2025 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches Preview & Picks

The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort’s Champion Course marks the ninth event of the 2025 PGA TOUR season and the kickoff to the “Florida Swing.”

Tournament Information:

• Dates: February 27th – March 2nd, 2025
• Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States
• Course: PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)
• Course Type: Florida
• Par: 71 (4x 3’s / 11x 4’s / 3x 5’s)
• Length: 7,167 yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass .080”
• Fairways: Perennial ryegrass overseed .350”
• Rough: Perennial ryegrass overseed 2.5”
• Bunkers: 60
• Water Hazard(s): – (In-Play on 15 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 7,000 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 12.0 ft.
• Purse/ Winner: $9,200,000 /$1,656,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 500
• Field: 144 Players
• Cut: Top 65 and Ties- 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Sudden Death (18, 17, 17 repeated)
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2024: 70.10 (-0.90), Rank 20 of 51
  • 2023: 70.36 (+0.36), Rank 13 of 49
  • 2022: 71.34 (+1.34), Rank 7 of 50
• Historic Cut Line:
• 2024: -2
• 2023: +1
• 2022: +1

Social Media:

• Course X: @PGANatl
• Tournament X: @the_cognizant

Course Information:

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: Tom and George Fazio (1981)
• Renovations: Jack Nicklaus (2002, 2014 (redesign), 2018)

Comparable Courses:

• Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Arnold Palmer Invitational – RESULTS
  • Florida Course, Bermudagrass Greens, Water in play on the majority of holes, Approach play is key
• Waialae Country Club – Sony Open – RESULTS
  • Wind Exposed, Bermudagrass Greens, Approach play is key
• Concession Golf Club – 2021 WGC-Workday Championship – RESULTS
  • Florida Course, Nicklaus Designed, Bermudagrass Greens, Water in play on the majority of holes, Approach play is key

Comparable Location (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida):

• Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando, Florida – Arnold Palmer Invitational
• TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Verda Beach, Florida – THE PLAYERS Championship
• Innisbrook Resort – Palm Harbor, Florida – Valspar Championship

Designer Link (Tom and George Fazio):

• Corales Golf Course – Tom Fazio (2010) – Corales Puntacana Championship
• Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside Course) – Tom Fazio Renovation (1999) – RSM Classic

Comparable Yardage (7,167 Yards):

• Sedgefield Country Club – 7,131 Yards – Wyndham Championship
• PGA WEST (Nicklaus) – 7,147 Yards – The American Express

Comparable Greens (TifEagle bermudagrass .080”):

• Kapalua (Plantation) – TifEagle bermudagrass .115” – Sentry ToC
• PGA WEST (Nicklaus) – TifEagle bermudagrass .110” – The American Express
• Bay Hill Club & Lodge – TifEagle bermudagrass .110” – Arnold Palmer Invitational
• Port Royal Golf Course – TifEagle Bermudagrass .130″ – Butterfield Bermuda Championship
• Sea Island Golf Club – TifEagle bermudagrass – RSM Classic

Comparable Average Green Size (7,000 sq. ft.):

• PGA WEST (Nicklaus Tournament Course) – 7, 000 sq. ft. – The American Express
• Memorial Park Golf Course – 7, 000 sq. ft. – Texas Children’s Houston Open
• The Renaissance Club – 7,000 sq. ft. – Genesis Scottish Open
• Black Desert Resort – 7,000 sq. ft. – Black Desert Championship
• Vidanta Vallarta – 7,000 sq. ft. – Mexico Open at Vidanta

TV Information (all times ET):

• Round 1: Thursday, February 27th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 6:45 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Round 2: Friday, February 28th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 6:45 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, March 1st, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 6:45 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • NBC – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, March 2nd, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 6:45 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
  • NBC – 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

The Florida Swing of the PGA Tour kicks off with the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. This tournament dates back to 1972, originally known as the Jackie Gleason-Inverrary Classic. It was co-sponsored by National Airlines until 1981, when American Motors Corporation took over. Honda became the title sponsor in 1982, holding the role for over four decades until 2023, when Cognizant, an IT company, stepped in, bringing a new name — the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches.

Since 2007, PGA National has been the event’s permanent home, featuring six courses, with “The Champion” serving as the tournament’s battleground. Designed by Tom and George Fazio in 1981, the course has seen multiple renovations led by Jack Nicklaus’ design team. Major updates came in 2014, including adjustments to the par-four 14th hole and expansions of several greens (Nos. 1, 9, 15, and 17). In 2019, palmetto palms were removed from the 9th hole to ease approach shots. More changes followed in 2022, with bunkers removed from Nos. 13 and 16, and reductions made to those on Nos. 17 and 18.

Following the 2023 tournament, the course’s par was adjusted from 70 to 71, with the 10th hole reclassified from a par 4 to a par 5. In May 2023, the fairway lines were expanded to match the grassing patterns from 2012-13, adding an acre of fairway grass compared to the previous year.

Previous Tournament Venues:

Previous Tournament Names:

Tournament Records:

• 72-Hole Record:
  • 264, Justin Leonard (2003 at Mirasol)

• Most Wins at Event:
  • 2, Jack Nicklaus (1977, 1978); Johnny Miller (1980, 1983); Mark Calcavecchia (1987, 1998); Pádraig Harrington (2005, 2015)

Course Records:

• 72-Hole Record (PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)):
  • 266, Chris Kirk (2023), Eric Cole (2023)

• 18-Hole Record (PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)):
  • 61, Brian Harman (Round 2, 2012), Matt Jones (Round 1, 2021)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

PGA National poses as one of the most formidable challenges on the Tour, rivaling even the Majors. Last year was the first time in the past five editions that the scoring average was below par.

Last year, the Champions Course at PGA National unveiled a new layout, now playing as a par 71 spanning 7,147 yards. Noteworthy alterations include the transformation of No. 10 into a 530-yard par 5. Additionally, fairway lines were widened in May of the preceding year, returning to the grassing lines from 2012-13, with an additional acre of fairway grass added since the previous year.

The course’s principal defense lies in its abundant water hazards, affecting nearly every hole (15 out of 18). Despite its relatively short layout, these water features can compel layups on certain holes. Moreover, the course is highly susceptible to winds, which can significantly impact approach shots.

The “Bear-Trap” will also be a phrase that’s referred to a lot this week and that’s in reference to Holes 15-16-17. All of these holes were played over par last year which leads to an exciting finish. Holes 15 and 17 are Par 3’s both under 200 yards with water being a major factor. Hole 16 is a Par 4 that forces players to hit a tough approach shot into a tight green that’s protected on all sides.

The four Par 3’s range between 175 yards and 226 yards. In terms of stats, the majority (two) of the Par 3’s range between 175 – 200 yards. Last year, all of the Par 3’s had a scoring average over par.

No. 15, 179 yards, Par 3: This is the start of the ‘Bear Trap’ and while it’s not the longest of the Par 3’s on the course, it is the toughest playing 0.114 strokes over par last year. Players will try and hit an iron into a diagonal green that slopes towards the water on the right. A bunker protects the back of the green which has proven to be a challenge in the past given the limited landing area.

The majority of the eleven Par 4’s range between 400-500 yards. No. 1 is the shortest listed at 365 yards with the longest being No. 6, playing 479 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest Par 4 on the course last year was No. 6 (+0.203).

No. 6, 479 yards, Par 4: This is a long par-4 playing 479 yards that is normally a par-5 but is changed for this event. Last year, this was the toughest par-4 on the course playing 0.258 strokes over par. Off the tee, it’s extremely narrow with water to the left and fairway bunkers on the right. From there, players will try and hit a shot into a small green that, you guessed it, is surrounded by more water and bunkers. The green is a three-tiered green which can leave some difficult putts depending on the pin location for the day.

There are three Par 5s on the course, No. 3, No. 10, No. 14, and No. 18. All of the Par 5s had a scoring average under par last year.

No. 18, 556 yards, Par 5:  It’s a double dogleg par 5 that first goes left and then right. Off the tee, players will have water and bunkers along both sides. From there, it gets a little more difficult as they have to weigh the risk vs reward for their second shot. The green is nestled between numerous bunkers and water which can come into play if they flair one out left.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 15-17 (Bear Trap)

Key Statistics:

The Mexico Open takes place at PGA National Resort (The Champion Course). Here are the key statistics to keep an eye on for this week’s event.

Per DataGolf, this is the favored skillset at PGA National Resort (The Champion Course).

• Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
  • Success this week will hinge on players’ ability to position themselves effectively off the tee. While the course’s considerable length underscores the significance of distance, precision holds equal importance. Over the past six editions of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, five of the winners have ranked 12th or better in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee amongst the field.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Taylor Pendrith
    • Luke Clanton
    • Taylor Moore
    • Daniel Berger
    • Alejandro Tosti
    • Patrick Rodgers
    • Davis Thompson
    • Rico Hoey
    • Bud Cauley
    • Jesper Svensson

• Strokes Gained: Approach
  • Excellent approach play has been a key factor in determining success at this week’s tournament. Over the past six editions of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, five of the winners have ranked 8th or better in Strokes Gained: Approach amongst the field.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Antoine Rozner
    • Nicolai Hojgaard
    • J.J. Spaun
    • Lucas Glover
    • Kurt Kitayama
    • Francesco Molinari
    • Sepp Straka
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Doug Ghim
    • McClure (Mac) Meissner

• Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
  • The green complexes at PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) are TifEagle bermudagrass. Over the past three editions of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, every winner has ranked 15th or better in Strokes Gained: Putting amongst the field.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Braden Thornberry
    • Beau Hossler
    • Taylor Montgomery
    • Mackenzie Hughes
    • Davis Riley
    • Russell Henley
    • Max Greyserman
    • Frankie Capan III
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout

• Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards
  • Five of the eleven Par 4’s at PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) range between 450-500 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Alejandro Tosti
    • Joe Highsmith
    • Daniel Berger
    • Alex Smalley
    • Russell Henley
    • Samuel Stevens
    • Jordan Spieth
    • Michael Kim
    • Eric Cole
    • Luke Clanton

• Par 5 Scoring: 500-550 Yards
  • Two of the three Par 5’s at PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) range between 500-550 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Taylor Moore
    • Taylor Pendrith
    • Lee Hodges
    • Kurt Kitayama
    • Ryan Fox
    • Jackson Suber
    • Jake Knapp
    • Charley Hoffman
    • Jhonattan Vegas
    • Matthias Schmid

• Bogey Avoidance
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Bud Cauley
    • Samuel Stevens
    • Michael Kim
    • Brian Harman
    • Nicolai Hojgaard
    • Seamus Power
    • Alex Smalley
    • Lucas Glover
    • McClure (Mac) Meissner
    • Kurt Kitayama

• Scrambling Gained
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout
    • Brian Campbell
    • Alex Smalley
    • Luke Donald
    • Will Chandler
    • Bud Cauley
    • Thorbjorn Olesen
    • Paul Peterson
    • Michael Kim
    • McClure (Mac) Meissner

• Proximity Gained: 175-200 Yards
  • PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) sees a significantly higher volume of approach shots from the 175-200 yard range compared to the PGA Tour average.

• Leaders in Proximity Gained 175-200 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
  • Antoine Rozner
  • Nicolai Hojgaard
  • Sepp Straka
  • Henrik Norlander
  • Joel Dahmen
  • Gary Woodland
  • Max McGreevy
  • Rafael Campos
  • Andrew Putnam
  • Kurt Kitayama

• Comparable Courses and Event History
  • The Data Golf Course History Tool suggests that past success at PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) has been a slight predictor of future performance in this tournament.

• Leaders in this category (Stokes Gained Total at PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)):
  • Shane Lowry
  • Sepp Straka
  • Chris Kirk
  • Sam Ryder
  • Russell Henley
  • Sungjae Im
  • Byeong Hun An
  • Cheng Tsung (C. T.) Pan
  • Daniel Berger
  • Jhonattan Vegas

The Field:

This year’s Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches will feature a total of 144 competitors. Among them are ten of the top fourty players in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

• Tournament Winner in Past Two Seasons.
• Leading 10 players (not otherwise exempt) on DP World Tour
• Top 70 on Prior Year FEC Playoff & Elig List through the Playoffs
• Top 125 FedExCup Fall Point Lists
• Winners of the Arnold Palmer, Memorial, Genesis (Last 3 Years )
• Leading Points Winner from DP World Tour
• Players 2-30 on the Prior Season Korn Ferry Tour Points List
• Top 5 Finishers and Ties from PGA TOUR Q-School
• Top 10 and Ties from the Previous Event.
• 300 PGA TOUR Career Cuts Made
• PGA TOUR University #1 – Prior Season
• PGA Section Champion\Player of the Year.
• Designated Sponsor Exemptions
• Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt.
• Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
• Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted.
• Career Money Exemption.
• Major Medical Extension.
• Top Finishers from Korn Ferry Tour Medical.
• Open Qualifying.

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

• Austin Eckroat (2024), Chris Kirk (2023), Sepp Straka (2022), Sungjae Im (2020), Keith Mitchell (2019), Rickie Fowler (2017), Russell Henley (2014), Camilo Villegas (2010), Luke Donald (2006), Matt Kuchar (2002)

Debutants in the Field:

• Antoine Rozner, Ben Polland, Braden Thornberry, Brian Campbell, Cristobal Del Solar, Danny Walker, Frankie Capan III, Isaiah Salinda, Jackson Suber, Jeremy Paul, Jesper Svensson, John Pak, Jordan Spieth, Kaito Onishi, Karl Vilips, Kevin Velo, Luke Clanton, Mason Andersen, Matt McCarty, Michael Thorbjornsen, Niklas Norgaard Moller, Noah Goodwin, Paul Peterson, Paul Waring, Quade Cummins, Ricky Castillo, Rikuya Hoshino, Steven Fisk, Taylor Dickson, Thomas Rosenmueller, Thriston Lawrence, Tim Widing, Will Chandler, William Mouw

Exemptions:

• Ricky Castillo – Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
• Will Chandler – Sponsor Exemptions: DPWT / Korn Ferry Tour / Q-School Category
• Luke Clanton – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
• Pierceson Coody – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
• Luke Donald – Sponsors Exemptions – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
• Zach Johnson – PGA TOUR Member not otherwise exempt
• Kevin Kisner – Career Money Exemption
• Ryan Palmer – Career Money Exemption
• Brandt Snedeker – Career Money Exemption
• Jackson Suber – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted
• Kris Ventura – Sponsors Exemptions – Unrestricted

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

• Aldrich Potgieter WD -> Paul Peterson IN
• Sam Stevens WD -> Karl Vilips IN 

The Odds:

Here are the current favorites for this week’s event:

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

• Will There Be a Playoff at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches? (Yes +350 / No -500)

Hole-in-One:

• Will There Be A Hole-in-One at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches? (Yes +115/ No -155)

Recent Horses for Courses (PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)):

Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):

• 2024: Austin Eckroat (-23)
  • Price: 50-1

• 2023: Chris Kirk (-14)
  • Price: 25-1

• 2022: Sepp Straka (-10)
  • Price: 125-1

• 2021: Matt Jones (-12)
  • Price: 80-1

• 2020: Sungjae Im (-6)
  • Price: 35-1

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

• 2024: Austin Eckroat
  • T38 – Mexico Open (PGA)
  • MC – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T37 – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
  • T25 – The American Express (PGA)
  • T42 – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)

• 2023: Chris Kirk
  • MC – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T3 – The American Express (PGA)
  • 3 – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)
  • MC – The RSM Classic (PGA)
  • T64 – World Wide Technology Championship (PGA)

• 2022: Sepp Straka
  • T15 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • 66 – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T16 – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
  • T49 – The American Express (PGA)
  • T42 – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)

• 2021: Matt Jones
  • T55 – THE PLAYERS Championship (PGA)
  • MC – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T8 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T34 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
  • T30 – Waste Management Phoenix Open (PGA)

• 2020: Sungjae Im
  • T29 – WGC-Mexico Championship (PGA)
  • MC – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T34 – Waste Management Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T36 – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
  • T10 – The American Express (PGA)

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2024: Austin Eckroat

2023: Chris Kirk

2022: Sepp Straka

2021: Matt Jones

2020: Sungjae Im

Picks:

Apologies for the absence of writeups this week — they’ll be back next week!

Outrights

Daniel Berger (+2500) – DraftKings

Alex Smalley (+5500) – BetMGM

Patrick Rodgers (+5500) – FanDuel

Gary Woodland (+6000) – BetMGM

Jhonattan Vegas (+6600) – BetMGM

Bud Cauley (+7500) – FanDuel

Ryan Gerard (+8000) – FanDuel

Top 20 (Inc. Ties)

Shane Lowry (+100) – DraftKings

Taylor Moore (+210) – DraftKings

Top 40 (Inc. Ties)

Kevin Roy (+120) – BetMGM

Ryo Hisatsune (+160) – BetMGM

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.