Harris English walks to the 18th hole green during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open 2025 (Photo by Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott looks at Harris English’s impressive victory at a blustery Torry Pines. He also previews week four of the TGL, pitting Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s teams against each other.
Harris English Claims Victory at the Blustery Farmers Insurance Open
During what proved to be one of the more challenging weather weeks on the PGA TOUR in a while, Harris English showcased his remarkable ability to fight through the elements as his 8-under par 280 total 72 was good enough to claim his fifth PGA TOUR title at the Farmers Insurance Open. This victory highlighted English's place in the game as a top competitor and a player that, when in the mix, can get it done. English’s ability to handle the ups and downs of the blustery conditions throughout the week in San Diago solidified his reputation as a grinder. Need proof? He led the field in the all-important Scrambling category, getting up and down a remarkable 81.48% or 22 times on the 27 greens he missed in regulation.
Breaking Down Some Key Stats at The Farmers
With the winds kicking like they were, missing greens was going to happen at Torrey Pines and happen with much more frequency than usual on TOUR. In 2024, the PGA TOUR Average for Greens in Regulation was 66.75%, and the best in the category was Patrick Fishburn at 74.21%. This week at Torrey Pines, the field average was 59.15%, and only one player cracked the 70% mark (Matteo Manassero 70.83%).
For Harris English, who averaged 65.89% in GIR in 2024, just a smidge under the average, he knew he would struggle in hitting greens in the gusty conditions this past week. The key would be his ability to harness his short game and putting. While English was under the average in GIR, he was near the top in Scrambling, where he finished 2024 ranked 24th at a 63.75% up and down average. That puts into perspective how good he was this week at an 81.48% clip compared to the field average of 59.50%.
Final Round Review
English displayed remarkable skill and composure in a tense final round on the challenging South Course. He entered the day at 9-under par with a one-shot lead over Andrew Novak. In a much calmer third round, where the winds laid down from the second-round assault on the players, English's score of 6-under par 66 set him up for that one-shot lead he held going into the final round. The winds blew hard once again on Saturday, proving difficult once again for the field, but English remained undaunted. Even with eventual runner-up Sam Stevens putting on a show, shooting a final round best 4-under par 68, and posting a 281 four-day total six groups ahead of English, he still was unfazed. Even with two early bogeys and going out in 1-over par 37, he kept his pose. Navigating the coastal winds and tricky greens of Torrey Pines, English stayed steady on the back nine with straight pars coming into the house.
English's Journey to Victory
On the PGA TOUR, players often observe what the best of the best are doing to improve and reach the upper echelon of professional golf. This might include fitness routines, unique practice methods, equipment changes, or even new training aids. Confidence can be fragile, even for the top players in the game, who are constantly seeking ways to achieve their goals—whether that's securing their first win or breaking a dry spell since their last victory. Sometimes, when a player experiences a stretch of poor or uninspired play, they may forget what helped them reach the TOUR or achieve past successes. This scenario often triggers a search for a better approach.
Harris English was one such player, as his swing coach, Justin Parsons, noted when speaking with PGA TOUR.com. During the week before English's victory at the Farmers Insurance Open, Parsons told him on the driving range at PGA WEST, “I need you to grind out competitive scores.” He added, “When he (English) was at his best, regardless of what was working or what wasn’t, he always found a way to shoot a better score than he should have.”
This insightful assessment from one of the game's most respected swing coaches aligns with my previous analysis of English's statistics. While it is commendable for players to focus on strengthening a weaker part of their game—especially at the highest level of competitive golf—the danger lies in losing sight of what contributed to their previous success. As Parsons advised English, “Grinding out scores” proved to be what he was searching for all along.
TGL Week 4: The Showdown Between Tiger and Rory
Tonight promises to be an exciting showdown in the TGL, featuring a thrilling match between two modern golf titans: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Both players were instrumental in bringing TGL into the spotlight. This eagerly anticipated contest pits Tiger's Jupiter Links team against Rory's Boston Common team as they both aim to secure their first win of the league's inaugural season.
Under the iconic leadership of Tiger Woods, Jupiter Links lineup will include Kevin Kisner and Tom Kim. On Rory's side, he is joined by Ryder Cup 2025 Team USA Captain Keegan Bradley and PGA TOUR veteran Adam Scott.
Viewership numbers dipped slightly last week after increasing in week two during Tiger's debut. An epic match like this week's is just what the league needs to drive ratings back up. The Tiger vs. Rory grudge match has the potential to attract a large audience, especially if it proves more competitive than the previous three weeks.
Fans can catch the live action tonight on ESPN or stream it on ESPN+ and the TGL website and app, starting at 6:30 p.m. Eastern.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
