PGA Tour can’t stop won’t stop.
The Florida Swing kicks off with a trip to Palm Beach Gardens at PGA National.
Much like Riviera last week, this is one of the more underrated stops on Tour.
PGA National is a challenge every single year and the leaderboards reflect that.
But it gets lost in the shuffle of a lot of great tournaments this time of year.
Unfortunately given where it is on the schedule, this field is weak comparative to the tournaments around it.
Let me tell ya about the 2022 Honda Classic - it was a weird one.
Awful break for Lowry, but that’s golf baby.
Little Jack Nicklaus pun there for ya.
For us mere mortals this is a par 72 measuring 7,048 yards from the tips.
For these guys, it’s a par 70 at about 7,125.
It’s one of the most challenging tracks on Tour.
Every year the cut line is well over par, usually something around +3 or +4.
The main attraction here is the water.
It’s a factor on 15 holes.
There’s also a whole mess a bunkers.
60 to be exact.
The Bear Trap is something you’ll hear a ton about this week.
Those are holes 15-17 - a par 4 sandwiched between two challenging par 3’s.
On average the field plays 279 over par on the Bear Trap every year.
It’s everlooming presence during the course of a round is just so ominous.
It’ll fuck your day up.
Imagine you’ve got yourself a good little round going.
Maybe even potential for a personal low.
Aye fellas I gotta tell ya, a little potassium never hurt anybody
You birdie 11 and 13.
You’re on fire.
The cart girl comes around.
You choose a Gatorade delicious BodyArmor.
Think today might be the day here, boys.
First round on me if I can get this thing in the clubhouse.
The nerves start to set in.
You step up to the 14th tee.
Crisis averted huh??
This motherfucker stops you right in your tracks.
it’s possible for you to feel the wetness on your brow.
Your round is shot.
That’s what can happen to any of these guys at the Bear Trap.
Rounds can go completely sideways in a heartbeat.
No matter how well you’re playing, you’re never safe until you get past these 3 holes.
TV Coverage
ah there we go.
ESPN+ featured groups below…
We’re back on NBC this week.
The Trophy
Waterford crystal, much like the Pebble Beach and WM Open trophies.
It’s elegant, sure.
But does it go the extra mile?
Does it bring anything extra to the table?
Does it have any pizzazz?
Is there any rich history attached to it?
I can’t quite say that’s the case, so this is getting a pedestrian5.5/10.
UPDATE: UPON FURTHER REVIEW…..
THE HONDA CLASSIC BROUGHT BACK THE NOVELTY CHECK LAST YEAR.
Great opportunity to dust off this blog… bring back novelty checks forever.
That bumps the Honda’s grade up to a firm8/10.
The Board
Sungjae Im is the favorite at +650 at theBarstool Sportsbook.
The 2020 winner was also the favorite last year at +1000 and finished T-8.
He’s playing the best golf of his life right now and it’s his time.
Florida guy is 3rd on Tour in Par 3 scoring so far this year.
Greyson Sigg Top 10 +750/Top 20 +335- 8th on Tour in Par 3 scoring.
He’s 72nd there btw.
And that’s it.
Weak field, but Bay Hill and Sawgrass are just around the corner.
