2023 Honda Classic: Top 10 Power Rankings at PGA National

Aaron Wise claimed his first PGA Tour victory early on in his career. It’s been nearly five years since his triumph at the 2018 AT&T Byron Nelson, so the 26-year-old is likely hungry for another.

Wise is coming off his most complete season. He made the Tour Championship for the second time, getting there on the strength of four top-10s, including solo runner-up at the Memorial Tournament.

The former Oregon Duck kept the momentum going in the 2022-23 season with four top-25s highlighted by a solo sixth at the CJ Cup.

Wise is coming off a couple missed cuts, including last week at the Genesis Invitational. Perhaps a non-elevated event like the Honda Classic will be the right atmosphere to get on track.

This will be his fifth trip to Palm Beach Gardens. He’s made three of four cuts led by T-13th (64-64-75-73) in 2021.

Wise’s 12-under total through Friday was the lowest 36-hole score since the tournament moved to PGA National. He led by three going to the weekend but couldn’t sustain his torrid pace.

Wise lives in the Jupiter area, so he’s familiar with golf in this region.

He knows it’s imperative to prepare for the gusty winds.

“…especially around a golf course like this, I think it’s just something you have to embrace,” Wise was transcribed by ASAP Sports in 2021. “If you don’t, I think you’re in for a long day.”

Wise ranks 15th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained per round around the green (.452). He’s also 33rd in total driving (149) and 13th in scoring average (68.76).