Picks and Predictions: Can Day, McNealy, Homa, Schauffele, or Koepka Take Down the Field at Farmers Insurance Open?
The PGA Tour is back in Southern California this week as the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open gets underway at historic Torrey Pines. This year's tournament promises to be just as challenging as last week's American Express, with its multi-course rotation featuring the North Course once and the South Course three times.
While winning scores tend to stay modest at Torrey Pines, players who excel on this demanding course will have their chance to shine. A strong ball-striking game, patience, and scrambling ability are key to navigating the penal rough, coastal winds, and poa annua greens that will undoubtedly make an appearance throughout the four rounds.
So, which of these top contenders can rise to the challenge? Here's our analysis:
Jason Day: The Australian is known for his affinity with Torrey Pines, boasting two victories and seven top-10 finishes at this course. If he can get hot early on, there's no doubt he'll be a major force in the field.
Maverick McNealy: McNealy has come agonizingly close to victory before at Torrey Pines, finishing second just last year. Can he put it all together and finally claim his first win at this course? His talent and work ethic make him an excellent choice for those betting on a dark horse.
Max Homa: After a solid week in La Quinta where he posted scores of 69 or better in all four rounds, Homa's game is trending upward. Add to that his previous victory at Torrey Pines in the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open, and he's looking like a top contender once again.
Xander Schauffele: With no Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler in the field this week, Xander appears as one of the heavy favorites. Fully healthy after an off year in 2025, he'll be motivated to re-establish himself among the game's elite with a statement win at Torrey Pines.
Finally, there's Brooks Koepka – the ever-elusive force that is back on tour after leaving LIV. Can his competitiveness match his bravado this week? If so, Torrey Pines could see an exciting return from one of the sport's biggest stars.
The PGA Tour is back in Southern California this week as the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open gets underway at historic Torrey Pines. This year's tournament promises to be just as challenging as last week's American Express, with its multi-course rotation featuring the North Course once and the South Course three times.
While winning scores tend to stay modest at Torrey Pines, players who excel on this demanding course will have their chance to shine. A strong ball-striking game, patience, and scrambling ability are key to navigating the penal rough, coastal winds, and poa annua greens that will undoubtedly make an appearance throughout the four rounds.
So, which of these top contenders can rise to the challenge? Here's our analysis:
Jason Day: The Australian is known for his affinity with Torrey Pines, boasting two victories and seven top-10 finishes at this course. If he can get hot early on, there's no doubt he'll be a major force in the field.
Maverick McNealy: McNealy has come agonizingly close to victory before at Torrey Pines, finishing second just last year. Can he put it all together and finally claim his first win at this course? His talent and work ethic make him an excellent choice for those betting on a dark horse.
Max Homa: After a solid week in La Quinta where he posted scores of 69 or better in all four rounds, Homa's game is trending upward. Add to that his previous victory at Torrey Pines in the 2023 Farmers Insurance Open, and he's looking like a top contender once again.
Xander Schauffele: With no Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler in the field this week, Xander appears as one of the heavy favorites. Fully healthy after an off year in 2025, he'll be motivated to re-establish himself among the game's elite with a statement win at Torrey Pines.
Finally, there's Brooks Koepka – the ever-elusive force that is back on tour after leaving LIV. Can his competitiveness match his bravado this week? If so, Torrey Pines could see an exciting return from one of the sport's biggest stars.
Max Homa's favor to take down the field at Farmers Insurance Open 
. He's been on fire lately and has that past win under his belt - it's gotta give him some extra juice 
. Plus, his game is looking solid with those 69 or better scores in La Quinta 
. Of course, Xander Schauffele can't be counted out either... he's always a force to be reckoned with when healthy 
. But if I had to put my money on it, Homa might just pull off the upset and show everyone what he's made of 
!
. He's been struggling with injuries and form over the past few years, but he still has that magic at Torrey Pines 
. I mean, two victories and seven top-10 finishes? That's not just luck, that's skill 
. And what about Brooks Koepka? He's back from LIV and looking for a comeback 
. This could be the year he finally breaks through at Torrey Pines 
! With Jason Day looking fierce, I think he'll be a top contender to take down the field. He's got two victories under his belt on this course and his game is always solid. But I'm also keeping an eye on Max Homa - his form has been on fire lately and he's got that confidence boost from winning last year 
. It's gonna be a tough tournament, but whoever comes out swinging (or rather, putting) will have their chance to shine 
max homa's game is looking strong too, i love how he always comes out on top at torrey piness! Schauffele is like the dark horse of this tournament, and koepka... oh man, he's back and that's all we need to know 
can't wait to see who's gonna take home the trophy at the end of it all 
- Theodore Roosevelt
. Jason Day is definitely a dark horse though, he's got some serious experience under his belt 
️. I'm also keeping an eye on Max Homa, he's been looking sharp lately 
. And can you ever count out Brooks Koepka? 
. He's got two wins under his belt and 7 top-10 finishes - that's some serious experience with those torrid winds and poa annua greens. McNealy might be a dark horse, but he needs to put together the whole game, not just come close like last time 
. Schauffele's always a contender when healthy, but he's gotta stay focused if he wants to take down the field 
. And Koepka? Yeah, we've seen that bravado before - how about some actual results this time? 
what do you guys think?
like, who doesn't love watching these guys play golf all day on the beach 
but seriously though, i'm rooting for max homa 
. Schauffele's a dark horse too, he's got the talent and the motivation, but we'll see how he does without Rory in the field 
. He's got a great track record here and if anyone can take it down, it's him 
Homa's on fire right now, but Koepka... man, that guy's a wild card 
. Schauffele's looking strong, but we've seen him come up short before. Guess what, though? I'm gonna take a chance on Homa 
️
think day and koepka are gonna kill it at torrey pines. day's been quiet since his win in 2023 but he's still got that course magic 
gotta root for the aussie legend!
. And what's with the lack of Rory or Scottie this year? Xander seems like the obvious choice, but is he gonna deliver again? 
.
plus he knows the course inside out which is huge advantage 
gotta keep an eye on jason day too, hes always a threat when he gets hot 
. max homa looks solid tho, he's been playing well lately and won this course before. Schauffele is a big favourite but lets see if he can stay healthy all week 
. koepka is a dark horse i guess, idk about him being motivated tho...
. But I think Max Homa is flying under the radar 
️ - his game has been looking really solid lately and he's got that x-factor from his 2023 win