Brendan Steele posted a 3-over-par 74-73 — 147 at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines last week to miss the cut by four strokes. Unfortunately, the Idyllwild native was in good company — Murrieta’s Rickie Fowler and San Diego’s favorite Phil Michelson missed the cut as well.
Over the two days, Steele posted six birdies, but they were nullified by nine bogeys. Statistics reported were spotty and incomplete, partly because the North Course, which he played on Thursday, was not equipped with sophisticated measuring devices.
Steele now stands 31st on the FedExCup points list, which will be a major factor in determining his playing card for next year. Although there are other less-likely ways to qualify, the top 125 players on the list at this season’s end will earn playing rights on the PGA Tour for the 2020/21 season.
Steele plays this week in the Waste Management Phoenix Open. He will tee off on Thursday from hole No. 10 at 7:30 a.m. PST and Friday from hole No. 1 at 11:45 a.m. PST. He will be playing with Troy Merritt and Ryan Moore both days.