The Honda Classic is poised to offer the best field since being moved to PGA National Resort in 2007. This comes after Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson officially committed to the tournament, which means the top eight players in the world golf ranking will now be participating in the event.
The current top ten players who have committed to the tournament, in order of rank, are as follows:
- Tiger Woods
- Adam Scott
- Henrik Stenson
- Phil Mickelson
- Justin Rose
- Rory McIlroy
- Zach Johnson
- Sergio Garcia
Mickelson’s commitment marks the first time he has played in the event since 2002, at which time it was at Heron Bay in Coral Springs. Mickelson reportedly rearranged his schedule in order to participate in the tournament. Meanwhile, Rose closed out 2013 as the winner of September’s Tour Championship while Rose won his first major at the U.S. open last year.
Ken Kennerly, who is the executive director of the tournament, hopes to round out the top ten by getting No. 9 Matt Kuchar and No. 10 Jason Day to commit to the tournament by February 21.
In addition to a top-notch roster of golfers, the Military Appreciation Program at the 17th hole will be returning this year with room for 20,000 veterans. The hospitality area at the 17th hole has been expanded to 53,000 square feet. As such, it will accommodate 17,000 seats. A concert will take place each evening at the 17th hole, with the February 27th concert featuring Grammy winner Branford Marsalis. The Honda Classic also benefits the community through charitable donations. While many charities are aided by the event, the most notable is the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.