Dou focuses on relaxation to reverse shaky PGA start
He earned his PGA Tour card following his 16th-place finish on the Web.com regular-season money list.
“It’s been a good learning experience. I’m not that worried about the way I’m playing,” said Dou.
“The courses on the PGA Tour are much more challenging than those on the Web.com. I’ll just try to stay patient and remain focused. Some of the Web.com Tour players like Chesson Hedley and Andrew Landry have done well this season, which is an encouragement to me.”
Dou will also be hoping to do some Tiger spotting at Torrey Pines as former world No 1 Woods will be making his first official PGA Tour start in nearly a year.
Like many young golfers, Dou took up the game after watching Woods dominate the scene during the 2000s.
“I watched Tiger a lot and remember when he won the 2005 Masters. He inspired people to get involved in the game, created many new fans and made the game popular and famous,” said Dou.
“It’ll be the first time I’m playing in the same tournament as Tiger and I’m really excited about that.”
Compatriot Zhang Xinjun is also competing in the Farmers Insurance Open. In seven starts, Zhang, who also earned his PGA Tour card through the Web.com Tour, has made the cut in five tournaments, including a tie for 20th at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba, Mexico.