Honda Classic Preview

By: Golf Shake | Tue 25 Feb 2014

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We are this week assessing the golf betting opportunities in the field for the Honda Classic, taking place at PGA National, Florida.

PGA National is a tricky 7,048 yard par 72 and ranked as the 11th most difficult course out of 49 on tour in 2012. Such a difficult course means that it will be something of an all-around test, with steady players tending to go well here. However, this week’s tournament will be won and lost off the tee and around the greens. Thompson won last year with 71% driving accuracy and that is the kind of figure that the winner will need to be achieving. The well placed bunkers can easily eat up shots so a player comfortable in the sand will be advantageous. Birdie opportunities are limited around the course, so the opportunities presented by the par 5 need to be maximised.

There are some big names appearing this week….McIlroy, Mickelson, Scott and Woods. These big names will help to push up the prices of everyone else, and it is elsewhere that we are looking for a good performance this week.
Players to watch...

Will MacKenzie (100/1) has not won since 2008 but has started the season off in great shape. MacKenzie ranks 17th for total driving, 2nd for eagles and 2nd all-around

Justin Hicks (250/1) was a player that featured on our players to watch in 2014 list. Hicks ranks 8th for driving accuracy and a respectable 55th all-around.

Billy Horschel (70/1) ranks 12th for driving accuracy, 2nd for eagles and 13th all-around. His bunker play may cost him though, so each-way is the only way.

Michael Thompson (80/1) is driving the ball better this year (6th driving accuracy) than when he won this event last year so we think that warrants a bit of interest.

John Merrick (300/1) is something of a wild card as he has many weak areas to his game. However, if he plays to his strengths (as this course requires) he may have a chance of a place. Merrick ranks 9th for driving accuracy, 9th total driving, 29th GIR and 49th for eagles.

Image credit - Honda Classic Facebook page