The event, part of the PGA Tour, has been on the golfing calendar since 1952 and has a unique format – the first 36 holes are played across both the North Course (7,258-yards) and South Course (7,765-yards), with the latter 36 holes played exclusively on the South Course.
Homa is the defending champion and ranked seventh in the world. He took the title by two strokes from Keegan Bradley a year ago recording a 72-hole score of –13. The 33-year-old has played just one tournament on the PGA Tour this season, recording a T14 finish at The Sentry Tournament of Champions.
He did, however, boast two wins, 13 top 10s (7/5), 18 top 25s and missed just four cuts in 25 events played in 2022-23. Homa was ninth in total shots gained (1.638) and third in putting average (1.699) last year, but his green play has been disappointing so far this term.
Xander Schauffele, the world number five, is the highest ranked player at the tournament and boasts two top 10 finishes in two appearances so far in 2024. He finished T10 at The Sentry Tournament of Champions and T3 at The American Express competition last week.
In 2024 so far, the 30-year-old ranks second on the PGA Tour in greens hit in regulation (88.89%), first in scrambling from the rough (100%) and 12th in scoring average (67.00). His putting, which was a major strength in 2022-23, has not lived up to expectations so far this season.
His 2023 record consisted of 23 tournaments played, two runner-up finishes, 11 top 10s (5/4) and 18 top 25s – he also made all 23 cuts in the season.
The third of the leading trio is Patrick Cantlay, but caution must be used as the American has yet to set the world alight in 2024 with just one top 25 finish in two appearances this campaign. He finished T52 last weekend at The American Express tournament and T12 at the Sentry Tournament of Champions.
Those looking for a 'form horse' should consider Grayson Murray – the winner of the Sony Open a fortnight ago. So far in 2024, the 30-year-old leads the Tour in shots gained (2.938), scoring average (65.75) and is 11th in total driving (40) - he did, however, miss eight of 13 cuts in 2022-23.
Former winners competing at this week's tournament include Brandt Snedeker (2012 and 2016, 400/1), Luke List (2022, 66/1), Justin Rose (2019, 45/1), Jason Day (2015 and 2018, 25/1) and Scott Stallings (2014, 150/1).
South Korea's Sungjae Im (25/1) must be considered as well. He has finished in the top six the past two years at Torrey Pines, showcasing an ability on the course. He boasts a top 10 (3/1) and top 25 finish on the PGA Tour this year and has seven successive top 25 finishes dating back to last year.
As always, we like to provide an outside to consider, and we are eyeing The American Express runner-up Christiaan Bezuidenhout (66/1). The South African recorded –28 under par last week and has top 10 finishes (6/1) at two of his last three PGA Tour events.
