Farmers Insurance Open golf betting guide and contenders

Phil Mickelson

published 27 January 2010

MAIN CONTENDERS

Media attention will doubtless centre on the world number two and his efforts to close the gap on Tiger. While Mickelson certainly finished 2009 in style, I rather doubt he'll carry on where he left off in Shanghai, as all of his best Torrey Pines form came before it was toughened up. Mickelson's trademark erratic long game is better suited to other venues, and the changes to the rules regarding groove faces may not help either. As good as he is, it may take a few weeks to adjust to getting less backspin than he's used to out of the rough. ROBERT ALLENBY

The formbook strongly points towards Allenby, whose relentless tee to green accuracy should also prove a considerable asset around Torrey Pines. Considering he played in pain after hurting his ankle pre-tournament, second place at the Sony Open was a quite remarkable effort. On the downside, Allenby's event form is nothing special, with just one top-ten from five attempts.

As a Californian known for his impressive long game, Mahan has all the credentials of a Torrey Pines champion. Its therefore hard to explain why he has yet to make a top ten in seven attempts here, though he did register a decent top-20 finish in the US Open here. There's an element of guesswork about Mahan's form on his seasonal debut, too.

It's make or break time for Ernie, who has altered his schedule to concentrate more on the PGA Tour. Either he is to re-establish himself as a world-class contender or be overtaken by a plethora of younger candidates. His long game still cuts the mustard, but his putting is a pale shadow of yesteryear and the less said about his bottle, the better. Els finished sixth on his sole previous attempt at this event, and also made the top 15 in the US Open here, so has some cause for encouragement.

Seeing as Tiger defended this title so many times, Watney should have high hopes of repeating last year's heroics. I'm expecting big things of Watney in 2010 as he clearly made strides last term, and doubt he'll be far away on Sunday night.

Comes here in form having finished runner-up last week, though must have regretted some of his shot choices after the event. Another huge-hitter, Bubba has already thrived at Torrey Pines, twice making the top seven. BILL HAAS

Haas took several years to land last week's maiden title, so it's surely asking too much for consecutive wins. He's made the top 30 on four of his five previous attempts here though, so could have place claims. CHAD CAMPBELL

This Australian is always worth considering on courses where greens in regulation is the most important stat. He's twice made the top 15 here, and played fairly well on last week's seasonal debut.

At 80/1, bookies are still under-estimating this rapidly improving Scot. Laird's recent fourth place at Kapalua suggested a second win could be around the corner, though in my view it is more likely to come on a target golf course.

Having looked one of the game's great young talents last autumn, Fowler's first two efforts in 2010 have been something of a damp squib. It's interesting to note that he made the cut in the US Open here as a teenager.

The leading website from the world’s oldest golf magazine, we’re the go-to destination for amateur and keen golfers alike who are keen to up their golfing game. As well as expert course reviews, news and tips to improve your handicap our golf-focused travel content will help you pair teeing off with your travels in some of the best destinations around the globe.