This week we leave the west coast swing behind us and head east to Florida for the 42nd edition of The Honda Classic being played at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens where it has been played since 2007.

PGA National is a Par 70, 7158 yard course that was ranked 2nd most difficult on the PGA Tour last year. There are 78 sand bunkers and 26 water hazards which make for a very demanding course. The greens are Bermuda grass and they are large with a lot of contours. The fairways are tight with tough rough just off them. They are also surrounded by bunkers and water. This is one beast of a course which is sure to claim many victims this week.

Watch out for the Par 3, 17th hole which is the shortest hole on the course and is rated the hardest as well. There is water to the right and a bunker left and long. If the wind is coming from left to right watch out for a few players to come unstuck on this one. The green has a 30 foot landing area too. This hole was also ranked the most difficult Par 3 on the PGA Tour last season. The 17th is also part of what is known as the ‘Bear Trap’ which includes the 15th and 16th holes which are a Par 3 and Par 4. It will surely make for enjoyable viewing!

Looking at the field this week we have a great line up of players. The Bookies Top 5 in betting are: $8.00 Tiger Woods, $12.00 Rory McIlroy, $15.00 Justin Rose, $15.00 Charl Schwartzel and $26.00 Loius Oosthuizen.

Looking at the past winners list there has been a real international flavour in recent years. 2012 Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland. 2011 Rory Sabbatini, South Africa. 2010 Camillo Villegas, Colombia. 2009 Y.E.Yang, South Korea. 2008 Ernie Els, South Africa. 2007 Mark Wilson, USA. 2006 Luke Donald, England. 2005 Padraig Harrington, Ireland.

Perhaps that trend could continue in 2013?

Looking at the stats this week we need to focus on accuracy over distance as the fairways do not allow for any wayward shots as the rough is relentless and the fairways are tight. Add to this the sand bunkers and water hazards and we are looking for someone who can plot their way around PGA National rather than gripping and ripping.

Putting will also play a big factor as the greens are very big with lots of contours so look for a lag putter who also likes the Bermuda greens. Guys with a Florida connection should also be considered.

The wind can really bear its teeth here at times so also take this into consideration. Also look for good scramblers.

Past winners here have also ranked well in the Par 4 performance stats.

So in summary we are after a straight driver, who putts well, has great GIR, scrambles well, plays well in the wind and has a Florida connection. Not asking for much as we!!!

Taking all this into consideration I have come up with the following two guys who fit the bill.

Charles Howell III $41.00 (www.sportsbet.com.au)

At his last three starts here Charles has finished T26th in 2010, T10th in 2011 ans T26th last year.

This year he has had a great start to the seasonwith three Top 10 finishes from six starts. Highlights have been T3rd Sony Open, 2nd Humana Challenge and T9th Farmers Insurance.

When you look at Charles stats this season you see a few things that make him stand out as a great each way bet this week. 17th in greens in regualtion, 31st in strokes gained putting, 19th in birdie average, 4th in scoring average, 5th in par 4 performance and 18th in scrambling.

It would not suprise to see him challenging over the weekend. This course is set up for him to bring his A game.

Paul Casey $67.00 (www.sportsbet.com.au)

Last year Paul had a season that he would rather forget. It looks like he is now over his shoulder injury that kept him out for so long.

This season on the European tour Paul has had four starts and is showing signs of getting his game back on track. (T18-T23-T37-T37).

His stats on the European tour have him ranked 8th in greens in regulation and 36th in stroke average.

Paul has had the one start at this tournament and that was in 2010 when he finished T4th. This is his first start in America for the season and hopefully he will have good memories from 2010. At 66/1 he is a great shout as an each way bet.

Last Week

Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Matt Kuchar saluted for us at 40/1 in the WGC Accenture Match Play.

Good Luck and Good Punting.