
The Honda Classic at PGA National is one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR, and the first stop on the "Florida Swing." Top players on tour compete for a purse of over $5.6 million. Standing between them and victory is The Champion course at PGA National and the infamous "Bear Trap" - holes 15 - 17 - commonly regarded as the toughest three hole stretch on the PGA TOUR.
2011 Honda Classic at PGA National
Congratulations to Rory Sabbatini, winner of the 2011 Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa
Rory Sabbatini shot even par and held off a charge by Y.E. Yang on Sunday to capture his first PGA TOUR victory since 2009 finishing -9 for the tournament. Yang was -4 on the day (-8 for the tournament) and closed to within a shot with late birdies in the round, but couldn't catch Sabbatini who birdied the 16th hole in the infamous Bear Trap to extend his lead.
While Sabbatini's Greg Norman-like hat was recognizable throughout the tournament, his ability to putt and tame the "Bear Trap" may have been the difference. Sabbatini played holes 15-17 at 1-under for the tournament while the rest of the field was 1-over par. During his second round he needed only 21 putts on his way to a 6-under par 64, tying the single round tournament record since the event's move to PGA National's Champion course.
Click here for post round press conference video from Rory Sabbatini.
2011 Honda Classic Tournament highlights (click each round for video): Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 |
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- Honda Classic:
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HISTORy
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Winners
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Photo Gallery
History
Founded in 1972 as the Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic, The Honda Classic is a PGA Tour golf tournament played each March at PGA National in Florida. In 1981, American Motors (AMC) backed the tournament, but in 1982, Honda took over the title sponsorship. After years of moving from course to course, the tournament found its home in 2007 at PGA National Resort and Spa's Champion Course. The 2007 event marked a new executive director, Ken Kennerly, who oversees the tournament organizing committee. The tournament's main beneficiary is the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, which is chaired by Barbara Nicklaus, wife of golfing legend Jack Nicklaus.
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Winners
Played on The Champion Golf Course, the tournament's storied list of past champions reads like a who's who of golf, including:
• 2010, Camilo Villegas • 2009, Y.E. Yang • 2008, Ernie Els • 2007, Mark Wilson • 2006, Luke Donald • 2005, Padraig Harrington • 2004, Todd Hamilton • 2003, Justin Leonard • 2002, Matt Kuchar • 2001, Jesper Parnevik • 2000, Dudley Hart • 1999, Vijay Singh • 1998, Mark Calcavecchia • 1997, Stuart Appleby • 1996, Tim Herron • 1995, Mark O'Meara • 1994, Nick Price • 1993, Fred Couples • 1992, Corey Pavin
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• 1991, Steve Pate • 1990, John Huston • 1989, Blaine McCallister • 1988, Joey Sindelar • 1987, Mark Calcavecchia • 1986, Kenny Knox • 1985, Curtis Strange • 1984, Bruce Lietzke • 1983, Johnny Miller • 1982, Hale Irwin • 1981, Tom Kite • 1980, Johnny Miller • 1979, Larry Nelson • 1978, Jack Nicklaus • 1977, Jack Nicklaus • 1975, Bob Murphy • 1974, Leonard Thompson • 1973, Lee Trevino • 1972, Tom Weiskopf |
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Browse our extensive collection of highlights from year to year.
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To learn more about Honda Classic, please visit www.hondaclassic.com for more information on the event.
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