While the Honda Classic Might Owe Players Apologies, Phil Mickelson Flops in Forgiveness

Phil Mickelson Falls Flat on his Face!

As a meeting with Commissioner Jay Monahan and PGA Tour players took place, Phil Mickelson simultaneously released a lackluster statement concerning his recent behavior. Mickelson apathetically shared his feelings regarding his engagement with the Saudi League and LIV Golf Investments. He blamed Alan Shipnuck for publicizing information Phil thought was “off the record.” While Phil should have said sorry to Monahan, he spent the majority of the statement playing the victim and saying he’s a good guy. He stated, “they have a clear plan to create an updated and positive experience for everyone including players…and fans.” I included these words because the Saudi Golf League will produce a product solely through an egotistical lens. Perfect fit for Phil. The lynchpin of this league centers around filling the pockets of players with millions of dollars. For those of you who aren’t blocked on Twitter by Phil, please read the letter for yourself!

PGA National Takes No Prisoners!

As I pivot to the week later, PGA National sent countless players home in body bags. With the cut line at +2, the Honda Classic held the highest 36 hole divider since the 2021 Memorial Tournament. Let’s dig into some of the astonishing numbers! Matt Wolff blacked out and shot +17. After three-putting from within 5 feet multiple times, Wolff threw his fair share of golf balls into the 15 water hazards throughout the property. As an amateur who struggles to keep balls in my golf bag, I took Wolff’s behavior personally. Next up, Sungjae Im trunk slammed on Friday following a 74-70 performance, barely sniffing the cut line. Quite the different outcome for Im, the 2020 Honda Classic champion. Daniel Berger rounded out the players who received no sympathy from PGA National. Berger, the 4-time PGA Tour winner, lead by 5 strokes heading into Sunday. A disappointing final round of 74 saw him finish in 4th.

How Bad is the Bear Trap at the Honda Classic?

Since 2007, the Bear Trap, holes 15 through 17 at PGA National, has gobbled up more than 1600 golf balls. After this past week, more than 270 can be added to that total. One moment, in particular, stands out to reinforce just how hard these holes play. Lee Hodges, PGA Tour rookie, putted the ball out of the greenside bunker on 15 across the green and into the marsh. I would love to understand his process in that decision making! He would go on to hack it out and make a double-bogey. To complement the difficult golf, Mother Nature decided to punish the players in a torrential downpour late Sunday afternoon. The Irishman, Shane Lowry, endured the worst of the experience. As he tried his hardest to close out the win in the rain, he rushed his drive on 18, ultimately costing him his chance. Like I mentioned before, PGA National might need to dole out some sorries.

Fantasy Golf Finding It's Stride

As my Fantasy Golf league heads into the spring, I can already tell the boys are ready for Bay Hill and the Players. Hopefully, Sepp Straka, who took home the Honda Classic stays on a heater! So far this week, discussion about Bryson’s return to competitive golf dominates the majority of our messages. Like most fans, we all wish we could see the long ball on hole 6 over the water. Unfortunately, we will have to wait patiently as DeChambeau recovers. For now, let’s pray we move on from those “scary motherf***ers” and the Saudi Golf League. Cheers!