• Honda Classic Preview

  Some of the hottest players in the world are playing at this year’s Honda Classic. Keep an eye on these guys…one of them maybe hoisting the trophy following a well fought battle on the Champion Course Sunday afternoon!

  read the whole story

• Outside the Ropes Next Week

  The professional golf spotlight shines on our neighborhood the first week in March, but as we all know by now, it will be the Amstel Light Bear Trap, the RBC Wine Garden, Tire Kingdom/Yokohama Fireworks Spectaculars and much more that makes The Honda Classic the block party of the season. read the whole story

• Birdies for Children Makes a Splash with 60 Participating Charities

  The Honda Classic, in partnership with BIOMET 3i, has created a new charitable program providing 60 participating charities the opportunity to use the PGA TOUR event as a fundraising toll to raise new funds for their respective charities.

  read the whole story

• 60 Seconds with Robert Allenby

  Australian Robert Allenby is one of the world’s best golfers and a good friend of The Honda Classic’s. With four PGA TOUR wins and 18 international titles to his credit, Robert will be one of the top contenders in the field at this year’s Honda Classic. We certainly look forward to having him with us

  read the whole story

• Champion's Corner

  Lets take a closer look at three champions, but lets get down to the really important details. We presented some probing questions to Honda Classic and Junior Honda Classic winners - you won’t find this kind of insight anywhere else! read the whole story

• The Miami Dolphins Ground Game

  The NFL franchise that authored the only perfect season in league history has teamed up with the PGA TOUR event that boasts the longest running title sponsorship, and south Florida charities figure to benefit the most.

  read the whole story

• Volunteer Spotlight

  Interview Subject: Tony Hebel, Pro-Am Support. Tony Hebel is the leader of the team charged with managing the ins and outs of this critical component of The Honda Classic. What you may know about Tony is he has volunteered for several events conducted in our area. However, did you know. . .

  read the whole story

Outside the Ropes Next Week

The professional golf spotlight shines on our neighborhood the first week in March, but as we all know by now, it will be the Amstel Light Bear Trap, the RBC Wine Garden, Tire Kingdom/Yokohama Fireworks Spectaculars and much more that makes The Honda Classic the block party of the season.

No doubt, this will be golf at its finest. Your feature presentation is a veritable showcase of top-ranked players from around the world performing on one of the best golf courses in the nation. However, as the PGA TOUR springs into action in the warm Florida sun, what actually makes this event a true week-long festival are the sights, sounds and activities everyone can enjoy.

Where else will you find the Miami Dolphins, a Radio Disney Dance Party, live music, fireworks and a Grammy award winner all in one place?

For our opening number, the line between golf and gridiron is skewed when current and former members of the Miami Dolphins step inside the ropes to kick-off a week of golf action on the Champion Course at PGA National. The Fins Cup Pro-Am on Monday, March 1st is free to all who want to come out and see how football titans handle a little white ball.

From professional football champions to an award winning musician, we turn the channel to the smooth sounds of Kenny G and his Gold Pro-am. Local sports stars and media celebrities join Kenny and top professionals in a Wednesday team showdown. Kenny G then takes to the stage on Thursday, March 4th for a benefit concert at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens.

Back at PGA National, with the tournament in full swing, we come to you live from the RBC Bank Wine Garden at the Bear Trap. RBC Bank treats your taste buds to some of the finest vintages produced around the world. The Wine Tour Pak is a special ticket offering that offers free samples and a full glass of the wine of your choice. For those with discerning palates, we highly recommend traveling to our new Wine Garden at the Bear Trap to enjoy the sights, sounds and the fine finish of your favorite varietals.

But what good would it all be without live music to finish off each night after play. The Golf Prince Edward Island – Canada Concert Series takes the stage Thursday through Sunday, showcasing the talents of four local bands playing songs we all know and love – from classic rock and R&B favorites to the hits of the 80’s and 90’s. So, when the last putt drops, the sun goes down and the music comes up on the Heineken Terrace.

The 2010 Honda Classic is the excitement of professional golf turned into a party of the senses. The sights and sounds, tastes and experiences awaiting you throughout the week are sure to make the largest sporting event in Palm Beach County the show of the season.

Birdies for Children Makes a Splash

The Honda Classic, in partnership with BIOMET 3i, has created a new charitable program providing 60 participating charities the opportunity to use the PGA TOUR event as a fundraising toll to raise new funds for their respective charities.

Birdies for Children will use the number of birdies scored by PGA TOUR professionals in the upcoming Classic as a measurement for pledged charitable contributions by individuals. The program will return 110% of what is raised by each charity back to their cause through a Bonus Bucks pool funded by the tournament.

Here’s how it works: Charities solicit pledges from individuals ($20 for 1 guess / $50 for 3 guesses) and allow donors to guess the number of birdies scored at the Classic. The person correctly guessing the number of birdies, or comes closest, wins a new 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid car. In the event of a tie, tournament auditors will conduct a random draw.

“At the heart of our mission is giving back to community,” Honda Classic Tournament Director Ed McEnroe said. “The economy has taken a toll on so many critical South Florida based charities. We wanted to supplement our current charitable giving with a unique fundraising program that utilizes the world class competition in a way our charitable partners can further benefit. With community minded partners such as American Honda and Biomet 3i, we feel Birdies for Children can become a major source of funding for many worthwhile charities.”

For more information, a hint for how many birdies you can expect at this year’s tournament, and to make a pledge to one of our 60 participating charities for a chance to win the new car, go to www.thehondaclassic.com/pages/birdies-for-children

60 SECONDS with Robert Allenby

Australian Robert Allenby is one of the world’s best golfers and a good friend of The Honda Classic’s. With four PGA TOUR wins and 18 international titles to his credit, Robert will be one of the top contenders in the field at this year’s Honda Classic. We certainly look forward to having him with us

Last month, Robert was kind enough to speak with Flop Shots after he returned from Australia to prepare for 2010 PGA TOUR season.

1. You finished the 2009 season with a bang earning back-to-back wins in South Africa and Australia [Robert won the Nedbank Golf Challenge and his fourth Australian PGA Championship]. What are you looking forward to most in the coming 2010 PGA TOUR season?

   Winning, plain and simple. My confidence is high coming off of the end of last season, and with some of the recent changes I’ve made in my putting, I am definitely trying to win each time I tee it up.

2. I understand you hosted a charity event back in Melbourne, Australia this past December. Who was it for and why does the organization mean so much to you?

   It’s Challenge Cancer Support Network (www.Challenge.org.au). Inspired by the memory of a childhood friend who died of Leukemia, I’ve been associated with Challenge for more than 18 years, raising over $11 Million to date at my event. It’s amazing the support we receive each year. This year, we had a full field for our golf day and over 1,000 people at our gala dinner.

3. What was it like representing your country in both The Presidents Cup and the World Cup of Golf?

   Where ever I go, I represent Australia. I like to expand awareness for all the athletes from the homeland. Either way, it’s the same feeling whether competing as an individual or on a team. It was definitely fun being teamed up with Stuart (Appleby) in China, and I had a great experience being on Greg Norman’s team in San Francisco.

4. Now that golf will be a part of the 2016 games, in Rio de Janeiro, do you have Olympic aspirations?

   Absolutely! It would be really cool to win a gold medal!

5. Closer to home, what are your impressions of The Honda Classic today compared to where it was when you first joined the TOUR?

   It was the mid-‘90’s when I first played The Honda Classic, but it wasn’t that memorable. Today, it’s played on one of the best courses we see all year. It’s obviously managed in a professional fashion, and it has become one of the premier tournaments on the PGA TOUR.

6. Thanks for the props! Now, as a neighbor of ours living full-time in Palm Beach County, what do you like to do when you are home away from tournament golf?

   I love being with my family and taking my kids to school. I also like to go out on the Atlantic Ocean for some fishing. Actually, just last week, I landed a 100 pound Sailfish – took me 30 minutes to pull him in! It’s a lot of fun being out there… you just never know what you’re going to hook.

7. Yeah, we heard you were an avid deep sea fisherman. So, what’s the biggest fish you ever caught… and no exaggerating?

   A 15 foot Hammerhead Shark. It was 800 pounds.

8. Wow… now that’s a big catch! Thanks so much Robert for sharing a little more than 60 seconds with Flop Shots. Best of luck in 2010!

    

   For more information about Robert Allenby and his career on the PGA TOUR and around the world, visit his website www.RobertAllenby.com.

Champion's Corner

Lets take a closer look at three champions, but lets get down to the really important details. We presented some probing questions to Honda Classic and Junior Honda Classic winners - you won’t find this kind of insight anywhere else!

Y.E. Yang (2009 Honda Classic champion)

Jake Leffew (2009 Junior Honda Classic,
Boys 11-12, 36 Hole Division Champion)

Samantha Marks (2009 Junior Honda Classic,
Girls 15-18, 36 Hole Division Champion)

In the Corner are:

Y.E. Yang (2009 Honda Classic champion)

Birthdate: January 15, 1972
Residence: South Korea and Dallas, TX

Jake Leffew (2009 Junior Honda Classic, Boys 11 -12, 36 Hole Division Champion)

Birthdate: February 24, 1997
Residence: Vero Beach, FL

Samantha Marks (2009 Junior Honda Classic, Girls 15 -18, 36 Hole Division Champion)

Birthdate: May 2, 1994
Residence: Maitland, TX

1. What is your favorite book?

   Y.E. Yang: anything inspirational
   Jake Leffew: Caddy for Life - John Feinstein
   Samantha Marks: Naturally, as a female teenager, my favorite book is Twilight and the Twilight series.

2. What was/is your favorite school subject?

   Y.E. Yang: Science and PE
   Jake Leffew: Current Events
   Samantha Marks: US History. My teacher is a riot, and she makes learning really fun.

3. What are your future golf aspirations?

   Y.E. Yang: Play as much golf as possible, win some as well.
   Jake Leffew: Play golf at University of North Carolina then play professionally.
   Samantha Marks: I plan to go to college and play golf at a Division 1 college, and then head to the LPGA Tour.

4. Who was/is your favorite athlete growing up?

   Y.E. Yang: Michael Jordan and Jack Nicklaus
   Jake Leffew: Kenny Perry
   Samantha Marks: My favorite athlete growing up was Tiger Woods... but in light of the recent (and not so recent) circumstances he has found himself in, my favorite athlete now would be Doc Rivers, the coach of the Boston Celtics. Doc and I are close friends, and we golf often at my home course, Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park, FL, where we are both members. He's a great role model for me, he has always been very supportive of my golf career, and he always aspires me to be the best that I can be.

5. What are your favorite things to do with your children/parents?

   Y.E. Yang: Karaoke with them. Tony and Danny can sing some, Kenny and Tony can play the piano and percussions.
   Jake Leffew: Go on vacation
   Samantha Marks: I really love it when my mom and dad take me for Jeremiah's Italian Ice... but I guess that's an Orlando thing.

6. What is your favorite golf course?

   Y.E. Yang: Augusta National
   Jake Leffew: Royal St. Kitts Golf Club
   Samantha Marks: my home course, Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park, FL. I hope to someday visit Pebble Beach, where my opinion about my favorite course may change :).

7. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

   Y.E. Yang: Vanilla
   Jake Leffew: Vanilla
   Samantha Marks: Straight up chocolate. Even though I'm allergic ;).

8. What are your hobbies?

   Y.E. Yang: Fishing, billiard
   Jake Leffew: Reading, Working out, being with my friends/family
   Samantha Marks: My dad and I have been trying for a while now to solve the Rubik's Cube! I am in the Rubik's Cube Club at my school, and that is my goal for 2010!

9. What is your favorite childhood memory?

   Y.E. Yang: Playing soccer with friends with a bet on the line. Losing team had to go steal oranges from the farm.
   Jake Leffew: When I was four, I accidentally locked my brother outside in freezing weather and, not knowing how to unlock the door, I called 911.
   Samantha Marks: Not really a "Childhood Memory", but my favorite memory is my schools' 8th grade trip to North Carolina. It was the most fun I've ever had with my friends, it was awesome, and I learned how to rock-climb and do ropes courses!

10. What is your most memorable tournament experience?

    Y.E. Yang: High Fiving the crowds after winning the 2009 Honda Classic
    Jake Leffew: Making my first hole-in-one.
    Samantha Marks: My most memorable tournament experience would most definitely be when I won the U.S. Kids Teen World Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina two summers ago.

The 2010 Junior Honda Classic will be held at PGA National Resort & Spa December 11 and 12. For more information visit www.thehondaclassic.com/junior-classic

The Miami Dolphins Ground Game

The NFL franchise that authored the only perfect season in league history has teamed up with the PGA TOUR event that boasts the longest running title sponsorship, and south Florida charities figure to benefit the most.

The Honda Classic’s partnership with the Miami Dolphins began last year with the formation of the Fins Cup Pro-Am. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and Jupiter-based attorney Rick Horrow co-chaired the Monday tournament pairing golfers with current and former Miami Dolphins, including Dan Marino, Nat Moore and Bob Griese.

Horrow, who also hosts a nationally syndicated sports television program, thinks the sky’s the limit for the event that kicks off The Honda Classic tournament week. "It has been incredibly exciting to work with Ken Kennerly and The Honda Classic to help create a truly special event in the Fins Cup. It will be extra special during its second year, emphasizing the regional cooperation with the single biggest sporting event in Palm Beach County. Steven Ross has shown incredible vision in reaching out to other major sporting events in the area as well. For me, it reflects an ongoing commitment to the Melanoma Foundation in memory of my father, and also the continued ability to work with Barbara and Jack Nicklaus to advance the Nicklaus Family Charities as well. Hopefully, this event will continue to grow and prosper in the years to come."

The partnership has expanded to also include a multimedia cross-marketing collaboration encompassing Sun Life (formerly Land Shark) Stadium, Dolphins Digest magazine and the Golf Exchange presented by The Honda Classic radio show. While noting that regional exposure across multiple platforms is important, Ron Katz of Fin Associates realizes charity is the biggest positive. “We are very pleased to be joining forces with The Honda Classic…the PGA TOUR is one of the biggest supporters of charity in the United States. This is a way for the Miami Dolphins Foundation to reach out to the South Florida community and bridge the gap between Miami and Palm Beach Gardens. Together we hope to not only make an impact on the football field and golf course, but to assist people who really need our help.”

South Florida charities received a big holiday present at the Dolphins-Texans game on December 27th, as Jack and Barbara Nicklaus took to the field before the game and presented the Miami Dolphins Foundation with a check for $10,000. Seems fitting the golfer with the most major championships is teaming up with the only NFL franchise to produce a perfect season.

Volunteer Spotlight

Interview Subject: Tony Hebel, Pro-Am Support Committee Chairman

The Honda Classic conducts two Pro-Am events during the tournament week, the Fins Cup Pro-Am on Monday, March 1st and the Kenny G Gold Pro-Am on Wednesday, March 3rd. To ensure the integrity of these two events, the Pro-Am committee verifies all the handicaps of the amateur contestants and assists the PGA TOUR with scoring. The committee also manages registration, gift distribution and award presentations.

Tony Hebel is the leader of the team charged with managing the ins and outs of this critical component of The Honda Classic. What you may know about Tony is he has volunteered for several events conducted in our area. However, did you know Tony is also one of the most qualified Course Raters in the nation? Over the years, Tony has performed 2033 course ratings for the Chicago District Golf Association and Florida State Golf Association (not courses, individual ratings). He captained a team that did ratings for each course (different sets of tees) in both Illinois and Florida.

1. Tell us what you are doing these days when you are not helping The Honda Classic?

   Basically, I am retired now. Every once in awhile, I will get a call if the Association has an “appeal rating” for me to do, but I haven’t had any of those in a while.

2. We understand you were also an amateur golfer?

   Yes, I played in two U.S. Sr. Amateur Championships back in the early 80’s. I also served as chairman of the 1982 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship [Knollwood Club, Lake Forest, Ill].

3. How long have you been volunteering for The Honda Classic?

   When it started at Mirasol Country Club, I volunteered the first two years there, but left due to disagreements with the old management. I returned when the tournament moved to PGA National under new management with Mallory Privett as Volunteer Chairman. I also volunteered for many of the Senior PGA Championship events at PGA National and for the LPGA event at Trump International.

4. What do you enjoy the most about volunteering?

   It’s a little cliché, but it’s giving back to the game. I got so much out of it and I enjoy being out there and doing it.

5. Aside from being retired, what do you do in your free time?

   I play a little golf, play bridge, and basically just take it easy now.

6. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

   Probably the Pope. I have a few on my list, but I think that would be a wonderful experience.

8. Are there any fun stories that you can recall from your years of volunteering and course rating?

   My team and I used to rent a van and sometimes we’d hit two or three courses a day. One day, we got to a course (it was either for an Elks Club or VFW) and the host committee was so excited to have us there to rate their course. The president of the group was thrilled to tell us they made one terrific improvement to the course. He said, “We took out all of the bunkers on the course because they slowed up play!” That was pretty funny, but it was not too uncommon as we really saw some true cow pastures back in the day. Of course, the worst thing we ever said (when rating courses) was “this course is the best of its kind that we’ve ever seen!

Honda Classic Preview

Some of the hottest players in the world are playing at this year’s Honda Classic. Keep an eye on these guys…one of them maybe hoisting the trophy following a well fought battle on the Champion Course Sunday afternoon!

• ROBERT ALLENBY

  With victories in his last two starts of 2009 at the Nedbank Challenge and Australian PGA and two top 10’s already in 2010, watch for Robert Allenby to make a run at the 2010 Honda Classic. He’s finished in the top-5 every year The Honda has been played at PGA National (3).

  HONDA CLASSIC STAT CENTER

  About: 37 years old; Born in Melbourne, Australia; Lives in Jupiter, FL
  PGA TOUR Victories: 4
  International Victories: 18
  Personal Tid Bit: Robert’s 1996 season on European Tour, when he finished third on Order of Merit, ended prematurely in October when he suffered a broken sternum and facial injuries in a traffic accident in Spain. Was presented 2001 Ben Hogan Award by the Golf Writers Association of America for recovering from that accident.

  ERNIE ELS

  Ernie captured his first PGA TOUR victory in 3 years, 4 months and 29 days with a win at the 2008 Honda Classic by one stroke over 2006 HC winner Luke Donald. Look out for the South African to make a run at another HC title. The world’s 17th ranked player has a T12, T10 and T5 in three starts already this season.

  HONDA CLASSIC STAT CENTER

  About: 40 Years Old; Born in Johannesburg, South Africa; Lives in Jupiter, FL; Engelbrecht-Els wines are of the highest rated South African Wines – it’ll be on-hand at the RBC Bank Wine Garden on 17, so be sure to try it out.
  PGA TOUR Victories: 16
  International Victories: 44
  Personal Tid Bit: Along with wife Liezl, Ernie established the Els for Autism Foundation in spring 2009, with son Ben, who is Autistic, the driving force behind the mission. Goal is to fund an Autism Center of Excellence, a model for the world of what should be done for children with Autism. The Center will include an educational program for children age 3-21 and research facility

  SERGIO GARCIA

  Fresh off a 4th place finish at Accenture Match Play, look for Sergio to make a push for the 2010 HC title. The 30 year old Spaniard tied for 13th at the 2009 Honda Classic. If he can maneuver through the Bear Trap unscathed, he could be very difficult to beat.

  HONDA CLASSIC STAT CENTER

  About: 30 Years Old; Born in Castellon, Spain; Lives in Borriol, Spain
  PGA TOUR Victories: 7
  International Victories: 11
  Personal Tid Bit: Father, Victor, is his teacher and the teaching professional at home club, the Club de Golf de Mediterraneo. Father has played in nine career Champions Tour events...Started playing golf at age 3 and became club champion at age 12.

  RORY MCILROY

  Currently ranked #8 in the world, this 21 year old Irish phenom only missed one cut in 11 starts in ’09. In his first appearance at The Honda Classic, McIlroy finished with a strong 68 to tie for 13th. With top-20 finishes in three of the four majors last year, McIlroy has the confidence and ability to beat the field on the Champion Course.

  HONDA CLASSIC STAT CENTER

  About: 21 Years Old; Born in Holywood, Northern Ireland
  International Victories: 1
  Personal Tid Bit: Teen prodigy Rory McIlroy has set the European Tour on fire since turning pro on 18th September 2007. Hard-hitting Rory was always destined to become a professional golfer since the moment he recorded a 40-yard drive aged just two-years-old. His first hole in one came when he was just nine.

  CAMILO VILLEGAS

  Hot off a 3rd place finish at Accenture Match Play, Villegas has shown the Champion Course he has what it takes to win the HC with a T-2 in 2007 following a 4-way playoff with Boo Weekly, Jose Coceres and eventual champion Mark Wilson. Watch for “Spidey” to make an appearance while navigating the contours of the Bear Trap’s greens.

  HONDA CLASSIC STAT CENTER

  About: 28 Years Old; Born in Medellin, Colombia; Lives in Jupiter, FL
  PGA TOUR Victories: 2
  International Victories: 2
  Personal Tid Bit: Popularity in native Colombia caused Colombian TV to pick up 30 PGA TOUR golf broadcasts beginning in 2006. Camilo was featured in the July 2006 issue of GQ. Says the article in GQ, "He's got a closet full of tight trousers, a set of boxer's biceps and more screaming female fans than Justin Timberlake." Villegas was selected as one of People Magazine's "Hottest Bachelors" in 2006.

  PAUL CASEY

  While Casey has never player The Honda at PGA National, his #7 world ranking leads you to believe he has the game to finish atop the leaderboard on Sunday. His ranking 2nd in GIR and 1st birdie average could be key to his finish at the 2010 Honda.

  HONDA CLASSIC STAT CENTER

  About: 32 Years Old; Born in Cheltenham, England
  PGA TOUR Victories: 1
  International Victories: 1
  Personal Tid Bit: Coached by CBS golf analyst Peter Kostis. Paul started his own foundation in 2007 benefiting junior golfers at Foxhills GC near London, where he grew up playing.

  LEE WESTWOOD

  Ranked #4 in the world, Westwood will tackle the Champion Course for the first time ever at the 2010 Honda Classic. Coming off the 2009 “Race to Dubai” title, look out for Westwood if he’s in the hunt on Sunday.

  HONDA CLASSIC STAT CENTER

  About: 36 Years Old; Born in Worksop, England
  PGA TOUR Victories: 1
  International Victories: 19
  Personal Tid Bit: Born and bred in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Lee was presented with Honorary degree of Doctor of Science on November 24, 2007 from Nottingham Trent University. He is also a big fan of local football club Nottingham Forest.

Check out the new RBC Bank Wine Garden at the Bear Trap

Located on the 17 with sightlines to tee and green featuring covered seating, high end decor and wines of the world and of the PGA TOUR.

WINE TOUR PAK $60 (savings of $28)

Includes:

• 1 tournament ticket
• 1 parking pass
• 3 wine sample coupons
• 1 glass of wine coupon
• 5 coupons for free appetizers or desserts at participating preferred restaurants