Though it has been easy to focus on Max Homa for his droll sense of humor and twinkle-in-the-eye perspective on life, don’t let it distract from what has become increasingly apparent:
Homa knows how to win golf tournaments.
His victory Saturday in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, where he overcame a five-stroke deficit starting the final round, was the 32-year-old’s sixth PGA Tour victory and his second this season.
Homa, whose brilliant collegiate career at California was dulled by a discouraging start to his pro career, has evolved into a consistent contender who has shown a knack for getting the job done. His victory at Torrey Pines, by two strokes over fast-finishing Keegan Bradley, was the fifth time Homa has come from behind in the final round to win. It’s his fourth victory in California, including the Genesis Invitational at Riviera and a pair of Fortinet Championships in Napa.
“Winning takes a lot of luck, but it just takes a lot of patience and knowing that, especially on these final rounds, 18 holes is a marathon and a lot of stuff goes on,” said Homa, who chased down Sam Ryder, who was trying to become a wire-to-wire winner.
Homa’s victory snapped Jon Rahm’s bid to win his third straight PGA Tour start. Rahm trailed Ryder by two strokes entering the final round, having rallied from being outside the cut line late in the second round, but he couldn’t make anything happen in the final round, falling off the pace early.
“I just didn’t have it,” said Rahm, who closed with a final-round 74 and tied for seventh.
Ryder seemed in control early in the final round, when a two-stroke swing on the first hole gave him a four-shot lead. But chasing his first victory, Ryder struggled to keep his momentum going, and a double bogey at the par-4 15th hole crushed his chances of winning.
“There was definitely a lot of new pressure, but it was fun. I was trying to just enjoy it,” said Ryder, who had missed the cut in his previous three starts. “It was a good experience for me, and I think it's only going to feed me. My attitude was, no matter what happens, there's going to be positives to take away. It's hard to swallow right now, but that's what I'm telling myself. I'll be able to build on that.”
Homa, on the other hand, found himself in a familiar place, and it made the difference.
“Sam is a phenomenal golfer. I'm sure he'll win a bunch out here, but he hasn't won yet,” Homa said.
“It’s hard to win; I know that. I've done it, fortunately, and I think when the old guys say experience is key, that's what they're talking about.”
Ron Green Jr.