Cognizant Classic Tees Off as PGA Tour’s Florida Swing Begins
The PGA Tour’s highly anticipated “Florida Swing” officially begins with the Cognizant Classic, set to take place at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. As the tournament kicks off on Thursday, a field of elite golfers will compete on the par-71, 7,167-yard Champion Course, battling for a $9.2 million purse, with the winner set to take home $1.656 million.
Defending champion Austin Eckroat returns to defend his title after last year’s commanding three-stroke victory. Meanwhile, FedEx Cup leader Ludvig Aberg looks to continue his strong form as the field battles through PGA National’s notorious “Bear Trap.”
With only a few weeks remaining before The Players Championship, this event also presents a final opportunity for players to climb into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking or the top 10 in the FedExCup standings to secure a coveted spot at TPC Sawgrass.
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Key Storylines Entering the Cognizant Classic
Ongoing Battle for The Players Championship Spots
For many competitors, this tournament serves as a last-ditch effort to qualify for The Players Championship. The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking and the top 10 in the FedExCup standings after the tournament will punch their ticket.
Additionally, this event is the final leg of the Aon Swing 5, which awards five players entry into next week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. Currently, the top five players in that race include Aldrich Potgieter, Isaiah Salinda, Ben Griffin, Joel Dahmen, and Nicolai Hojgaard.
Jordan Spieth’s Tournament Debut
Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth will make his Cognizant Classic debut, marking just his fourth start since returning from wrist surgery last August. After an impressive T4 finish at the WM Phoenix Open, Spieth struggled at the Genesis Invitational, missing the cut. This week provides him with an opportunity to regain momentum as he works back into peak form.
Florida State’s Luke Clanton Chases PGA Tour Membership
Florida State University junior Luke Clanton needs to make the cut this week to officially earn full PGA Tour membership through the University Accelerated Program. Clanton enters the event in strong form, coming off a victory in last week’s Watersound Invitational.
Other sponsor exemptions include Ryder Cup captains Luke Donald and Zach Johnson, both looking to test their games at PGA National.
Prop Bets to Watch
Sepp Straka to Beat Russell Henley (-105 at DraftKings)
Russell Henley is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 17, with two top-10 finishes in four starts this season. However, Straka has also been in excellent form, winning The American Express and following up with top-15 finishes at Pebble Beach and Phoenix. While Henley has an edge historically, Straka’s recent play makes this matchup a compelling bet.
Shane Lowry Top 20 Finish (+100 at BetRivers)
With three consecutive top-five finishes at PGA National, Shane Lowry enters the tournament as one of the strongest contenders. The 19th-ranked player in the world finished solo second at Pebble Beach before struggling to T39 at the Genesis Invitational. Given the weaker field this week, a top-20 finish seems like a solid bet.
Taylor Pendrith Top Canadian (+125 at DraftKings)
Pendrith has been remarkably consistent, with six top-10 finishes in his last 17 worldwide starts. While he missed the cut at PGA National last year, he has improved significantly since then, securing his first PGA Tour victory at The CJ Cup Byron Nelson. His biggest challenger for top Canadian status is Mackenzie Hughes (+300), followed by Adam Svensson (+360) and Ben Silverman (+400).
Best Bets to Win the Cognizant Classic
Shane Lowry (+2000 at DraftKings)
Lowry’s history at PGA National makes him a clear favorite. Three consecutive top-five finishes, including a 54-hole lead last year, show he knows how to navigate the course. He currently holds 7% of the total money wagered, making him the second-most backed golfer this week.
Sungjae Im (+2200 at DraftKings)
Im has struggled in recent weeks, with his best finish being T33 in his last three starts. However, the 2020 Cognizant Classic champion knows how to win at PGA National, making him an intriguing pick for a bounce-back performance.
Russell Henley (+2200 at DraftKings)
The 2014 Cognizant Classic champion has already recorded two top-10 finishes in 2025, including a strong showing at Pebble Beach. With 6% of total money wagered on him, bettors believe he has a solid chance of securing his second victory at PGA National.
Sepp Straka (+2500 at DraftKings)
Ranked No. 19, Straka has already claimed a 2025 victory at The American Express. His solid all-around game makes him a strong dark horse candidate, with 4% of the total bets placed on him to win.
Daniel Berger (+2800 at DraftKings)
Berger, a Jupiter, Florida native, has been in strong form, finishing T2 at Phoenix and 12th at the Genesis Invitational. His local knowledge gives him an edge, and he leads the field with 9% of the money wagered backing him to claim his first victory since 2021.
Austin Eckroat (+5000 at DraftKings)
The defending champion enters with long-shot odds, but his 23 birdies during last year’s tournament showcase his ability to score at PGA National. If he finds that rhythm again, he could be in contention come Sunday.
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Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Tournament on the PGA Tour Calendar
The Cognizant Classic marks a critical moment in the season, providing a final opportunity for players to qualify for The Players Championship while also serving as a key warm-up for upcoming signature events.
For contenders like Shane Lowry and Russell Henley, strong past performances at PGA National make them clear favorites. Meanwhile, dark horses such as Sepp Straka and Daniel Berger could surprise the field if they continue their recent strong form.
With Ovechkin closing in on history, Jordan Spieth returning to action, and rising stars looking to make their mark, the Cognizant Classic promises high-stakes drama as the PGA Tour’s Florida Swing begins.
