The 2026 Cognizant Classic takes center stage on the PGA Tour from February 26 to March 1 at the PGA National’s Champion Course in Florida, as the Florida Swing gets underway.
A demanding par-70 layout with the infamous Bear Trap, PGA National promises another week where patience, precision and courage under pressure are essential to compete.
A 144-man field endures one of the toughest non-major tests of the year, with water in play on most holes and swirling winds often yielding higher scores than a typical PGA Tour stop.
With several in-form names and course horses in the line-up, this year’s Cognizant Classic is perfectly set up for another dramatic Sunday on the Champion Course.
Current Cognizant Classic betting odds for 2026
| Player | Betting |
|---|---|
| Ryan Gerard | 15/1 (+1500) |
| Shane Lowry | 17/1 (+1700) |
| Nicolai Hojgaard | 21/1 (+2100) |
| Rasmus Hojgaard | 21/1 (+2100) |
| Brooks Koepka | 26/1 (+2600) |
| Keith Mitchell | 26/1 (+2600) |
| Michael Thorbjornsen | 26/1 (+2600) |
Leading 2026 Cognizant Classic Contenders
Ryan Gerard
Ryan Gerard returns to PGA National with fond memories after first turning heads here with a standout performance as a qualifier on Monday that effectively kick-started his PGA Tour career.
His game is built around clean ball striking and a confident putting stroke, both essential qualities on a course where bogeys lurk around every turn.
With much more experience and comfort now at this track, Gerard looks set to justify his position towards the top of the betting after a solid start to 2026.
Shane Lowry
Great champion Shane Lowry has an excellent record at PGA National and is routinely ranked on the Cognizant Classic leaderboards.
His ability to let the ball fly in the wind and his excellent short game make him one of the most reliable players when conditions get tough.
Lowry’s patience and course management are tailor-made to survive the Bear Trap, and if he finds a little more conversion with the putter, another Florida title run is within reach.
Nicolai Hojgaard
Nicolai Hojgaard brings explosive power and increasingly refined control this week, with his high-ceiling game perfectly suited to modern PGA Tour setups.
On a course like PGA National, his height can be a big advantage when combined with a disciplined strategy and smart target selection.
Putting the big numbers aside and leaning on his improved wedge play, Nicolai has the firepower to stand out from the rest.
Rasmus Hojgaard
Rasmus Hojgaardlike his twin brother, has already proven he can win against world-class fields. His strength lies in a controlled temperament and a repeatable, efficient swing that holds up well under pressure.
PGA National rewards players who can accept the occasional bogey, stay patient and bounce back quickly, and Rasmus’ mature demeanor on the course makes him a strong candidate to do just that over four tough days.
Keith Mitchell
Former champion Keith Mitchell is a true course horse at PGA National and has repeatedly shown how well his game suits this venue.
Mitchell’s ability to combine distance with accuracy gives him a significant edge on a course where positioning off the tee is critical.
With positive memories and proven success on these greens, he will be a popular choice to compete in front of the Florida crowd again.
Michael Thorbjornsen
Acclaimed young star Michael Thorbjornsen continues his transition from standout amateur to full-time PGA Tour presence.
He stands tall off the tee and is not afraid to tackle aggressive lines. He has the kind of upside that can provide quick breakthroughs if the pieces fall into place.
If he handles the Bear Trap wisely and avoids overcommitting to the dangers that define PGA National, his talent alone could see him appear prominently on the leaderboard next Sunday.
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