The Honda Classic

PGA National (Champion Course), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, 7048 yards, Par-70

Defending champion: Michael Thompson

Thompson’s winning score: 271, -9

Winner’s share: $1,080,000; Fed Ex Points: 500.

Fed Ex Points leaders: 1Jimmie Walker 1,839 Points 2. Dustin Johnson 1,206 3. Harris English 1,116 4. Bubba Watson 982, 5. Chris Kirk 963

TV: Today: Golf Channel :2-6 PM ET/1-5 CT; Friday: 2-6 PM ET/1-5 CT; Saturday: Golf 1-3 PM ET; 12-2 CT; NBC 3-6 PM ET/2-5 CT; Sunday: Golf: 1-3 PM ET;12-2 CT; NBC: 3-6 PM ET/2-5 CT.

Weather: Should be good after today. Rain late this afternoon moving in about five, so shouldn’t be a major factor. Friday morning showers, but clears up later in the AM. Saturday and Sunday perfect:  Saturday, Partly cloudy, 79 high, wind NW 17 MPH;  Sunday: Partly cloudy, 80, wind NE 14 MPH.

Key Holes: The Bear Trap: 15, 16 and 17. Some of the toughest holes on the PGA tour. Makes or breaks the tournament for players, particularly o Sunday. No.15 is a 179 yard par 3 in which players have to clear a deep, wide lake and hit a narrow green in parts with sand surrounding it. The wind will be a factor both Saturday and Sunday. No.16 is a 434 yard par four that requires driving accuracy as their is a long bunker on the right side. Second shot is tricky over water as well. Par is a good score here. No.17 is a 172 yard par three again over a wide lake and the wind Saturday and Sunday will make the pressure even more daunting. The green is guarded by bunkers. Getting it on 20-25 feet away and a two putt is what the pros want on Sunday, particularly the leader if he has a two-shot cushion or better.

The contenders:

Rickie Fowler:

Like the way Rickie is playing. Finished third last week at the match play and can get it going and play lights out. Good driver of the ball with length and good accuracy. Has a good putter when it’s on. Don’t love his clothing apparel, but I like his game. Rickie in the hunt.

Keegan Bradley:

Played this course well last year finishing in the top 10. Capable with a good long and short game.

The winner:

Graeme McDowell:

Graeme has awesome driving accuracy and a tremendous short game. That will serve him well this week. The 2011 U.S. Open champion will get it done this week.