Pro Golf Now
Fansided

2021 Honda Classic: Top 10 power rankings at PGA National

By Mike Randleman

Mar 1, 2020; Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA; Mackenzie Hughes putts on the 18th green during the final round of the 2020 Honda Classic golf tournament at PGA National (Champion). Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2020; Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA; Mackenzie Hughes putts on the 18th green during the final round of the 2020 Honda Classic golf tournament at PGA National (Champion). Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
Feb 29, 2020; Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA; Lee Westwood hits his tee shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2020 Honda Classic golf tournament at PGA National (Champion). Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 29, 2020; Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA; Lee Westwood hits his tee shot on the first hole during the third round of the 2020 Honda Classic golf tournament at PGA National (Champion). Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Lee Westwood is playing some of the best golf of his life at age 47. It’s a shame it hasn’t culminated in a win, though he’s back again this week to try again.

I’m a little dubious if his body will hold up for another week in the Florida sun. I felt that way last week, though, and he proved me wrong to post his second straight 54-hole lead and second straight solo second place finish.

Both times Westwood was in the final group with Bryson DeChambeau. Bryson nipped him two weeks ago at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Justin Thomas surged on Sunday to win the Players Championship.

Westwood far from had his best ball striking on Sunday at TPC Sawgrass. He battled to the end, though, sinking a birdie on the last to ensure an even par 72 and solo second.

“I felt like I put maximum effort in today,” Westwood was transcribed by ASAP Sports. “I was pleased with the way I ground it out. Like I said, I didn’t really have the strike. I didn’t really have much direction. I was on the edge all the time, it felt like. I wasn’t as good as I played the first three days, but you have days like that, where you just have to grind it out.”

Westwood still appears to be in good spirits through the near misses. He was even happy to report he’s headed to Augusta National on Monday with his son for a practice round. Not to mention, he’s about $2.5 million richer this month so he’s doing OK.

The Honda Classic has been an ATM for the Englishman.

Westwood has made all eight cuts at PGA National with four top-10s and two more top-25s.

Westy finished T-4th (67-69-71-70) last year to finish just three off the pace of Sungjae Im. It was part of a resurgent 2020 that saw him win a European Tour event as well as post a slew of high finishes to help him win the Euro Tour’s season long Race to Dubai.

Vijay Singh nearly won the 2019 Honda Classic at age 57. Westwood is a spring chicken compared to the big Fijian and is proving it’s not just a young man’s game.

Westwood has the iron play to withstand if it gets windy. He’s been good closing out holes this season, ranking 41st (.27) on the PGA Tour in strokes gained around the green and 28th (.541) in SG putting.

Home/Golf Power Rankings