2026 Farmers Insurance Open Preview — Koepka Returns, Schauffele Favored, and Key Bets to Watch

The 2026 Farmers Insurance Open tees off this week, Thursday January 29, 2026, at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego — and this year’s edition comes with storylines worthy of a major.

Not only does the tournament kick off the West Coast swing, it also marks the PGA Tour return of five-time major champion Brooks Koepka after four years competing on the LIV Golf circuit. Koepka’s comeback headline is drawing extra attention to a strong field that includes multiple contenders at the top of the odds board.

📍 Koepka’s Return to the PGA Tour

Brooks Koepka’s re-entry into Tour competition is the biggest narrative of the week. After leaving LIV Golf late in 2025 and navigating PGA Tour reinstatement under the new Returning Member Program, Koepka chose the Farmers Insurance Open for his first start back in almost four years.

Koepka has stated he has “no regrets” about his time away and is excited for a new chapter at Torrey Pines, where he’s grouped with top players like Ludvig Åberg in early rounds.

Because his return affects field balance, the PGA Tour expanded the tournament field slightly to 147 players, allowing alternates like Jackson Suber and Lanto Griffin into the mix alongside regular Tour competitors.

In betting markets, Koepka is longer than most stars — typically listed around +5000 to +6000 to win the event — but he remains a popular prop pick for top-10 or top-5 finishes if he finds early rhythm.

⛳ Field Overview: Favorites and Contenders

With Scottie Scheffler resting this week after winning The American Express, the top of the Farmers Insurance Open odds board is wide open — and many big names are positioned to take advantage.

👑 Top Favorites

• Xander Schauffele (+1300): The odds board favorite and world No. 6 who excels at Torrey Pines.

• Ludvig Åberg (+1650–+1700): Familiar with the course, having led most of the event here previously.

• Patrick Cantlay (+1900–+2000): Consistent ball-striker and strong contender when in the mix.

• Cameron Young (+1800–+2200): Coming off strong play and a good fit for Torrey’s challenges.

📌 Other Worthy Picks

• Hideki Matsuyama (+2500–+2800): Major champion with elite iron play.

• Si Woo Kim (+2500–+2700): Good recent form but often fade in weekend pressure.

• Harris English (+3500–+4000): Last year’s winner at Torrey Pines and always dangerous.

🏌️ Dark Horses

Many longshots — from Ryan Gerard to Marco Penge — are listed with bigger numbers (+5000–+8000), offering high-risk, high-reward potential if one can get hot on the South Course.

🏌️‍♂️ Koepka’s Game and Outlook

Statistically, Brooks Koepka arrives with strengths and weaknesses that make him intriguing but risky from a betting standpoint. Recent data shows:

• Above-average ball-striking off the tee

• Mixed approach and putting numbers that could hold him back

• A long layoff from PGA competition that makes his first outing unpredictable

That combination makes outright win bets longshots, but top-10 or top-5 props carry more realistic value in betting markets.

💡 Course Context: Torrey Pines

The Farmers Insurance Open is played over both the North and South Courses for the first two rounds, before finishing on the South. Torrey Pines demands:

• Strategic ball flight control

• Patience around the greens

• Consistency rather than pure power

It’s a major-caliber track that often rewards complete golfers, making favorites with strong all-around games particularly attractive.

📊 Betting Angles for 2026

Here are a few themed bets worth considering for the weekend:

🎯 Outright Picks

• Xander Schauffele: Most consistent elite option without Scheffler in the field.

• Patrick Cantlay: Good value target — strong trajectory and course familiarity.

📈 Props & Longshots

• Brooks Koepka Top 10 (+600): If Koepka finds his groove early, this is one of the more realistic prop options.

• Harris English Repeat +4000: Defending champs historically do well at Torrey.

The 2026 Farmers Insurance Open promises a dramatic start to the West Coast swing — a mix of elite contenders, returning stars, and value plays on a major-quality course.

Brooks Koepka’s return is the headline, but the strength of players like Schauffele, Åberg, Cantlay, and others means this tournament isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about competitive golf and smart betting opportunities through the weekend.

Who emerges from Torrey Pines with the trophy — and who surprises us all — is part of what makes this week’s event such a compelling watch. ✨