Power Rankings: Farmers Insurance Open

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For an event dating back to 1952, and with a host venue that hopped aboard in 1968, this week's tournament has experienced its share of mystery and intrigue. For one, it's undergone 12 name changes since the inaugural San Diego Open at San Diego Country Club. For another, this is the first time in three years that Tiger Woods' appearance has been all but a foregone conclusion.

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Farmers Insurance signed on as title sponsor a year ago. Less than two months later, it extended its commitment through 2014. And what better than an insurance company to create some synergy with Torrey Pines, a public track that embodies moral hazards. The golfers are better off letting it come to them, and taking what it gives. Aggressive play could lead to a few claims, so to speak. Experience, patience and a well-rounded game are rewarded.

In 2010, Torrey South, which can be stretched to a healthy 7,698 yards, scored as the 16th-most difficult course in relation to par; it was fifth-toughest of all par-72s in non-majors. It's ranked inside the top-seven in putting in each of the last five years. It was 11th in scrambling last year, further emphasizing the need for precision around the greens.

Its little brother, the North Course, is some 700 yards shorter and ranked as the ninth-easiest track in all of 2010. It's not entirely a pushover, as it's been inside the top-five most difficult in fairways hit every year since 2006, but guys will need to capitalize on their one crack at it.

Another week of favorable weather is on tap, and only a whiff of a chance of rain enters the forecast on Sunday. High temperatures will start in the 70s, and then gradually recede into the 60s by the final round. Light-to-moderate winds will offer the only challenge if any.

Look for course splits in Tuesday's Fantasy Insider.

Power Rankings: Farmers Insurance Open

Rank Player   Comment Bill HAAS No top-10s in five paydays here, but led the 2009 field in greens in regulation. Currently No. 1 on TOUR in the all-around. Played his last 54 holes of the Bob Hope in 20 under. Shot 62 on Saturday. Nick WATNEY First start since the Chevron World Challenge. The 2009 winner has three top-10s in his last four starts here. Has sustained just 11 bogeys over last 144 holes at this event. Win here over John Rollins in 2009 was his second on the PGA TOUR. Ben CRANE The defending champ led the field last year in greens hit, and had just five bogeys all week. En route to a T7 here in 2009, he finished second in fairways and GIR. Ranked second on TOUR in the all-around last year. Rickie FOWLER First start since collecting the 2010 Rookie of the Year award. The Southern California native tied for fifth in his first appearance here a year ago. He ranked T4 in greens hit and had just four bogeys and one double. Tiger WOODS Six wins in 11 starts, including his last four (2005-08). Also won the U.S. Open here in 2008. His course record of 62 on the South Course has stood since 1999. Last time he played in this event, he won by eight shots. Justin ROSE Posted a pair of top-15s on the Aloha Swing before taking a week off. Finished T22 at last year's Farmers, his best of three showings here. Ranked 13th on TOUR in scrambling and 40th in putting last year. Charles HOWELL III Cashed in all eight starts, with five top-15s and a pair of runners-up. Had just three bogeys in his 54 holes at Torrey South last year. Ranked seventh on TOUR in scrambling in 2010. Finished T13 at the Hope. Ryuji IMADA Four straight top-20s at this event, where's he's 6-for-6, including a second place finish in 2008. Ranked 18th on the PGA TOUR last year in scrambling, and 31st in putting. Placed T6 in greens hit last week at the Hope. Robert ALLENBY Coming off surprising missed cut at the Sony Open. Closed out a tie for ninth here last year triple bogey-eagle, and ranked T8 in greens and T4 in putting. Fourth on TOUR in the all-around in 2010. Martin LAIRD Faded to a T22 at the Bob Hope Classic, where he was in the final threesome. Had entered last week with three straight top-fives, so he's still on form primarily. Ranked T4 in greens hit at last year's Farmers.