Ken Kennerly, the Honda Classic's executive director emeritus, has seen the PGA Tour stop become a staple of the Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, community. He also has seen Honda's 42-year-run as title sponsor come to an end with this year's tournament.
Kennerly joins "Golf Innerview" host Ann Liguori to discuss all things Honda Classic, including thoughts on a new sponsor, the tournament's place on the calendar and how to draw the PGA Tour's top players back.
CHAPTERS
[1:09] This being Honda’s last year as tournament sponsor after 42 years
[2:00] History of the tournament’s growth
[3:22] Reasons for the tournament's success, including donating $6.4 million to charity
[5:00] How a grounds ticket holder enjoys frills and higher-end feel
[7:00] Not as concerned about getting "elevated" status
[7:14] The need to get a date for the tournament "free of handcuffs" and hats off to Billy Horschel, Shane Lowry for playing
[8:14] Lowry has played eight of nine tournaments to start the season, but loves the Honda Classic
[9:34] On Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Dustin Johnson returning to play in the Honda Classic
[11:00} What Kennerly's day to day is like and his relationships with local corporations
[12:25] Benefits of being a title sponsor
[14:25] The hospitality factor and how it's a benefit for sponsors
[15:41] Good meetings with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan about the future of the event
[16:28] The community's passion for the event
[18.21} On the transformed PGA National Resort and Brookfield’s ownership