Farmers Insurance Open set to go “prime time” with new Saturday finish in 2022

The Farmers Insurance Open celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2022, and over the decades has established itself as an unmistakable part of the fabric that makes San Diego a truly incredible city while contributing significantly to charities that make our communities stronger. During those years, the event has experienced changes from new venues to different title sponsors, and now will see a shift in competition days, as the 2022 Farmers Insurance Open will be played Wednesday, January 26 through Saturday, January 29.

The change in schedule will allow the Farmers Insurance Open – which begins the PGA TOUR’s calendar year on network television with CBS Sports – to become the ONLY event on tour with a Saturday finish and create an entirely new dynamic for golf, with each of the final two rounds finishing in prime time on the East coast.

More details are available in the official press release from the PGA TOUR here.

“While this is terrific for golf fans across the country who get to escape the snow outside their windows while watching the game’s greatest players bombing drives and sinking putts alongside the Pacific Ocean in sunny San Diego, it’s also great news for our thousands of loyal fans right here in our backyard,” said Marty Gorsich, CEO of the Century Club of San Diego and the Farmers Insurance Open.

“Simply put, the last weekend in January is going to be a truly epic stretch for sports fans. Who could think of a better way to enjoy a winter weekend in San Diego than by sipping a cocktail and watching the world’s best golfers with a backdrop of the Torrey Pines bluffs on Friday and Saturday, then settling in at home for football’s conference championship games on Sunday?”

Tee times will be pushed back so play ends at approximately 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and around 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, giving fans extra time to get out to Torrey and take in plenty of golf each day. The change in dates will allow the tournament to get creative in the experiences offered for fans, hospitality clients and sponsors, and more details about the tournament-week experience will be announced as January draws closer. Tickets are expected to go on sale in November.

Additionally, the shift in days allows the tournament and Farmers Insurance to expand upon their relationship with the Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour and extend the Farmers Insurance® Invitational into a 36-hole event, with Sunday’s round on the South Course televised live on Golf Channel. It will mark the first live TV coverage in the APGA’s history and further Farmers Insurance’s extraordinary commitment to diversity in the game of golf.

“The Farmers Insurance Open has been a staple on the sports and social calendar in San Diego for 70 years. Beyond its importance as a favorite annual event that supports local charities, it has been a valuable driver of tourism and economic activity,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Attending this event and enjoying the views of Torrey Pines while watching the world’s best golfers is the perfect opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate our city every January.”

Added San Diego Tourism Authority President and CEO Julie Coker: “The San Diego Tourism Authority is excited about today’s announcement and the bright future of what is one of our community’s signature events. The Farmers Insurance Open broadcasts San Diego to millions of viewers around the world at a time of year when many are dealing with cold winter weather. The new format will be exciting for players, fans and viewers continuing a long tradition of showcasing San Diego as a premiere sporting event destination.”

Defending champion Patrick Reed is expected to return to San Diego in search of another Farmers Insurance Open title, and will be joined by many of the PGA TOUR’s other stop stars as one of the season’s strongest fields assembles at Torrey Pines.

“While our dates may have shifted, what doesn’t change is how much our community of San Diegans looks forward to coming together every January for this fantastic civic celebration,” Gorsich said. “In fact, we’ll give you permission to take a day or two off from work or school that week to join us for San Diego’s favorite annual sports and social tradition. The Century Club board and staff appreciate your continued support, and we’ll See You at Torrey!”