The PGA Tour, after seeing Joaquin Niemann triumph at the Genesis Invitational, stops at the PGA National Champion of Palm Beach Gardens at the Honda Classic. It is Matt Jones who will try to defend his title.

PGA National Palm Beach Gardens – via Twitter @The Honda Classic

PGA National Palm Beach Gardens – via Twitter @TheHondaClassic

After the Rivieira Country Club, the players of the PGA Tour will face a new test this week: the PGA National Champion of Palm Beach Gardens.

Designed by Tom and Georges Fazio, the "Champion" course has undergone some modifications and was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2014. This course has been hosting the Honda Classic for several springs now, which has become a flagship tournament of the PGA Tour. This test proves to be a real test for the players, in particular "The Bear Trap", three holes designed by Jack Nicklaus where many twists have already taken place.

The Bear Trap can be defined as an Amen Corner of Palm Beach Garden, but this time positioned at the end of the course:

  •  Hole 15: par 3 of 163 meters
  • Hole 16: par 4 of 397 meters
  • Hole 17: par 3 of 160 meters

These three holes are played with a green attack above the water, impressive shots to play, especially when the wind comes into the game.

143 players will participate in this event. Major winners will be present this week like Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed, Padraig Harington or Henrik Stenson, Ryder Cup players like Daniel Berger and Tommy Fleetwood or players used to the DP World Tour like Nicolai Hojgaard.

It was Matt Jones who won the event in 2021 with a lead over Brandon Hagy. The prize money for the event this year will be $7 million.

Paul Barjon will make his recovery after missing two Cuts at Pebble Beach and at the Farmers Insurance Open.

To find the starts of the first round of the Honda Classic: click here.

By Baptiste Laurensou.