It's hard to consider an event actually an event when Tiger isn't entered, but the Honda Classic is part of the PGA schedule with or without Woods. Justin Leonard won this event in 2003 and comes into this weekend as the highest ranked player on the FedExCup list in the field of golfers. Leonard might have put up a course record on his way to winning in '03, but don't think Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia and Zach Johnson won't be near the top when all is said and done.
Here are my Tuesday morning thoughts for the upcoming Honda Classic.
Five to Consider:
1. Ernie Els -- Last weekend's first round exit could have been the result of Els not being fully committed to the WGC. Els had earlier made an announcement that he would make his first appearance on the PGA Tour in the Honda Classic. Els should respond to his one-and-done last weekend and post four solid rounds this weekend.
2. Jonathan Byrd -- Byrd has been up and down this year, but he might have found his swing at the WGC. Byrd didn't realize that the 16 seed isn't supposed to win on his way to a T9 finish. Byrd had 13 top 25 wins in 2007 including a victory at the John Deere in July. It wouldn't be surprising to see Byrd finish well PGA National Resort and Spa's Champion Course.
3. Boo Weekley -- Weekley should be considered this week because Boo has played scary good recently. Weekley has posted back-to-back top 10 finishes giving him three on the year already and he could easily capture his fourth top 10 at the Honda Classic.
4. Dustin Johnson -- The last round that Dustin Johnson played was his worst round of the entire season (78), but don't hesitate to consider this young hitter. Prior to the T59th at the Northern Trust, Johnson's Rookie of the Year campaign was off to a great start. Johnson has made the cut in all five events and has recorded a T10th, T12th and T7th.
5. Mark Wilson -- The best finish so far this year for last year's Honda Classic champion has been a T9th at the FBR Open which was just better than his T11th at the Northern Trust. Currently sitting 30th, Wilson could use a top finish at the Honda Classic to improve on his FedExCup Point ranking.
Five to Avoid:
1. Sergio Garcia -- In 2005, Garcia's last time at the Honda Classic, he tied for 53rd. I'm avoiding Garcia because he hasn't been able to establish a good trend so far. His play at the WGC makes me want to consider him, but his T46th at the Northern Trust has me holding off until I know Garcia playing good enough to win.
2. Zach Johnson -- Zach Johnson is a nice cuddly name you've heard of and want to choose as "your guy". But the Master's champion hasn't played like a major winner this season. I'm avoiding Johnson because he's played in three events and his best finish (T20th) was his first event (Mercedes-Benz Championship).
3. David Toms -- Toms was playing great in the WGC before having to withdraw due to back pain. I'm going to avoid Toms because I can't afford a WD or MC from my fantasy bench players. Plus, last year Toms finished T37th in this event.
4. Camilo Villegas -- After starting the year with a tie for 13th at the Buick Invitational, Villegas has gone downhill since. Before last weekend's poor showing at the WGC, Villegas missed the cut at the Northern Trust.
5. Retief Goosen -- The Northern Trust Open allowed Goosen to show everyone that he's still in a slump (Round 1: 79, Round 2: 77). And a match-play event couldn't help get him going either (T33rd). Once considered part of the tour's top class, Goosen isn't flying with golf's finest flock anymore.
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