I’m a huge pro tennis fan, and there’s nothing better to me than watching it live and in-person. Luckily here in Florida there are a few opportunities over the next few months to do just that.
And don’t worry golf fans, your schedule for the next few months is chock full of birdie goodness, and I’ve got you covered here too.
Tennis
Delray Beach Open by The Venetian Las Vegas – February 17 – 23
The Delray Beach Open is the world’s only combined ATP World Tour and ATP Champions Tour event, so not only do you get to see some of today’s greats in action but you also get the added bonus of catching some past champions too.
Last year’s event was won by Ernests Gulbis who beat Edouard Roger-Vasselin in the finals, and the Champions Tour event was won by Carlos Moya who beat John McEnroe in the finals.
This year’s event will be extra special as Andy Roddick will be making his Champions Tour debut at the same tournament where he made his professional debut as an 18 year old.
http://www.yellowtennisball.com/
Sony Open – March 19 – 30
Those of us who have lived in Florida for a long time still affectionately refer to this tournament as “The Lipton”, even though Sony-Ericsson (and now just “Sony”) took over as title sponsor a few years ago.
This is an ATP and WTA tournament that takes place at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.
This tournament was once called the “Winter Wimbledon” and it draws all of the top players who enjoy the South Florida weather this time of year, so you don’t want to miss it.
http://www.sonyopentennis.com/
Golf
The Honda Classic – February 24 – March 2
After a long winter break, Florida golf fans are treated to The Honda Classic, which brings the world’s best PGA TOUR players to Palm Beach County and the PGA National Resort & Spa Champion Course for their first of a string of Springtime Florida tournaments.
Last year Michael Thompson won his first PGA TOUR event by closing with a one-under 69 to seal a two-stroke victory over Geoff Ogilvy.
Top players tentatively expected to play this year include Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson, and many more.
http://www.thehondaclassic.com/
World Golf Championships – Cadillac Championship – March 5-9
The Cadillac Championship held at the newly transformed Trump Doral promises to be so much more than just a golf tournament.
In addition to world-class golf (Tiger Woods is the defending champion) there will also be a Carolina Herrera Fashion Show hosted by Ivanka Trump, as well as a “Live on the Green” concert headlined by Travie McCoy from the rap rock band Gym Class Heroes.
http://www.cadillacchampionship.com/
Valspar Championship – March 10 – 16
Next the tour makes a swing over to the West Coast of Florida for the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor.
Some of the big names will be absent from this event but plenty of recognizable names nonetheless.
http://www.valsparchampionship.com/
Arnold Palmer Invitational – March 20-23
The next stop is at “Arnie’s House” at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando.
Defending champion Tiger Woods is slated to go up against a “who’s who” of golf greats.
As a past spectator at this event, I can tell you it’s one of the most fun golf events to attend.
http://www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com/
TPC Sawgrass – May 8-11
The last major golf tournament of the year in Florida takes place at the TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra.
The Player’s Championship began back in 1974 and is one of the most coveted titles in golf, outside of the four majors.
The course’s signature island green on the par-3, 17th hole is one of the most recognizable in golf and a great place to park yourself in the afternoon to catch the top players as they wrap up their rounds.
http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/the-players-championship.html