After back-to-back elevated events, the PGA Tour moves east to the Honda Classic, the last under its current alias. While the run of eye-watering $20 million purses won’t continue, there is still much on offer at the PGA National this week. Furthermore, three of the world’s top 20 players, alongside other familiar names, are set to vie for the elusive title.

Who are the favorites for the 2023 Honda Classic?

Ranked 20th in the official standings, Irishman Shane Lowry will be fancying his chances to lift the Honda Classic title. The 2019 Open Championship winner will be on the lookout for vengeance after losing the last edition by a single shot to Austrian golfer Sepp Straka, who also returns to the field.

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Straka’s victory at the PGA National last year rewrote history books, with the 29-year-old becoming the first player from his country to win on the PGA Tour. However, he has failed to win since, which will put added pressure on the defending champion.

But it will be Sungjae Im who will be in the spotlight when the competition moves to its later stages. The South Korean golfer enters as the highest-ranked player in the field and with vast experience, having won the event three years ago.

Another player in the top echelons of the rankings is World No. 19 Billy Horschel. The 36-year-old will look to add to his haul of seven PGA Tour victories, with the latest coming at the Memorial Tournament in Muirfield last year.

But the name of Padraig Harrington needs a mention on the list. The veteran golfer, now 51, plays predominantly on the PGA Tour Champions. He makes his first plunge into mainstream action since July’s Open Championship. The former Ryder Cup captain comes with plenty of experience on the course, having won the event twice, in 2005 and 2015.

Prize money breakdown at the 2023 Honda Classic

The total purse for this year’s Honda Classic is set at $8.4 million. While it’s an increase from last year’s purse, the amount wanes in the face of recently concluded events on the PGA Tour, namely the WM Phoenix Open and the Genesis Open.

Interestingly, this year’s Honda Classic will be the last edition to feature the name of its iconic sponsor. The Japanese automobile giants are set to walk out of its deal with the PGA Tour after 42 long years.

The winner’s share at the Honda Classic comes at $1.512 million this year, while the runner-up will earn $915,600. Here’s the complete breakdown of the purse.

Who do you think will win the Honda Classic? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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