The Florida Swing usually is a welcome checkpoint for PGA Tour pros – a break from the chilly temperatures of the West Coast. And maybe no more so than this year.Frost delays in Phoenix, sure. But a snow delay in Tucson?
None of that here in the Sunshine State, which (knock wood) has escaped most of the wrath of this year’s winter storms. It might rain a little and the wind will blow, but even a 70-degree day is better than what California and Arizona offered.
The Europeans, especially, are taking full advantage.
The banner headline this week is that seven of the top 13 in the world rankings are at PGA National this week. Go behind the numbers, though, and you’ll notice that five are European.
The exceptions: Ernie Els and Matt Kuchar.
Drill down a little further, and Honda’s attendance includes eight Europeans among the top 24. If the European Tour happens to lose any of its Middle East events because of political unrest, it could just claim the Honda for its schedule.
No European has won the Honda since it moved to PGA National four years ago, but we’ll put one at the top of this week’s Pick-4 list…
1) Graeme McDowell. Right man at the right time. Blustery winds are forecast all four days at PGA National, so good wind players have the advantage. G-Mac grew up in those conditions in Northern Ireland – and as a Lake Nona resident, he has experience on Florida’s bermuda greens.
2) Matt Kuchar. Folks may not remember the Florida native was the 2002 Honda champion, capturing the final edition at Heron Bay. He’s a far more consistent player now, with last week’s third-place finish at the WGC Match Play his fourth top-10 already in 2011.
3) Vijay Singh. After two years of injury-related struggles, the ol’ Fijian may truly be back. Runner-up in Los Angeles, a tie for third in Phoenix. Now he comes back to his comfort zone in Florida, where he knows how to handle the wind. If his putter cooperates, look out.
4) Jimmy Walker. Had a tough time splitting hairs between Walker and Spencer Levin as this week’s longshot. Finally decided on Walker, who scored back-to-back top-10s before taking last week off. Levin hasn’t taken a break since Hawaii, so he’s going to be gassed at some point.
Set Your DVR – Honda Classic
Thursday 3/3 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET – Golf Channel
Friday 3/4 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET – Golf Channel
Saturday 3/5 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET – Golf Channel
Saturday 3/5 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET – NBC
Sunday 3/6 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET – Golf Channel
Sunday 3/6 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM ET – NBC
[via orlandosentinel.com]