Jason Day wins at Torrey Pines in a four-man playoff
SAN DIEGO — The scenic but equally demanding 16th hole on the South Course at Torrey Pines was Australian Jason Day's favorite spot Sunday on the seaside track overlooking the Pacific.
Day first knocked in a 47-foot putt for birdie on the hole during regulation play in the final round, then two-putted from 15 feet on the same hole to win a four-man playoff at the Farmers Insurance Open.
"I've been working so hard for this," Day said. "I'm just really proud of myself for grinding it out and hanging in there."
Day, who came within one foot of disaster on the final hole of regulation when his ball stopped on a steep bank just short of a water hazard, shot 2-under-par 70 to earn a spot in the playoff with defending champion Scott Stallings (69), J.B. Holmes (72) and Harris English (72). The four finished at 9 under.
English was the only one of the four to make birdie on the par-5 72nd hole during regulation. However, English and Stallings exited the playoff on the first extra hole when they couldn't match birdies made by Holmes and Day on the par-5 18th — Holmes' coming from four feet, Day's from one foot.
On the second playoff hole — the 16th — Day rifled his tee shot to 15 feet while Holmes sailed the green. Out of heavy rough, Holmes chipped his ball 13 feet past the hole and didn't make the comeback shot for par. Day putted to a foot and then wrapped up the third title of his PGA Tour career.
With the win, Day moved from No. 8 to No. 4 in the official world golf rankings.
"My ultimate goal is to get to No. 1 in the world," Day, 27, said. "But there are a lot of great golfers up there. But this is a great way to start the year."
The day started with fog threatening to stall play, but the heavy marine layer hung more over the ocean than the course. The day ended under brilliant sunshine with a moment of silence for San Diego native Billy Casper, who died Saturday. Images from his storied career, which included 51 Tour titles and three major championships, served as tee markers for the final round.
Casper, a short-game wizard who was considered one of the best putters the game has seen, was a huge presence in San Diego, raising millions for various charities in the area.
Day, one of the longest hitters on Tour who averaged more than 300 yards with his tee shots this week, used some short-game magic of his own in the final round that saw seven players have at least a share of the lead during the day. He needed just 28 putts in regulation and got up-and-down on five occasions when he missed the green.
Day's name has regularly come up when talking about the game's best young players. But injuries have been his nemesis, especially to his left thumb, wrists and back.
While he's still dealing with a few aches and pains, Day said his workout regimen in the offseason should do him good as he attempts to stay healthy for the entire season.
"Everyone knows that you just don't get anywhere in life without working hard and putting the dedication in the profession that you love," Day said. "I feel like I should be winning more, but it's a process and I'm just really happy with how things have started. Everything's kind of trending in the right direction for the majors. This played like a U.S. Open golf course this week and I'm really looking forward to playing Augusta and the U.S. Open.
"You've got to keep doing the little things right, keep working hard and most of all you got to want it. You really have to want to come out here and win. I really wanted to win this week. I just kept visualizing myself with the trophy. Obviously, you still have to play good golf, but I'm just happy."