SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- The list of San Diegans to tee it up at the Farmers Insurance Open over the years is quite impressive -- from Gene Littler and Billy Casper, to Phil Mickelson.
While Mickelson receives most of the attention these days, golf fans are looking out for Scripps Ranch High School grad and former San Diego State Aztec Xander Schauffele, who is quickly making a name for himself on tour.
Even though there won't be fans at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines this week to root Schauffele on, he is excited to make another start on the hometown course.
"This was my home course in high school, and it's always nice to be out here in La Jolla. It's a very special place for me," Schauffele said.
While Torrey Pines Golf Course is a special place, Schauffele has struggled in five career starts at the Farmers, missing the cut four times.
"For whatever reason, people say it's hard to play at home. (With no fans) I'm going to try like everyone else and make it a positive. Maybe this is the kick start I need, to have no one there, and with no distractions. I haven't had much success here, and I'm looking forward to changing that," said Schauffele.
Aside from the Farmers Insurance Open, Schauffele has been spectacular since arriving on the PGA Tour five years ago. He has four career tour wins, he was the PGA Rookie of the Year in 2017, and this year, he already has four top 10 finishes.
"I've achieved some of my goals on paper, in terms of nitty gritty statistical goals. But it's tricky, because the better you play, the higher the expectations are, and winning is the ultimate goal," he said.
This week, Schauffele will be paired with Mickelson for the first two rounds. The two San Diegans have been playing together quite a bit lately on various local courses around the county.
"Fortunately for me, he wasn't in peak performance. When we did play, I was able to take him a few times, but Phil is 'Phil the Thrill,' and it's always a real treat to play with him," said Schauffele.
