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The 2023 Honda Classic is all set to get underway from February 23 to 26 at the PGA National Members Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
This is the next tournament to be held by the PGA Tour after the recently concluded Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Golf Course in California. However, one thing to note about the 2023 Honda Classic is that a couple of top golfers will give the event a miss this year.
The tournament often sees an underwhelming field, partly due to its placement on the 2023 PGA Tour calendar. This year as well, several top players have chosen to rest during this period.
Since the PGA Tour has banned all LIV Golf players from taking part in the league's events, it is obvious that no LIV Golf player will be spotted on the roster.
So, let's take a look at the top 5 PGA Tour golfers who are missing from the 2023 Honda Classic field:
5) Justin Thomas
The 2018 Honda Classic champion, Justin Thomas, will not be playing at the tournament this year. In fact, he has not made an appearance at the event since 2019.
He was recently seen in action at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished T20. It was there that he found himself in a controversy triggered by his friend and fellow competitor, Tiger Woods.
The US golfer outdrove Justin Thomas at the ninth hole, following which Woods handed him a tampon as the two walked up the fairway. Thomas quickly threw it away as the pair started laughing.
Obviously seen as extremely sexist, Woods has since apologized, but the scandal still continues.
4) Jordan Spieth
US golfer Jordan Spieth was last seen at the recently concluded Genesis Invitational, where he unfortunately couldn't make the cut.
He will also not be appearing at the 2023 Honda Classic. He was also recently seen in the new Netflix docuseries 'Full Swing'.
3) Tom Kim
The young breakout star Tom Kim will also not tee up at the 2023 Honda Classic. He last appeared in the Genesis Invitational, where he finished T45.
The young golfer burst onto the scene last year when he performed incredibly well at the Presidents Cup, where he represented the international team.
He also became the second player after Tiger Woods to win two PGA Tour titles before the age of 21.
2) Rory McIlroy
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has been having a great season. He kicked off his DP World Tour campaign with a victory at the Dubai Desert Classic.
He was last seen at the Genesis Invitational, where he finished T29. Like some of his fellow golfers, he even appeared for a bit in the new Netflix docuseries, 'Full Swing'.
1) Jon Rahm
The man of the hour One of the most consistent players and the reigning world No. 1, Jon Rahm,will also not be seen at the 2023 Honda Classic.
Rahm undoubtedly is enjoying the time of his career after consistent performances throughout the 2023 season so far.
He won two titles in January alone and most recently bagged the Genesis Invitational title. This was not only his 10th PGA Tour title but also one that propelled him to the world No. 1 spot.
Despite many players not taking part in the event, the roster for the tournament is still very exciting.
Sungjae Im, Shane Lowry, and Aaron Wise will be the focus of the 2023 Honda Classic, and it will certainly be a treat to see them in action in California.
