DraftKings PGA: 2020 Honda Classic picks and analysis

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PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA – MARCH 03: Ryan Palmer plays his shot from the 17th tee during the final round of the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort and Spa on March 03, 2019 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

DraftKings PGA: 2020 Honda Classic Picks and Analysis

How about that finish at WGC Mexico! I had all the shares of Justin Thomas so my DFS lineups went down really quick. Congratulations to Patty Reed. He shows that form and ball striking do not really matter when you one-putt everything. Bryson showed that he is finally putting the power and finesse together. He will win soon. So will Rory, who just could not buy a putt (like Matsuyama). The PGA Tour is in a nice place right now. The home stretch / major stretch will be entertaining.

The Tour moves from Mexico to Florida for the 2020 Honda Classic. PGA National has a rich tradition with this tournament hosting since 2007, so we do not have a shortage of course history. Its not the longest (7,100 yards), but typically plays pretty difficult. Additionally, as a par-70 golf course, PGA National plays longer than it is rated. Being a few miles off the coast of Florida, if the wind picks up, then the course can be a nightmare. Especial with the plethora of water hazards lurking. The comparisons with this tournament and the Arnold Palmer Invitational are fair, but this course is typically less protected from the wind and the greens play slower. The field is also traditionally weaker this week. We have World number 1 Brooks Koepka and number 10 Justin Rose as the only 2 golfers inside the top-10 teeing it up. 14 of the top-50 are in the field.

You will hear a lot about “the bear trap” this week (affectionately named after course designer a Jack “golden bear” Nicholas). 16-18 play as some of the most difficult holes on the entire PGA Tour. Finishing on the back nine will swing a few cut sweats.

The 2019 edition of the Honda Classic saw Bermuda specialist Keith Mitchell (-9) get crazy hot with the flat stick in route to his first PGA Tour victory. Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler and Adam Scott were the previous 3 golfers to win this event. So the big names typically take home the hardware.

Ball-striking is going to be the most important stat to look at this week. Crisp irons on approach and when clubbing down off-the-tee are pertinent on this course. The rough is not a major penalty, but the water lining a lot of these greens and fairways is. The single most important stat is Bogey Avoidance. At difficult courses you have to limit big numbers.

Key Stats

Approach Gained

Ball-Striking Gained

Scrambling Gained

Bogey Avoidance Gained

Bermuda Grass Gained

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