Camilo Villegas looks to repeat at The Honda Classic.
Now we head to the right coast for a run of the finest Florida has to offer. This next month will be key as players gear up for the first Major of 2011, the Masters, just over a month away. After years of having Woods at number one in the World Rankings, it now seems the top spot has a new name every week. The player that can build up a little momentum heading into Augusta may have the best shot to win. With that in mind, lets check out another car classic and preview this week in fantasy golf.
Tournament: The Honda Classic
Date: March 3rd to the 6th
Location: PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion Course), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Defending Champion: Camilo Villegas (-13)
About the course: Since the tournament was moved to the PGA National Resort & Spa Champion Course in 2007, last years champion Camilo Villegas is the only player to make it to double digits under par. That challenge of the course showed last year when it ranked as the second most difficult course on the PGA tour. It probably doesn’t hurt that as a par 70, it runs a long 7,158 yards. Granted, it probably doesn’t help that this even generally attracts very few big names, as many players choose to take this week off since it is the least prestigious of the “Florida Swing” events. Or maybe they’re just scared.
Golfers to watch: The way Luke Donald dominated last week, he has to be a top choice at this event. As an added bonus, he holds the course record, shooting a 64 in 2008 when he finished second at this tournament. Last year’s winner Camilo Villegas’ five-stroke victory, along with a second place finish in 2007, gives him a great history with the course. Granted, he hasn’t done anything in 2011, so get him on your fantasy golf bench. Matt Kuchar didn’t luck his way into a world top 10 ranking, having finished outside the top 10 only once this year. If Donald weren’t so hot, he would be a great pick to win. Vijay Singh’s been getting stronger all year, finishing 2nd at the Northern Trust Open. With many big names sitting out this week, he may be able to take advantage of the field and win one this week. While Spencer Levin has never won on the PGA tour, he’s finished 4th, 12th and 2nd in his last three tournaments. Look for another strong finish this week. Jimmy Walker has yet to miss a cut this year and finished in the top 10 in three of his five tournaments, all promising stats for this week’s tournament. While he’s been a little up and down all year, Jhonattan Vegas is second in the FedEx Cup standings with two top three finishes including a win, and is capable of destroying the course any given week. Finally, JJ Henry makes for a good bench start, since he hasn’t missed a cut yet this year, and he hasn’t finished outside the top 20 in the last three tournaments.