THE HONDA CLASSIC 2023

TOURNAMENT PREVIEW FEB 23, 2023  THE HONDA CLASSIC

PGE NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA

PALM BEACH GARDENS FL

PURSE $8.5M +400K 5% PAR 70

This is the eighth tournament of the 2023 calendar year.  It is the first in Florida and last year celebrated its 50th anniversary, won by Sepp Straka.  It is not an elevated event thus the field will be weaker than the previous 2.  This is the down side of the tours decision to elevate 13 events which have $20m+ purses.  Jack Nicklaus is involved, as its primary charity is The Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.  He is concerned about the current Two-Tiered direction of the PGA TOUR and its effect on tournaments like The Honda.

My Sentential Favorites

#1 Shane Lowry 14/1  One of the better players in the field.  Second last year by 1 stroke. 

#2 Brandon Wu 90/1 Has played very well, but not well enough to win.  May be due.

#3 Padraig Harrington 60/1 Now on Champions Tour, I would love to see him win a PGA event. 

#4 Harry Higgs 150/1 Has had some good rounds but as to put 4 together to get his first win

Oddsmakers Favorites

#1 SJ Im 9/1 He was #1 favorite last year, and may be the best player in the tournament.

#2 Shane Lowry 14/1 I think he is the best bet with the odds.

#3 Alex Noran 25/1 If #1 or# 2 do not win, he should.

#4 Aaron Wise 25/1 No chance.
#5 Min Woo Lee 25/1 Best Long-shot.

#6 M. Kucher 28/1 Finished 7th with 4th best final round at Genesis same chance as Noran. 

“THE BEAR TRAP” Holes 15,16,17 designed by Jack Nicklaus   

#15 179’ Par 3 with water on right & 2 bunkers beyond the green

#16 434’ Par 4 Water on right and fairway bunkers.  Intimidating bunker beyond green.

#17 190’ Par 3 over water.  The most difficult of the three holes.

LOGO & PHOTOS FROM THEHONDACLASSIC.COM