2012 Honda Classic Predictions
Written by Steve Janus - Google +
The PGA Tour will return to stroke play after a thrilling five days of golf at the Accenture Match Play Championship. Hunter Mahan capitalized on a great week of golf by beating Rory McIlroy 2&1 in the final round of the tournament. While Mahan will take the week off, McIlroy will headline a strong field at the 2012 Honda Classic this week. The tournament takes place in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida on the difficult PGA National Golf Glub Championship Course.
Last year, Rory Sabbatini hoisted the trophy after shooting a 9-under 271. While Camilo Villegas won this event by shooting an impressive 13-under in 2010, that is the only time a player has finished double-digits under par since 2006.
Just how tough is PGA National? It was the most difficult stop on tour in a non-major event last year. Those of you who tune into the tournament will hear plenty about the dreaded “Bear Trap,” known as holes 15-17. Both 15 and 17 are two of the most difficult par 3s on the entire TOUR and 16 is a stingy par 4 that also sees more bogeys than birdies. Players must take advantage of birdie opportunities whenever they can, as it’s hard enough to find the greens in regulation at this challenging course.
While Tiger Woods will not be one of my picks to win this week, it’s worth noting that he will be making his first ever career start at PGA National. Tiger is still looking for his first win on tour since taking home the hardware at the 2009 BMW Championship.
Here is a quick look at the three golfers I feel have a great shot at walking away with a win at the Honda Classic this weekend.
Rory McIlroy – McIlroy will be a popular pick this week, but how can you go against this guy with the way he is playing of late. His runner-up finish at the Accenture Match Play Championship continued a string of impressive golf that dates back over the last six months. In his last 11 starts he has finished inside the top 3 eight times, including two wins and four second place finishes.
Mark Wilson – Wilson put together a strong showing himself at the Accenture Match Play Championship, finishing third with his only loss coming against Mahan. Wilson won this event back in 2007 by outlasting three other golfers in a thrilling 3-hole playoff. A big reason I like Wilson is the fact that he is currently 4th in greens in regulation, which seems to be what sets players apart at PGA National.
J.B Holmes – Holmes is my sleeper pick to come out and win this event. He didn’t play at this event a season ago, but finished tied for 12th back in 2010. His game is really starting to come around with a strong showing out on the West Coast. He has the distance off the tee and the ability to drain putts that makes him a threat to win just about every time he tees it up. If he can get the irons to cooperate, he figures to be right in the thick of things come Sunday.
Looking for tips on how to golf better this year? Check out these great putting tips that are sure to lower your score next time out.
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