Who to watch for at the Farmers Insurance Open

The Farmers Insurance Open takes center stage this week on the PGA Tour. And has always been a crowd favorite as it always draws some of the games bombers to the event.

From Tiger Woods, John Daly to defending champion Bubba Watson. This event draws the long ball fans in drives.

Though a fan favorite, this event does not bode well for first time participants claiming victory at Torrey Pines.

In fact, the last time a first timer won at the Farmers, John F. Kennedy had yet to take the Presidential Oath.

There a few keys to putting yourself in contention to win at this event, and you must play each course differently in order to do that.

The South course is some 700 yards longer than the North course, and the infuses will be on hitting greens.

On the North course, that is where players will want to try and go deep. Measuring in at a little more than 7,000 yards. It ranked seventh easiest in 2011 on the PGA Tour of the 21 par-72 courses they played.

So, who should you watch this year at Torrey Pines?

Brandt Snedeker

A little concern was given to Snedeker in the early going of the 2012 season after having surgery on his right hip in the off-season.

All he did was come out an finish in a tie for eighth last week at the Humana Challenge.

Snedeker has fared well at Torrey Pines in the past. With three top-10 finishes, including his last two starts in the Farmers.

Ben Crane

The self made video man of the PGA Tour has began his 2012 season on a hot streak. Opening up his first two events with top-10 finishes in Hawaii and last week at the Humana Challenge.

The 2010 Farmers Insurance Open champion has four more top-25 finishes to add to his resume in seven career starts here.

Last week in the desert, Crane led the field in eagles, which could bode well for him on the shorter of the two courses if he can continue that run.

Phil Mickelson

Yes, I know. It may seem strange to put Mickelson on the list after his first three rounds last week at the Humana Challenge.

However, 'Lefty' did card a nice six-under 66, in his third round to show that perhaps his game; though a bit rusty, is coming back around.

Also, it's hard not to include a guy that has won this event three times and seven top-10's in 22 starts here.