munneypicks

2015 Honda Classic

Tournament: We pack up our things and leave the west coast for the east coast. This week we will be watching the Honda Classic in Palm Beach, FL. The Honda is held at the Nicklaus course at PGA National Resort. It has been held here since 2007 and is one of the toughest tests on TOUR.

Course: We are in Florida so we can expect Bermuda grass mentions throughout at least 20% of the TV broadcasts. It is important though as it takes experience to learn to putt on these greens. The Nicklaus course plays as a par 70 just over 7,100 yards. This is very significant as par 70’s play as VERY different golf courses than par 72’s. When players aren’t able to take advantage of par 5’s I believe it levels the field a bit. Over 100 bunkers litter the course as well.

Field: Rory is back! So is Phil, Martin Kaymer, DJ (playoff loss still hurts), Patrick Reed, Justin Rose, and Sergio.

What to Look For:  A few things to note this week. The leaderboards in the past have had a very international feel. Since 2007, 49% of players finishing in the top 5 here were international. Another note, while course form isn’t super important here, I believe par 70 course form is. 2010 winner Camilo Villegas has 4 TOUR victories, all on par 70 courses. 2014 winner Russell Henley has 2 TOUR victories, both on par 70 courses. Other notable par 70 tournaments are McGladrey, Sony Open, Travelers, Colonial, & the Byron Nelson. Finally, sand saves. They will be important this week. When you have 100+ bunkers, you’re bound to enter some. Saving par from them will be key here.

Free Pick:

Justin Rose e/w: My trepidation with Rose is his minor injury at Torrey to his thumb. I’m hoping he’s good to go here as he has an excellent record at this course. Rose is a great bunker player and has 3 top 5 finishes in his last 3 starts here. He also won a par 70 U.S. Open.

Justin Rose e/w* @ 22/1

*For all plays visit: www.progolfmoves.com*

Chris Munney
@munneypicks
@progolfmoves
www.progolfmoves.com