The Honda Classic used to struggle to get name players.
Since it moved to PGA National and the Nicklaus Family got involved along with title sponsor Honda, things have really taken off.
When the field tees it up on Thurdsay you’ll have Rory McIlroy (world’s No. 3), Rickie Fowler (5th), Patrick Reed (9th), Brandon Grace (10th), Hideki Matsuyama (11th), Adam Scott (13th), Brooks Koepka (17th), Sergio Garcia (19th) and Phil Mickelson (20th).
The surprise name among those is Mickelson. Lefty’s a West Coast guy and typically plays only at Doral in the WGC event. But here he is, taking on the Bear Trap at PGA National.
McIlroy and Fowler lives really close to the course. Rory’s home is on the intercoastal waterway, off Prosperity (coincidence?) Avenue. Rickie’s pad is a bit farther north on the Loxahatchee River.
A lot of professional golfers make their home in the area, at least their winter homes. Many of them play at the Bear’s Club, the stomping grounds of Jack William Nicklaus. Jack designs more than he plays these days and with more than 20 grandchildren, he needs to keep designing.
PGA National is a short drive to the Atlantic Ocean and it is the wind that determines the scores this week.
A storm front was moving through Wednesday afternoon with rain that will soften the course. The strongest winds will be during Thursday’s opening round (15 mph) and a little on Friday (11 mph). The weather should be perfect all weekend.
McIlroy has the most to prove this week after his implosion during last week’s final round at Riviera.
Fowler would love to win in his backyard.
Whoever wins will earn it.
PGA National is a true test.
Anytime.
