It’s not really about the guy who is leading the Farmers Insurance Open.
It’s more about the guy who’s a shot behind him.
Yes, Ryan Palmer is the 36-hole leader after an eagle-birdie finish on the North Course got him to 11-under par. But it is defending champion Jon Rahm who is in at 10-under at the center of attention. Reason is simple. Rahm wins on Sunday and he’s the new No. 1 player in the world.
“I’m not even thinking about that,” Rahm said. He’s more focused on the shots in front of him after rounds of 68 on Thursday then 66 Friday on the North Course. “Wasn’t the best driving day,” Rahm pointed out. “But a ton of up-and-downs.”
He was totally reluctant to discuss the possible rise past Dustin Johnson. “If it doesn’t happen, it won’t be the end of the world,” Rahm said.
Palmer’s eagle at the 17th was his second of the day. After bogeys on two of his first three holes, it took an eagle at the par five ninth to get him going.
He’ll play Saturday with Rahm, a first for Palmer.
Two shots back of the lead are Tony Finau and Luke List.
Phil Mickelson is just six back after rounds of 70-68.
And yes, even Tiger Woods is around for the weekend. He had to birdie his 18th hole of the day to post 71 on the North Course to finish one-under, right on the 36-hole cut line.
