Golf

Harris English holds off late challenge to win Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines

Golf round-up: Spain’s Alejandro del Rey claims first DP World Tour title at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship

Harris English poses with the trophy after winning the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. Photograph: Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
Harris English poses with the trophy after winning the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. Photograph: Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images
Sun Jan 26 2025 - 12:44

Harris English did just enough to hold off a challenge from Sam Stevens and secure his fifth PGA Tour title with a one-shot victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego.

The American battled tough conditions on Torrey Pines’ South Course on Saturday, carding a one-over 73 to finish eight under par.

Compatriot Stevens threatened to overtake English on multiple occasions, picking up four shots in his opening nine holes.

However, his momentum was stalled by a critical bogey on the par-five 13th, and another birdie on the par-four 17th was ultimately not enough.

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Speaking after his victory, English said: “It’s hard to win. I might have looked calm out there on the course, but inside your emotions are going crazy.

“I just know how hard it is to win. It’s just so much fun. You’ve got to soak it in when you do it.”

The result marked English’s first Tour victory since he took out the Travelers Championship in 2021.

England’s Danny Willett finished ninth on two under par.

Alejandro del Rey of Spain celebrates his victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Alejandro del Rey of Spain celebrates his victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Alejandro del Rey led from the front as he claimed his first DP World Tour title with a commanding four-shot victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

The Spaniard started the final round two shots in front but stretched his advantage to five early on Sunday with three birdies in the first five holes.

Englishman Marcus Armitage cut the gap to three at the turn but Del Rey put his foot firmly to the floor at the start of the back nine, reeling off a hat-trick of birdies from the 11th to close the door on the chasing pack.

He then parred his way home to complete a bogey-free weekend and finish the tournament on 22 under par.

The 26-year-old was delighted to finally get his first victory at this level.

He said: “It’s amazing because it’s basically what I work for. I got to a point last year where I just felt like I wasn’t having that much fun on the golf course because for me, playing for 20th, 30th place wasn’t that meaningful at that point.

“I just worked really hard since then because I just didn’t want to be in that position much longer. And I feel like I’ve played many years with a lot of friends that have won out here and I knew I could do it but it just wasn’t showing up. I’m just grateful and I’m very happy that this finally came.”

Armitage finished alone in second on 18 under, closing his spotless 68 with a 10-foot birdie on the 18th.

He said: “Alejandro was fantastic today and I battled hard. I didn’t really get it going early doors, which put me behind the eight ball.

“But I’m proud of myself. I’ve played well, I’ve broken down a few barriers that I didn’t think I could do, like leading after the first round.”

Pádraig Harrington carded a three-under 69 to finish the tournament on three under for a share of 50th position. After making three bogeys over the final four holes on Saturday, Harrington made two birdies in his final three holes on Sunday.