Written by @Matt_Cee for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
The Honda Classic | Wednesday 27 February – Sunday 02 March | PGA National
After last week’s action, the PGA tour heads to Florida for the Honda Classic and a return to the more traditional stroke play format. This time around the tournament will be held at the Champions Course at the PGA National Resort, a course which was recently re-designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The result of his efforts is a technical 7,241 yard par 70 course with tight fairways and lightning fast greens. As such, a premium will be placed on accuracy off the tee as players will be aiming to keep it out of the thick rough. The greens will also be a tough proposition and only those who are hot with the short stick will stand a chance. This should prove to be a great tournament and Sunday afternoon will certainly make for some interesting viewing as the leaders will have to compete with the infamous “Bear Trap”, a run of three of the hardest holes in golf on their way to the 18th. So who will have the ability and mental fortitude to win this one? Let’s have a look.
To Win Outright
Rory McIlroy 8/1
Tiger Woods 9/1
Adam Scott 18/1
Sergio Garcia 22/1
Graeme McDowell 22/1
VALUE BETS
Rickie Fowler (35/1 a win, 77/10 a place)
After watching his performance last week, Rickie Fowler is first up on my list and for good reason. He thrived against some tough competition and managed to beat some great match play golfers, including the likes of Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els. His course form here is also solid and last year he looked a serious contender for three rounds before a final round 74 saw him run himself out. His best finish was a T7, which he achieved in 2012, and if he can string together four rounds, he’ll be a real contender. Each way on Fowler is my bet here.
Graeme McDowell (22/1 a win, 48/10 a place)
I never miss a chance to back G-Mac and after watching how he played last week, I feel he has a real chance to pull off back-to-back wins. He handled the pressure he was under almost every day like a champ and his scrambling and putting were second to none and pulled him through when it counted. Those aspects of his game will come in handy here and if he can pull off a repeat performance he will go far. Again, each way is the bet for me.
Adam Scott (18/1 a win, 4/1 a place)
Whenever Adam Scott shows up he poses a real threat and I feel that this week will be no different. He’s had a relaxed tour schedule the past couple of months but has no doubt been hard at work behind the scenes trying to get in tournament shape in the hopes he can bag his second Major. He finished last year strongly and although he hasn’t played as much as the majority competing this week, his two starts on Tour this season have resulted in two top 10s. Always a threat, each way is the bet here.
TOP BET: Hideki Matsuyama (35/1 a win, 77/10 a place)
Golf can be a cruel game and last week Matsuyama learnt that lesson the hard way. Despite looking in control against McDowell in their match, he fell victim to the Northern Irishman’s incredible resolve and would have been disappointed with that loss. I doubt he’ll let that get him down though as he seems to possess a maturity a lot of his competitors don’t. He’ll certainly be looking for a strong performance on a course that should suit his game to a tee. This young man is destined for great things and I reckon 2014 will be his year.
