Jason Day file photo
Jason Day and Torrey Pines get along just fine and today was another example of how the Southern California layout seems to fit the eye of the man who has won two professional events, finished runner-up at another and won a World Junior title over the oceanside facility near San Diego.
So, it is no surprise that a second round of 65 over the North Course layout (one of two used on the opening two days at Torrey Pines) has allowed Day to leap into a share of 6th place at the halfway stage of the Farmers Insurance Open.
Despite a bogey at his 11th hole Day stormed home over the closing nine in 32 including a hole out for eagle at his 16th hole and a twenty-footer for birdie at the last and now finds himself four shots from the lead held by Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas and Adam Schenk.
Day’s injuries woes have continued to plague him of late, his world ranking now of 129 his worst in 11 years and even today he suggested after his round that he was feeling old.
“I was just telling Joaco (One of Day’s playing partners for the day, Joaquin Niemann) that I feel old.
“Just like watching him today, he hit it wonderful the last two days and for me to — I was telling him in 2016 — I used to be fast. I was telling him at U.S. Open 2016 on the range I was swinging it 127, high 80s in the ball speed. I don’t know if those days are past me, maybe they are, but it’s good to kind of keep the body in check and keep the ball out in front of myself.”
Day was asked how his start compares to those he had in his previous wins at Torrey Pines and added; “I know that I typically got off to an average start on the South and then played a really good round on the North, and then you kind of get into the weekend, you’re kind of holding on for dear life.
“Yeah, no, I don’t know where I’m at, I haven’t even checked, I haven’t even really worried about it. It’s nice to be able to get in at 9 under.”
Given Day’s season in 2021 where he recorded just two top tens in 19 PGA Tour starts this is an encouraging sign and provides hope for the weekend.
“We’re into the weekend and not too far away from the lead hopefully and just give ourselves a chance.”
Marc Leishman, also somewhat of a course specialist at Torrey Pines with a win and two runner-up finishes previously, is the next best of the Australians in 23rd place and three behind Day and Cameron Davis another two shots back in 50th place and the only other Australian to make it into the final 36 holes.
