Scott Stallings two-putted from the fringe on the final hole for a birdie to win the Farmers Insurance Open by one stroke over five players on the South Course at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla.
The 28-year-old Stallings closed with a 4-under-par 68 to claim his third victory on the PGA Tour and first since the 2012 True South Classic, holing a three-foot putt on the 18th hole to earn his second berth in the Masters.
“I drove it poorly all day, but hit some great shots down the stretch,” said Stallings, who carries an Augusta National pencil in his golf bag from his only Masters, in which he tied for 27th in 2012.
“I made a good par on 17 and when we got to the 18th tee, my caddie said, “Let’s see what you’ve got.’ I had a good drive and hit a 4-iron as hard as I could to barely get over the water. It was nice that (his birdie) held up.
“I still have that pencil (from Augusta) in my yardage book. The Masters is on everyone’s list who is out here and I’m excited to be going back in April.”
K.J. Choi of South Korea closed with a 66 and tied for second with Graham DeLaet of Canada, who carded a 68, Jason Day of Australia, who also had a 66, Pat Perez of San Diego, who finished with 70, and Marc Leishman of Australia, who came in at 71.
Charley Hoffman of Poway shot 67 and finished in a tie for seventh.
