Golf’s superstars take a step into unknown territory this week as The Concession Golf Club plays host to the Workday Championship, the first World Golf Championship event of the 2021 season. 

Offering huge prize pools bettered only by the sport’s four Majors, WGC events have provided fans with both high quality fields and mesmerising winning performances in recent years. 

But with little known about this week’s venue in Florida, how will events unfold in the Sunshine State? 

Challenging location

Designed by the legendary duo of Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, and named after their famous 1969 Ryder Cup duel, Concession is considered by many amateurs to be one of the USA’s most challenging courses. 

Opened in 2006 and spanning 7,474 yards, it now hosts its first official tour event after the tournament’s usual home at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico was given a year off by PGA officials due to the cornavirus pandemic. 

One man very familiar with the test now facing this week’s competitors is multiple PGA Tour winner and local resident Paul Azinger. 

While Azinger, 61, agrees that the venue nicknamed ‘The Concussion’ has potential to cause players a headache, he would not be surprised to see some rise to the challenge. 

He said: “It’s the kind of golf course that will eat your lunch — it's all you want from those back tees. 

“I say that, but I do think it can be had, too.” 

Bombers hold an edge

Azinger has also suggested that the big hitters will enjoy the course, with extra length proving paramount in Bradenton.

He added: "If you see the golf course from a 310-yard carry distance off the tee, it’s not very hard. 

"But if you carry it around 280 to 290, or anything under 300 really, it becomes a very difficult course. 

"You basically have five dangerous shots out there. Three of those are eliminated for a guy who flies it 310 or more. 

"From a bomber’s eye, it’s not that difficult.” 

Cream rises to the top

With significantly smaller fields than standard PGA Tour events — only 72 players tee off in this week’s tournament — recent WGC renewals have seen the game’s most successful stars excel. 

Excluding the match play event, eight of the last 14 WGC winners have been one of the world’s top three ranked players, while two of the remaining six were inside the top 10. 

The likes of Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy have all tasted recent success, hinting that a familiar face could also emerge triumphant in Florida. 

Key runners

World No1 Johnson, 36, will arrive as a hot favourite. 

The reigning Masters champion secured yet another victory at the Saudi International earlier this month and looked in good form when finishing T8 in last week’s Genesis Invitational. 

His length off the tee and immaculate approach play can contend with nearly any venue — but there are a number who will fancy their chances of landing the trophy. 

Spaniard John Rahm caught the eye in California and appears to be finding his best form again after an equipment change at the turn of the year, while long-drive specialists McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau (pictured above) will view this as a perfect chance to bounce back from recent poor performances. 

Bryson back for more

In fact, the controversial American is one of the only entrants with competitive experience of the course, having won his 2015 NCAA title there as an amateur.

DeChambeau, 27, remains well aware of the challenges that will be posed but is optimistic of making some more good memories this week. 

He said: "If you’re not hitting it well and straight off the tee, it’s nicknamed ‘Concussion’ for a reason.

"But I like the place and we’ll be ready come Thursday."