Honda Classic: Top 10 power rankings at PGA National

1 of 11

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 02: A detail of a tee marker during the third round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa on March 02, 2019 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) /

The PGA Tour begins its Florida swing with the Honda Classic, which features a tough test at PGA National.

The Honda Classic, like just about every PGA Tour event, has gone by different names and has been held at different courses.

The Honda dates back to 1972 and has zig-zagged around Florida to six different locations.

This tournament is now one of the staple events on the schedule. It’s been sponsored by Honda since 1982 and has settled at the PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens since 2007.

PGA National is best known for the “Bear Trap,” one of the Tour’s toughest three-hole stretches at 15-17. Ironically in 2018-19, none of these holes were among the top 20 toughest. The par-4, 479-yard No. 6 was the fourth toughest playing at a 4.37 scoring average.

PGA National ranked as the fifth toughest course last season, and second among non-major championships.

The 7,125-yard par-70 played to a 71.016 scoring average.

What makes it difficult?

The wind is often a factor. The early forecast projects breezy, relatively cool and dry conditions.

Water comes into play on 13 holes.

And did I mention sand? There are nearly 100 bunkers.

Jack Nicklaus redesigned the Champions Course in 1990, and it can feel like you have to play as well as the Golden Bear to win here.

The TifEagle Bermuda greens have the ability to run fast. While Bermuda has a reputation for rolling more consistently than poa annua, it will be an adjustment for players hopping over from the West Coast/Mexico City.

The field this week is not overly impressive, which is indicative of where it lands on this season’s schedule.

Last week featured a lot of big names grabbing free money and FedEx Cup points at the WGC-Mexico. Nine of the worlds top 10 were at the newly minted elevated status event, the Genesis Invitational, the week prior.

Looking ahead, next week features another elevated status event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The Players Championship is in two weeks.

With the Masters looming in a month and a half, players are trying to avoid burnout. While the Honda Classic is uber-convenient for all the Tour players assembled in central Florida, it’s also a tournament that makes sense to skip.

Fortunately, there are still some big names who’ve made their way here.

I’ll take a look at 10 of them who’ve got the best shot to win:

Home/Golf Power Rankings