Power Rankings: Farmers Insurance Open

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If Charles Dickens was alive today and chose golf writing as his profession (assuming he could find work, mind you), he'd undoubtedly refer to the pair of par-72 tracks at Torrey Pines as "A Tale of Two Courses."

Indeed, at 7,628 yards, the famed South was the second-longest of the 51 used on the PGA TOUR in 2009. Its little brother limps in at a yardage of 6,915.

What it lacks in kaboom, it makes up in squish. To wit, the fairways on the North ranked as the hardest to hit all year, coming in at a clip of a mere 43.14 percent. Also, the North's scoring average sat 28th (-0.196 to par), not too shabby since the only shorter, more difficult course was Pebble Beach (+0.223 to par).

Yet, to be certain, the truer test is at the host course.

Torrey South yielded a scoring average of +2.010 to par last year, fifth-hardest all season (and second-highest to par in a non-major). Distance off the tee always plays a role, but short games around greens are more important. In 2009, it was the most difficult among non-majors in terms of scrambling percentage (49.63). The more patient will prevail.

With dry conditions forecast and high temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s, we should have a Sunday finish:

Power Rankings: Farmers Insurance Open

Rank Player   Comment Phil MICKELSON Three wins in 20 starts at Torrey Pines. Won his last start at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions. That trip to Asia suggests that life is under control at home. Oh, and he won THE TOUR Championship at East Lake. Robert ALLENBY Sony Open runner-up needs to forget about missing the putt on the 72nd hole despite Ryan Palmer's fortunate chip. Lone top 25 in six starts here is a tie for ninth in 2007. Ernie ELS Second-career start in this event (tie for sixth, 2005). Singular commitment to the PGA TOUR until May should yield positive results. Much more about the emotion and stability than any number can support. Charles HOWELL III Solid week at the Bob Hope Classic (T26) backed up a tie for fifth at the Sony Open. Off-season workout regime is paying immediate dividends. Has cashed in all seven starts at Torrey Pines, including runners-up in 2005 and 2007. Bill HAAS You can expect a drop coming off his breakthrough win this week at the Bob Hope Classic, but he has three top-20s at the Farmers, including a tie for 11th last year. Nick WATNEY Probably safe to say that no one is confusing him for Bill Haas anymore, and vice versa. The defending champ got a taste for international competition in the fall, and responded favorably. Started 2010 with a tie for 16th at the Sony Open. Dustin JOHNSON Perfect West Coast setting for his power, precision and putting. Needs to let the North Course come to him, however, and he has in his two rounds, missing just four greens in regulation. Placed T19 a year ago, but should always contend here. Brandt SNEDEKER Finished a quiet tie for 10th at the Bob Hope Classic. The logical assumption is that he's adjusting just fine to the new grooves, so his short game should shine this week. Placed third here in 2007 as a rookie, so it's doable. Bubba WATSON Ryan Moore was originally my play here (why stop after a fifth straight top-10?), but I'll spread the love. Although Watson has two top 10s in four starts here, his performance will be predicated on how he responds to Monday's runner-up finish. Kevin SUTHERLAND A shameless value pick. It's not quite Fred Couples' run at the Masters, but Sutherland has cashed in all 14 starts here, seven of which have been top 15s. He's coming off a dandy T15 over in La Quinta.