There are wild finishes to golf tournaments, and then there's what happened on Sunday at Torrey Pines.
During the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open, 10 different players had, at some point, a share of the lead. There was a time when 19 guys in the field were within two shots of the lead.
The fact one of those gentlemen was Scott Stallings was a bit of a shocker.
"I have never played good here," said Stallings. "In fact, I've never made the cut."
He did a lot more than make the cut this time around. Stallings fired a 4-under 68 to finish 9-under par, one shot better than five different players (including Torrey Pines high alum Pat Perez, who shot a 2-under 70 to secure his best finish at his favorite golf course).
On the 18th fairway, Stallings had a decision to make. He could lay up and set up a good look at a birdie that would have probably put him in a decent position to win. Or, he could rip a 4-iron over the water and go after an eagle that would have put the tournament in a death lock.
He never hesitated, putting the long iron on the green and 2-putting his way to victory.
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"You don't get many opportunities to win golf tournaments on this Tour and I've been fortunate to come out ahead three times," said Stallings. "As a player, all you ever want is a chance. I was playing to win."
And win he did, putting himself in heady company. Over the last 20 years, 13 different golfers have won the Farmers Insurance Open. Nine of them have also won Major Championships.
If you have the kind of game to win at Torrey Pines, you can win just about anywhere. Scott Stallings, at the age of 28 years old, has a lot to be excited about.
