Maginnes: Something special happening at Honda Classic  PGATOUR.com Correspondent PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- I am reluctant to write about tournament organizers and host organizations. If I write about the tremendous job that the Thunderbirds do in Scottsdale, then I would need to write about the Conquistadors in Tucson. Incidentally, they are both fabulous organizations that go above and beyond for their communities and their respective tournaments.  PGA National has prettied itself up for The Honda Classic. (Al Messerschmitt/WireImage)
But something special is going on at The Honda Classic this week and I want to congratulate the folks who are responsible. The Honda Classic is a tournament that has had an identity crisis over the past decade. After the 1996 event, the tournament left TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, ending a 13-year run. The permanent, and at the same time, temporary home for the next six years was the TPC Heron Bay. The tournament struggled there due to the remote location and disinteresting golf course. A move to the Palm Beach area seemed like the shot in the arm that the tournament needed. The Country Club at Marisol enjoyed its four-year stint as the tournament started to generate a little momentum. The move across PGA Boulevard to the Champion Course at PGA National made perfect sense for The Honda Classic. Under the direction of Executive Director Ken Kennerly, the tournament found what it was missing. The Honda Classic now enjoys the endorsement from golf's first family. The charity dollars generated by the old Jackie Gleason Inverrary Classic are now distributed by the Jack Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation. With Barbara Nicklaus at the helm and Gary Nicklaus as the president, the tournament has become a family affair. More importantly, it has found an identity. Without the long running support of Honda, title sponsor since 1982, neither would have happened. Once all the pieces were put into place, Ken and his staff were saddled with the task of creating an event that would raise the consciousness and interest of the surrounding community. While the tournament has enjoyed great champions like Mr. Nicklaus, Fred Couples, Johnny Miller and many other major winners, its fan appeal has waned in recent years. Ken and his staff are putting the fun back into The Honda Classic. The effort is to give even the daily ticket holder an enhanced experience. At the conclusion of play, a band cranks up just behind the massive clubhouse and hotel. The Heineken Patio has already become a fan favorite. A few hundred golf fans, caddies and broadcasters enjoyed live music and their beverage of choice on Friday night. There was even a little dancing -- all very dignified, of course. The Honda Classic staff is not looking to become the FBR Open with its "bird's nest" that brings in thousands to a huge party. The focus is on the enjoyment of the true golf fan. So far this week attendance is up considerably. One golf fan said that he thought there were more people in attendance on Friday than there were on Sunday a year ago. PGA National is a fan-friendly design with greens near the next tee. As word gets out, the tournament will continue to grow. After spending years stuck in the middle lane behind an old lady, The Honda Classic appears to have the highway open ahead. With the Nicklaus family at the wheel and Ken Kennerly navigating, that road appears smooth and clear. So roll down the windows, turn up the music and enjoy the ride. Copyright 2007 PGATOUR.com. All rights reserved. |
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