Farmers Insurance Open Brings '12 PGA Tour Season To Network TV

The Farmers Insurance Open begins today at Torrey Pines, and with CBS covering the final two rounds, it is the first PGA Tour event this season on network TV. Amenities this year include the Farmers Fan Fest, Kids Zone, Rock Ball after-party, Women's Day and University of Farmers University Row. Three new public seating areas on holes 15, 17 and 18 were created "for those who want to bring lawn chairs from home" (NORTH COUNTY TIMES, 1/26). The Michelob Ultra 19th Hole features "three themed concessions, a beer garden and large LED screen with live television coverage" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/22).

The AP's Doug Ferguson writes the event is "lacking luster, and that would have been unfathomable just four years ago." That it now follows the Humana Challenge "only illustrates how quickly the perception of tournaments can change – good and bad" (AP, 1/25).