The End of an Era for The Honda Classic

It is truly hard to imagine that Florida could lose a vital part of the “Florida Swing.” But this was the last year for “The Honda Classic.” When you consider that this event is backed by Jack Nicholas, and his charitable foundations… all while others are jockeying for time slots for their corporate events and the top-rated players.

When you consider the rich history of The Honda Classic, beginning in 1972 as the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic, with Tom Weiskopf sinking a 30foot putt to win $52,000.

Honda entered the picture as a major sponsor in 1982 with the Honda Inverrary Classic and Hale Irwin taking the trophy and the check for $72,000, making a birdie on the 18th for the victory over Tom Kite and George Burns.

Then the ultimate full name change taking place in 1984 to the “Honda Classic,” played on the Tournament Players Club at Eagle Trace with Bruce Lietzke beating Andy Bean on the first hole of sudden death for a check worth $90,000.

Fast Forward 39-years to 2023 – and the ending of the PGA

Tour – “Honda Classic” legacy on the PGA National Resort course in Palm Beach Gardens with Chris Kirk’s second shot, leading by 1-shot hit the rocks on the right side of the 18th green, bounding into the water. That arrent shot allowed Eric Cole to par the hole and create a sudden death playoff just as the tournament started in 1984.

What a fitting ending to the long run for the Honda Classic to have Kirk having not won on the tour for the past 8 years…