First Round Leader Odds at 2022 Honda Classic

• The Honda Classic from Palm Beach Gardens, FL tees off Thursday, February 24th
• Tommy Fleetwood is the +2200 favorite over Sungjae Im to lead after the first round
• See the best bets and odds to grab the first-round lead in the article below 

After the top-eleven golfers in the world played in last week’s Genesis Invitational, many of the big names opted not to compete at the Honda Classic. There are some intriguing golfers teeing it up, however, like Brooks Koepka, Genesis winner Joaquin Niemann and Tommy Fleetwood.

A tricky test awaits those in search of the trophy at PGA National, with its famous “Bear Trap” of holes 15-17 swallowing up plenty of errant shots into the water. 2020 champion Sungjae Im is the betting favorite to win outright. With there only being three of the top-20 golfers starting the Florida swing, there are plenty of possibilities for sleepers and longshots to make some noise.

2022 Honda Classic First Round Leader Odds

Odds as of February 23rd at DraftKings Sportsbook

The forecast is expected to be a mix of sun and clouds in the morning in Florida, with a 40 percent chance of a shower in the afternoon. Temperatures will range from the high 60’s early and go up to low 80’s in the afternoon. The players face a decent breeze throughout the day which could wreak havoc, gusting to 15 MPH, with that reaching the low 20’s in the afternoon.

A benefit for those teeing it up in the morning is the exact same as it is every week – less bumpy greens with fewer players chewing them up.

Sungjae Im Playing Solid Golf

Sungjae Im, who made the Honda Classic his maiden PGA Tour victory two years ago, has been playing some really good golf this season. He has six top-20’s (and four top-10’s, including a win in Las Vegas) in nine starts.

Subsequently, of those competing this week, he’s been strong in several ‘strokes gained’ categories in his last 24 rounds.

Sungjae Im’s Strokes Gained Stats In Last 24 Rounds

For the season, he’s 18th in first round scoring, second in SG: around-the-green, fourth in overall strokes gained, and seventh tee-to-green.

He also followed up his win at the Honda with a T-8 showing in 2021, as he’s second in total strokes gained and ball striking the last twelve rounds at PGA National.

• Pick: Sungjae Im (+2500)

Cameron Young Coming Off Strong Finish

If it weren’t for Joaquin Niemann’s brilliant wire-to-wire victory at last week’s Genesis Invitational, Cameron Young might’ve won his first PGA Tour event, where he was co-runner up with Collin Morikawa.

He’s also shot in the 60’s in five of his last six opening rounds, and he’s fifth best of those teeing off this week on Thursday’s.

2021-22 PGA Tour First Round Scoring Average Leaders

Young is first in total strokes gained and SG: off-the-tee in the last twelve rounds, and third in ball striking. He’s second in SG: off-the-tee for the campaign and is seventh in birdie average.

• Pick: Cameron Young (+6000)

Ryan Palmer Excels At This Track

This is a very comfortable golf course for Ryan Palmer, one that he nearly won on, as he lost a playoff in 2014. In the last two times playing this event, he’s posted solid results, with a T-4th in 2019 and a T-17th in 2020.

He’s racked up some impressive strokes gained numbers at this challenging venue.

Ryan Palmer’s Strokes Gained Stats In Last 24 Rounds At PGA National

Palmer is fourth in strokes gained off-the-tee for the season, and despite missing the last two cuts, he opened up 2022 with a pair of top-20’s.

• Pick: Ryan Palmer (+6500)