Honda Classic Power Rankings: Top ten golfers at PGA National

7 of 11

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 24: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland (L) speaks with musician Kenny G during a pro-am round as a preview for The Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa – Champions Course on February 24, 2016 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Good guess, but that’s Kenny G alongside Rory McIlroy at the 2017 Honda Classic pro-am, not Tommy Fleetwood.

Like Kenny G on the saxophone, McIlroy’s made some sweet music at PGA National.

The Northern Irishman won here in 2012 and lost in a playoff in 2014. I’ll go ahead and forget that time he pulled the classic “wisdom tooth pain” card in 2013 an an excuse for withdrawing while his game was in a slump after switching to Nike clubs.

It’s been a while since Rory really thrilled us. One year and four months, to be exact, since his last win. His recent play shows he could be a powder keg waiting to explode.

After taking a few months off to get back to 100 percent health, McIlroy was in the mix on the European Tour against solid fields in Abu Dhabi (T3) and Dubai (2).

He bounced back from a poor putting week at Pebble Beach with a T20 at the Genesis Open.

His arrival to Honda signifies a departure from poa annua greens that never treat Rory kindly. The southeast US’ aerial style courses with bermuda greens are where he’s more at home.

I’m not sure you’d say McIlroy’s budding with confidence right now, but there’s reason that his game is rounding into shape as he heads to his preferred coast. These next few weeks will go a long way in telling us what Rory’s chances are at completing the career Grand Slam in 2018 at Augusta.

Home/Golf Power Rankings