The PGA Tour heads east this week as the Florida Swing begins with the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. While the field lacks some of the tour’s biggest stars, that only adds to the intrigue. Rising players, comeback stories and hungry contenders all arrive knowing this is a genuine opportunity to grab a PGA Tour title and serious FedExCup momentum.
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PGA Tour Cognizant Classic Betting Tips
PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens, Thursday 26th - 29th February
Top Picks
Ryan Gerard ($25)
Gerard arrives as one of the most in-form players in the field and is widely viewed as a legitimate contender this week. With several strong finishes already this season, he has built a reputation for consistent tee-to-green play and strong statistical profiles in key categories. In a field without many of the world’s elite names, Gerard’s reliability gives him a real chance to break through for another PGA Tour win. His steady ball striking should translate well to PGA National, where avoiding mistakes is just as important as making birdies.
Daniel Berger ($20)
Berger’s history at PGA National makes him one of the most intriguing contenders in the field. The Florida native is comfortable on this course and has previously shown he can contend here, even leading the tournament late in the past. Now fully healthy and with his game rounding into form again, this event feels like a natural opportunity for him to reassert himself. Berger’s combination of accuracy and local knowledge could be a huge advantage, especially on a course that punishes wayward shots.
Value Picks
Kevin Roy ($46)
Roy continues to fly under the radar but fits the profile of players who succeed at PGA National. Strong approach play and confidence on difficult layouts make him a sneaky contender in a wide-open field. Events like this often produce breakout performances, and Roy’s aggressive scoring ability gives him upside if he can navigate the difficult closing stretch cleanly.
Lee Hodges ($56)
Hodges is exactly the type of player who can quietly climb a leaderboard at PGA National. His consistency tee to green and patient playing style are ideal for a course that punishes risky decisions. In a tournament where avoiding big numbers is crucial, Hodges’ steady approach could translate into a surprisingly high finish.
The Field
The Cognizant Classic field may not include many of the world’s top 25 players, but that opens the door for a wide range of contenders. Ryan Gerard is among the highest-ranked players entering the week, while Shane Lowry, Brooks Koepka and several established names add experience to the mix. The event often becomes a proving ground for rising talent or players looking to revive their seasons.
Defending champion Joe Highsmith returns hoping to repeat his breakthrough victory from last season. Past champions and experienced players familiar with PGA National’s demands also add depth to the field. The mix of veterans and emerging players makes the tournament one of the more unpredictable stops on the schedule.
For many competitors, this event marks a key moment in the Florida Swing. A strong result can create momentum heading toward bigger events such as The Players Championship and the early spring majors.
The Course
PGA National’s Champion Course is one of the most demanding layouts players face outside the majors. Playing as a par 71 at just over 7,100 yards, it isn’t overly long but places a premium on accuracy, particularly with approach shots into small, well-protected greens.
The course’s defining feature is the Bear Trap, the brutal three-hole stretch late in the round that has ended many title hopes. Water hazards, wind and nerve combine to create one of the toughest finishes on the PGA Tour. Even the best players can unravel here if their focus slips.
Scoring at PGA National tends to be volatile. Birdies are available, but the penalty areas and challenging angles mean that discipline is essential. Players who control their ball flight and remain patient usually find themselves near the top of the leaderboard by Sunday evening.
