List of winners at the Farmers Insurance Open during Tiger Woods’ decade of dominance
During the first ten years of the new century, only five different players won what is now called the Farmers Insurance Open, with Tiger Woods enjoying a remarkable stretch at Torrey Pines.
Back then it was known as the Buick Invitational, and between 1999 and 2008, Woods won six times. He added another title in 2013 to bring his total to seven.
Woods’ five wins came within a six-year span. And let’s not forget that Torrey Pines was also where he pulled off one of his most memorable major victories, capturing the 2008 US Open while playing through injury.
The only player other than Woods to win during that period in San Diego was John Daly.
John Daly explains why his 2004 Buick Invitational win meant more than any other
Photo by Steven Garcia/Getty Images
There’s never been any doubt about John Daly’s talent. He won two majors in the 1990s, and he remains one of the most popular figures in golf.
But his career wasn’t always smooth. Off-course issues piled up, and by 2004, it had been nearly nine years since he last lifted a trophy on the PGA Tour.
That drought came to an end in February when Daly outlasted Chris Riley and Luke Donald in a playoff after all three finished at 10 under par.
Daly sealed the win with a birdie after getting up and down from a bunker on the final hole, visibly moved by what he’d just accomplished. And for him, it was even more special than either of his major wins.
Speaking to ESPN afterward, Daly said:
“This is the greatest victory,” Daly said. “I won two majors. Nothing can take away from that. But I’ve never won a tournament that Tiger Woods has been in the field. That feels good.”
John Daly describes his 2004 win as the best of his career
Daly’s talent has never been in question. He won two major titles in the 1990s, while he is one of those players the fans will never grow tired of watching.
Unfortunately, Daly had his fair share of problems away from the golf course over the years. And by 2004, he had gone nearly nine years without a win on the PGA Tour.
He ended that drought in February by defeating Chris Riley and Luke Donald in a playoff after all three finished tied at 10 under par.
Daly sealed it with a birdie on the final hole, getting up and down from the bunker to claim victory. Emotion took over as soon as he realised what he’d achieved.
“This is the greatest victory,” Daly said. “I won two majors. Nothing can take away from that. But I’ve never won a tournament that Tiger Woods has been in the field. That feels good.”
