Marcus Byrd earned a sponsors exemption into the Farmers Insurance Open on Sunday afternoon with a victory in the APGA Farmers Insurance Invitational played on the North Course at Torrey Pines.

Byrd, from Temple Hills, Md., won the event for the second time in four years, finishing at 8-under 136 over 36 holes for a three-stroke victory. He followed a first-round 67 with a second-round 69 that included four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 ninth hole to claim the event’s $30,000 winner’s prize.

This was the seventh annual APGA event held at Torrey Pines. APGA stands for Advocates Professional Golf Association, which was founded in 2010 to provide minorities with greater opportunities in golf.

“I can’t tell you how many guys out here, without Farmers’ support and the APGA’s support, I can’t say that we would all be able to chase this dream,” Byrd said. “To be able to work hard every year and look forward to this opportunity, and now for Farmers to provide a spot into the field this year, that’s all we can ask for. I’m super blessed and super thankful. We can’t thank them enough for what they have done for us, and for me personally.”

Byrd, 28, was the APGA 2025 Player of the Year. This was his ninth APGA victory and earned him his ninth start in a PGA Tour event. He played in the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open, missing the cut after shooting 68-77. Byrd has made the cut in two PGA events, the 2024 RSM Classic and 2025 ISCO Championship.

The 72-hole Farmers Insurance Open begins Thursday at Torrey Pines. The 147-man field includes 28 of the top 50 players in the world rankings, led by a pair of San Diego State alums in No. 4 Xander Schauffele and No. 7 J.J. Spaun. Schauffele and Spaun are among 10 major winners coming to Torrey. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka will be making his return debut for the PGA after competing for LIV Golf the past three years.

Players tackle both the North and South courses at Torrey Pines during the first two rounds before the field is trimmed for the final two rounds on the South. The winner receives $1.7 million from the $9.6 million purse.

Four additional spots in the field will be claimed through a Monday qualifier being played at Mission Viejo Country Club.