The Honda Classic:
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Course: PGA National Golf Club
Par: 70
Length: 7,158 yards
Prize Pool: $5,700,000
Last Years Champion: Rory McIlroy
The Honda Classic is played annually in early march in Florida. This is typically a great event as most players have now had the chance to get at least one other tournament under their belts and are starting to settle into their game. Played this year at the PGA National Golf Club (Champion Course), this is a beautiful venue, which will challenge even this years elite field of players.
I've done my regular due diligence, and have evaluated the field in order to make some predictions. There continues to be a lot of focus on the worlds number 1 and number 2 golfers, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. McIlroy, who has struggled with his game since switching to Nike golf clubs, will once again be under the spot light to see if he's able to find his game this week. If he doesn't, he won't be able to keep his number 1 ranking for much longer. Although I can appreciate the talent of Rory McIlroy, given the circumstances, he didn't make my top picks this week. Here's a look at my choices and my fantasy golf selections...
Graeme McDowell (@graeme_mcdowell): McDowell had a strong performance this past week at the WGC Accenture Match Play, loosing in the quarter finals to Jason Day. He's also had good performances in this event in years past including a 9th place finish last year.
Justin Rose (@justinrose99): Rose continues to play great golf, and has a history of performing well at PGA National, finishing in the top 5 in both of his last two appearances. He is a great example of someone who plays 'percentage golf' with one of the highest averages of reaching greens in regulation.
Jason Day: After a great performance this past week at the WGC Accenture Match Play, where Day finished in 3rd place, I think he'll continue to build momentum this week in Florida.
Tiger Woods (@tigerwoods): So far in 2013 Woods' performances have been a bit of a roller coaster ride, winning the Farmers Insurance Open, and then loosing in the first round at the WGC Accenture Match Play. I think Woods will be looking to bounce back and will be on top of his game.
Ben Crane (@bencranegolf): Although Crane has had a slow start so far in the 2013 season, I remain hopeful that he will have a breakthrough event this week. A great guy both on and off the course, Ben is due for a stand out performance.
Here's a look at my completed fantasy picks:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This article was written by Scott Stevens and is part of the Eat Sleep Golf - Fantasy Golf series which focuses on introducing upcoming PGA Tour events as well as evaluating the field of players. We encourage you to comment below and/or join in the conversation with us on Twitter using #FantasyGolf, #PGATour and #HondaClassic. Be sure to connect with us @EatSleepGolf
