PGA Tour Rookie Danny Walker Surges at Farmers Open After Key Club Changes
Danny Walker made a significant leap up the Farmers Insurance Open leaderboard after changing both his driver and putter just before the tournament. The rookie shot an impressive seven-under 65 on Torrey Pines' South Course, placing him in tied second position, two strokes behind leader Ludvig Aberg.
Walker's performance was remarkable as he hit every green in regulation - becoming only the 12th player since 1980 to achieve this feat on the South Course, and the first since Martin Laird in 2019. His equipment changes included a new Titleist driver fitted on Sunday and a Scotty Cameron blade putter added Tuesday.
"It was just fairways and greens," Walker explained. "The driver was working, and I never forced the issue. I focused on hitting the middle of the green and rolled in some putts." The new putter, featuring a simple dot on top, helped Walker "free up" his stroke and focus more on the line and hole.
Despite missing cuts at both the Sony Open and American Express to start the season, Walker earned his PGA Tour membership by finishing 28th on the Korn Ferry Tour points list last year. He credits his improved performance to a better mindset: "This was the first day I really just got myself to relax and play golf and enjoy the day, just see targets and hit shots and not worry about too much."
Walker continues his tournament on the North Course, with his second round beginning at 12:34 p.m. ET on Thursday. Golf Channel will broadcast the tournament from 3-7 p.m. ET.