With the exception of the downhill par three 6th (pictured above) and the beautiful 7th (pictured below) there just isn't a ton of "pro-level" excitement facing the PGA tour this week when they each get a shot at the North Course at Torrey Pines. I'm not saying it's a bad course by any means but I have two observations for this week's tournament. First, obviously, the South Course at Torrey Pines is tough as it is long and the rough is usually pretty darn long. They don't let easy courses into the U.S. Open rotation. Secondly, for those pros wanting to make the cut, and to have a shot at winning, I argue the 18 holes they spend on the North course are almost as vital as the 54 spent on the South course. As easy as the North is (for the pros) jumping out with a mid-60s round on the North is almost a pre-requisite to a top 10 finish as the guys will likely struggle at the South where a round of 70 makes you generally climb the leaderboard. Here's some stats:
2013 - Tiger Woods shoots 65 on the North Course (7-under) and wins by 4 shots. He was 7 under for the three rounds at the South Course. Brandt Snedeker shot 65 on the North Course and finished second at 10 under).
2012 - Snedeker won with at 64 on the North Course, which was half of his sub-par totals for the tournament and Kyle Stanley was 10 under on the North before his ultimate demise on the 18th at the South.
2011 - Bubba threw down a 65 on his way to a 16 under victory. That year Mickelson only shot a 69 on the North and lost by a stroke.
So, the precedent is set. Whoever does not go low on the less heralded North course will not go home a winner.
2013 - Tiger Woods shoots 65 on the North Course (7-under) and wins by 4 shots. He was 7 under for the three rounds at the South Course. Brandt Snedeker shot 65 on the North Course and finished second at 10 under).
2012 - Snedeker won with at 64 on the North Course, which was half of his sub-par totals for the tournament and Kyle Stanley was 10 under on the North before his ultimate demise on the 18th at the South.
2011 - Bubba threw down a 65 on his way to a 16 under victory. That year Mickelson only shot a 69 on the North and lost by a stroke.
So, the precedent is set. Whoever does not go low on the less heralded North course will not go home a winner.
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