Wilson defends title at Honda Classic

2008-02-26

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PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida (Ticker) -- Twelve months ago, Mark Wilson ended a 10-year wait when he captured the HondaClassic in a four-way playoff.

Wilson, who turned professional in 1997, rolled in a 10-footbirdie putt on the third extra hole to capture his first PGATour title his 111th start. The putt helped change his life.

After enduring qualifying school in each of the previous 10years, the victory here gave the 33-year-old Wisconsin nativeexempt status on the PGA Tour through 2009. The first prize of$990,000 also wasn't bad.

"I probably got 500 e-mails from people congratulating me,"Wilson told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "The most touchingwere the ones I got from fathers who said their sons werewatching, and it was a great example of what they were trying toteach their children about the game."

Wilson returns this week to defend his title at the $5.5 milliontournament, which kicks off the Tour's four-event Floridaswing.

Securing his card for two years provided security for the145-pound Wilson, who finished last season 56th on the moneylist. He followed up the Honda Classic win with a solid tie forninth at the United States Open, posting rounds of 67-69 on theweekend.

Wilson has not come close to winning so far this year, but he isplaying with confidence, recording four top-30 finishes in hissix starts this year. Two weeks ago, he tied for 11th at theNorthern Trust Open.

"It's gone by really quick. I'm surprised it's already comingup," Wilson said. "I'm excited to go in there with a frame ofmind to just enjoy being there. I've had some success there andtry to keep my expectations low but know that I played wellthere the year before. And hopefully the people in Palm Beachwill be behind me and remind me of my good play the year before,and I'll try to feed off of that."

With Tiger Woods taking the week off after rolling to an 8 and 7victory over Stewart Cink in Sunday's final of theWGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, the top player enteredhere is Ernie Els.

The South African is ending a lengthy absence at the HondaClassic, making his first appearance in the event since 1999. Hehas not enjoyed a great deal of success here, with his bestfinish in four visits being a tie for 23rd in 1997.

Ranked fourth in the world, Els made his season debut last week,deciding at the last minute to play in the Match Play event. Itmight have been a mistake as he was routed by Jonathan Byrd, 6and 5, in the first round.

The only other top-10 player entered is No. 7 Justin Rose ofBritain, who also was a first-round casualty at the Match Play.

First prize again is $990,000. The PGA National Resort and Spacourse is a par-70 layout measuring 7,158 yards. Wilson posted awinning score of 5-under 275 last year.

"I think it's a great golf course," Rose said. "That's one ofthe large reasons why I put it on my schedule. I looked at thescoring last year and obviously 5-under par winning thetournament mean to me it was a tough challenge. That's the kindof golf I enjoy."

ormer Honda Classic winners playing this week include MattKuchar (2002), Justin Leonard (2003), Todd Hamilton (2004) andLuke Donald (2006).