Fred Couples says he belongs in Northern Trust field

Fred Couples wasn’t trying to be cocky Wednesday when he said it: “There are some tournaments where I feel like people deserve to play and I feel like I deserve to be in this field.”

Couples has won the Northern Trust twice in his career, in 1990 and 1992, and is an all-time fan favorite at Riviera Country Club.

Couples, 53, is making his 31^st tournament appearance, more than any other player.

He is not here this time on his golfing merits, however, playing on a sponsor’s exemption.

You could easily argue: if anyone deserves one, it’s Couples.

But he also knows he is taking someone’s spot in the 144-player field and insists he’s not here as an ornament.

“There’s no reason just to play at L.A. to shoot a couple of 74s,” he said. “That’s a waste of everyone’s time.”

Couples still believes he can compete here, despite flaming out last year with a second-day 76.

He said a 7:09 start time in the second round didn’t help and he has played well at Riviera since he turned 50, finishing t-7 in the Northern Trust as recently as 2010.

Couples, paired with Bubba Watson and Lee Westwood, has a 7:22 a.m. start time Thursday.

“I’m going to have a different routine,” Couples said. “I might not play well but I’m going to get up a heck of a lot earlier and try to get ready.”

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