Honda Classic Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer, Derek Clements

IT WAS as if it couldn't be. Having done nothing anywhere for more years than he cared to remember, Padraig Harrington stunned the world of golf (not to mention himself), by coming from nowhere to win the Honda Classic at PGA National 12 months ago. In the process, he beat Daniel Berger in a playoff – Berger is one of a crop of hugely talented young Americans.

Those of us who have a soft spot for the Irishman – and there are many – hoped that it might be start of a resurgence, but it didn't quite happen. However, he has been showing some decent form this year.

Twelve months ago, Paul Casey finished third and Ian Poulter enjoyed his best finish on the PGA Tour in what was a miserable 2015. They will do well to repeat those heroics this time around in a field that boasts Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVeuEWUWq4s

The two Americans arrive here feeling that they have a point to prove. Fowler was devastated to lose the Phoenix Open to Hideki Matsuyama, while Mickelson was similarly mortified to see a five-foot putt lip out on the final green at Pebble Beach, handing the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to the largely forgotten Vaughn Taylor.

Mickelson has made his best start to a season in years, but he is desperate to turn good finishes into victories. At last, he is driving the ball straighter and when you play from the middle of the fairway, you are going to shoot lower scores. It has been a while since his last success, so it should surprise nobody that he was unable to finish off the job at Pebble Beach. Have made some fundamental changes to his technique, he will only groove them in through competitive play. Don't be surprised to see him there or thereabouts again this week.

Fowler was so upset about losing in Phoenix because his grandfather was in the crowd and had never seen him win. There is little doubt that Grandpa won't have to wait much longer to see that happen. In the meantime, Fowler might want to remember that he was the man who took a driver and hit the ball in the water at the 17th during regular play – a decision that lost him the tournament., And it was Fowler who put the ball in the water again at the same hole during the playoff. He is a much-improved golfer, but he needs to look at some of his decision-making if he is to challenge for majors.

And then, of course, there is McIlroy, a former winner of this event. He told us that he would be playing a lot more golf this year, and he is being true to his word. What will encourage him most of all is that he keeps getting into contention without playing anywhere close to his best. You could count on one hand the number of players who have been able to do that over the years – Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo. Even Jordan Spieth found out at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera that when his putting is off song then he misses cuts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwNcCX_3zBo

McIlroy cut a frustrated figure for much of last season. He clearly didn't play enough golf before The Masters and is determined not to make the same mistake again. Like Woods before him, he loves to win and is not afraid to do so. McIlroy likes the course, and will be very tough to beat, especially after his awful finish at the Northern Trust Open when he started the final round battling for the title and then forgot he is meant to be one of the best golfers in the world. It is a round that will have hurt him badly and he will be delighted to have a chance to put it behind him so quickly.

Betting Picks

To Win: Rory McIlroy. Sorry to be so predictable

Each Way: Phil Mickelson. A win is coming

Each Way: Rickie Fowler. Played beautifully

Fantasy Picks

Rory McIlroy. Simply the best

Phil Mickelson. Finding fairways and greens

Rickie Fowler. Is there a more improved golfer on the planet?

Patrick Reed. Keeps reeling off top 10 finishes

Gary Woodland. In good form

Adam Scott. Whisper it, but the big Aussie has found a way to putt

Padraig Harrington. Could surprise us again

Paul Casey. Great ball striker

Kyle Reifers. Underrated American

Martin Laird. Gradually finding some consistent form