Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. — It was the perfect non-storm.
Sensational weather and viewing conditions, a complete reversal from the heavy winds and rains that wreaked havoc on the 2015 event, combined with a star-studded leader board to propel The Honda Classic’s attendance to unprecedented heights in 2016.
The Honda Classic attracted 202,128 confirmed spectators to PGA National Resort & Spa over seven days between the Monday Pro-Am and Sunday’s final round that saw Adam Scott prevail in a day-long duel with Sergio Garcia. The victory vaulted Scott back into the Top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking at No. 9 and the runner-up finish improved Garcia’s ranking from No. 19 to No. 12.
The 2016 Honda Classic attendance was 9,076 higher than the previous record (193,052) set in 2014, the last time the tournament had perfect weather the entire week. It was 36,928 higher than the weather-plagued 2015 event that drew 165,200 including a Monday playoff.
This year’s tournament had more fans than ever before attend on every singular tournament day except Sunday. The attendance dwarfs the number of fans (83,500) who attended the event in 2007 when it moved to PGA National Resort & Spa. The tournament broke the 100,000 barrier in 2010.
“This is a tribute to the connection that The Honda Classic has made with the community,” Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly said. “People enjoy coming out to the tournament and they have a great time once they are here. It really has become the place to be every year and people keep bringing more of their friends.
“It was a spectacular tournament with a great champion. Adam Scott played magnificently.
“The tournament has seen tremendous growth and with American Honda extending its sponsorship five additional years bringing their total commitment to 40 years, things could not be brighter for The Honda Classic right now. We look forward to more great tournaments in the years to come and continuing to grow upon the impact that we make in this community through our Honda Classic Cares initiative and our charitable giving.”
