamics
The Farmers Insurance Open has been a test of adaptability for the players, with shifting weather patterns dramatically influencing play. Thursday’s fierce winds caused an 86-minute delay, forcing several players to complete their second rounds on Friday morning. By the third round, the weather had improved significantly, allowing for a wave of low scores.
Despite the calm conditions on Friday, forecasts predict stronger breezes for Saturday’s final round, adding an extra layer of challenge for players vying for the title. The tournament’s unusual Wednesday start and Saturday finish aim to avoid conflict with Sunday’s NFL conference championship games, ensuring the event gets the attention it deserves.
The Final Stretch: Contenders and Challenges
Harris English will enter Saturday’s final round with a slim lead and a chance to end his two-year winless streak. Standing in his way are a determined Andrew Novak and the talented Aldrich Potgieter, both hungry for their first PGA Tour victories.
Other notable names in contention include Joel Dahmen, Lanto Griffin, Matti Schmid, and K.H. Lee, all sitting at 5-under, four shots behind English. Given the history of dramatic final-day rallies at Torrey Pines, no lead is safe, and the tournament remains wide open.
A Potential Career Turnaround
For English, a victory at the Farmers Insurance Open could mark a turning point in his career. After a series of strong finishes without a win, he has a chance to remind the golf world why he is a four-time PGA Tour champion. With momentum on his side and the experience of competing in high-pressure situations, English is well-positioned to fend off the challengers and claim his fifth career title.
As the final day approaches, fans can expect an exciting conclusion to a tournament that has already delivered its fair share of memorable moments.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.