Wind Batters Farmers Insurance Open, Delays Play at Torrey Pines

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Ferocious winds disrupted the second round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines on Thursday, forcing an 86-minute delay and leaving dozens of players unable to complete their rounds. Co-leaders Ludvig Åberg and Lanto Griffin finished at 6-under 138, battling brutal conditions on the South Course.

Åberg, who led after the first round with a 63, struggled to a 3-over 75, while Griffin carded an even-par 72. The wind gusts, exceeding 35 mph, wreaked havoc on the coastal course, moving stationary balls and ripping hats off players’ heads. “Throw the score out the window,” Griffin said. “It was just head-down grind.”

The delay began at 2:05 p.m. local time and lasted until 6:31 p.m., forcing players to rush through their remaining holes in barely diminished wind. The North Course, more exposed to the ocean, proved particularly challenging. World No. 4 Hideki Matsuyama managed a 75, making the cut at 1 under.

Scores soared across both courses, with the South Course averaging 75.53 and the North Course 75.2 for the day. “It was extremely difficult,” said one player, who finished a second-round 71 just before the stoppage. “The wind was switching directions, making it very tricky.”

No player managed a bogey-free round, and a brush fire near the UC San Diego campus added to the chaos, though firefighters quickly contained it. Defending champion Max Homa withdrew during the delay, citing illness after two disappointing rounds.

Amateur Luke Clanton, a Florida State junior, moved up the leaderboard early but struggled in the wind, stopping play with his tee shot on the 17th still in the rough. Round two will resume Friday at 7:30 a.m. local time, with the third round scheduled to begin later in the day.

Sungjae Im of South Korea birdied his final hole in near darkness to finish tied for fourth at 4 under. “It was a nice way to finish,” Im said. “Conditions were challenging, but I managed to keep control of the golf ball.”

K.H. Lee of South Korea and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama also made the cut, with Matsuyama birdieing his final two holes to stay in contention. The tournament, with a $9.3 million purse, continues Friday as players brace for more challenging conditions on the South Course.