Rose’s 65 Extends Lead at Farmers Insurance Open; Koepka Makes PGA Tour Cut

Rose Extends Lead at Farmers Insurance Open, Koepka Navigates Return

San Diego, California – January 31, 2026 – England’s Justin Rose continues to dominate at the Farmers Insurance Open, stretching his advantage to four strokes after a stellar second round. The 45-year-old golfer carded a seven-under-par 65, setting a new 36-hole record for the tournament and solidifying his position at the top of the leaderboard with a total score of 17 under par.

Rose’s Remarkable form

rose’s performance on Friday was highlighted by an impressive display of skill, featuring an eagle, six birdies, and only one bogey on the demanding South Course. This victory would mark a continuing ascent for Rose, who was a runner-up at the 2025 Masters Tournament, demonstrating consistent high-level performance and a proven ability to thrive in challenging conditions. “I feel like in my career I’ve won on tough golf courses generally, so that’s my M.O., I would say,” stated rose, echoing a career-long strategy.

The seasoned golfer expressed his fondness for the tournament and the San Diego area, citing the vibrant atmosphere as a source of motivation. This event consistently attracts a dedicated crowd, creating a unique and engaging surroundings for competitors.

Koepka’s PGA Tour Return

Adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament is the return of Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour. After agreeing to a release from his LIV Golf contract at the close of 2025, the five-time major champion successfully made the cut, finishing at three under par following a second-round 68.

Koepka experienced contrasting rounds, struggling on Thursday’s south Course with a 73, but finding his rhythm on the North Course, capped off by an eagle on the 17th hole. The transition back to the PGA Tour hasn’t been seamless, but Koepka remains optimistic. “I think [Thursday] I was excited to play, nervous, and kind of didn’t know what to expect, but today felt more normal, I guess,” Koepka explained, acknowledging the adjustment period. According to a report by PGATour.com, the average time for players returning from extended breaks is approximately 2-3 tournaments to regain peak form.

Notable Cuts and Tournament Standings

The second round also saw several prominent players failing to advance to the weekend. xander Schauffele’s impressive streak of 72 consecutive cuts made came to an end,while Patrick Cantlay,Gary Woodland,Will Zalatoris,JJ Spaun,Max Homa,and Ludvig Aberg will also not be competing in the final rounds.

Player	Score	Position
Justin Rose	-17	1st
Seamus Power	-13	2nd
Brooks Koepka	-3	T-45

The Farmers Insurance Open continues to deliver compelling golf action, with Rose firmly in control and Koepka’s return adding an exciting narrative to the competition. The weekend promises a thrilling finish as players battle for the prestigious title.

Will Justin Rose maintain his lead and secure victory, or will another golfer emerge to challenge his dominance? And, how quickly can Brooks Koepka rediscover his championship form after his return to the PGA Tour?

Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow golf enthusiasts!

How did Justin rose’s 65 in the third round affect his lead at the Farmers Insurance Open?

Rose’s 65 Extends Lead at Farmers Insurance Open; Koepka Makes PGA Tour cut

Justin Rose fired a stunning 65 in the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open, extending his lead at Torrey Pines and putting himself firmly in contention for a major championship-caliber victory. The performance marks a significant step forward in his 2026 season and has golf fans buzzing about a potential resurgence for the veteran player.

Round Three Recap: Rose’s Dominance

Rose’s Saturday was nearly flawless.He carded seven birdies and no bogeys,navigating the challenging south Course at Torrey Pines with precision and confidence. This extraordinary round brings his tournament total to 15-under par, establishing a comfortable, though not insurmountable, lead over the chasing pack.

* Key Stats from Round 3 (Rose): 65 (-7), 7 Birdies, 0 Bogeys, Driving Accuracy: 71.4%, Greens in Regulation: 77.8%

* Course Conditions: Challenging winds and firm greens tested players throughout the day, making Rose’s score even more remarkable.

Koepka’s Weekend Surge: A Cut Made in Style

Brooks Koepka, returning from injury, delivered a much-needed performance, making the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. While not in contention for the lead, his weekend play is a positive sign for his comeback. Koepka’s second-round 69 proved crucial, securing his place in the final two rounds.

* Koepka’s Performance: After a shaky start, Koepka demonstrated flashes of his former brilliance, showcasing his power and accuracy.

* Impact of the Cut: Making the cut is a significant mental boost for Koepka as he continues his rehabilitation and rebuilds competitive form. It allows him valuable tournament experience and the chance to refine his game.

The Contenders: Who’s Challenging Rose?

Several players remain within striking distance of Rose, setting the stage for a thrilling final round.

1. Sungjae Im: Sitting at 12-under par, Im is a consistent performer known for his ball-striking ability.
2. Xander Schauffele: A local favorite, Schauffele is 11-under par and will undoubtedly have strong crowd support on Sunday.
3. Sam Burns: Burns, at 10-under par, is a dangerous player capable of going low.

Torrey Pines South Course: A Test of championship golf

The South Course at Torrey Pines is renowned for its difficulty and demands precision from tee to green. Its length, challenging rough, and undulating greens require players to be at the top of their game. the course has hosted numerous major championships, including the 2008 U.S. Open won by Tiger Woods and the 2021 U.S. Open won by Jon Rahm.

* Key Hole: The par-4 18th hole, with its demanding approach shot and potential for trouble, is a crucial test in the final round.

* Course History: Torrey Pines consistently separates the contenders from the pretenders, rewarding strategic play and punishing mistakes.

Looking Ahead: Sunday Showdown

The final round promises to be a captivating battle for the Farmers Insurance Open title. Rose will be looking to maintain his composure and capitalize on his lead, while the chasing pack will be aiming to put pressure on him with aggressive play. The unpredictable nature of golf means anything can happen, and a dramatic finish is certainly possible. Fans can expect a thrilling Sunday at Torrey Pines.

The Rise of data Analytics in Professional Golf

Modern professional golf is increasingly influenced by data analytics. Players and their coaches are utilizing advanced statistics to identify strengths and weaknesses, optimize performance, and make informed decisions on the course.

* ShotLink Data: The PGA Tour’s ShotLink system provides detailed data on every shot played, allowing for comprehensive analysis.

* Putting analytics: Metrics like Strokes Gained: Putting are crucial for identifying areas for betterment on the greens.

* Course Management Strategies: Data-driven insights help players develop optimal course management strategies, minimizing risk and maximizing scoring opportunities.

Impact of Equipment Technology

Advancements in golf equipment technology continue to play a significant role in player performance.

* Driver Technology: New driver designs focus on maximizing distance and forgiveness.

* Iron Technology: Improved iron designs offer greater control and precision.

* **Golf Ball Technology