Betting
2026 Cognizant Classic Tips, Odds and Predictions (PGA National)
The 2026 edition of the Cognizant Classic gets started at the PGA National’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, from Thursday, 26 February to Sunday, 1 March. We will cover the latest odds, best betting suggestions, and our prediction for the winner of this year’s event. For fans or betting enthusiasts wanting more information or further insight, we suggest visiting our Golf Betting Hub for further insights.
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Joe Highsmith of the United States reacts to a putt on the 14th green
Where to Watch the Cognizant Classic 2026
The tournament is fully covered across both streaming services and traditional television. Here is a summary of the options you have to watch through the weekend.
Where to Watch the Cognizant Classic
| Day | Streaming (ESPN+) | TV (Golf Channel / CBS) |
| Thursday | Morning coverage | Golf Channel (afternoon window) |
| Friday | Morning coverage | Golf Channel (afternoon window) |
| Saturday | Morning coverage | Golf Channel early / CBS late |
| Sunday | Morning coverage | CBS final round |
Latest Odds and Win Probability
The early betting suggestions from the Cognizant Classic suggest that the field this year is wide open, which should be music to bettors’ ears. Here is a snapshot of the outright winner odds from leading bookmakers in the United States.
Latest Odds and Win Probability
| Player | Odds | Implied Win % |
| Shane Lowry | +1400 | 6.7% |
| Sungjae Im | +1600 | 5.9% |
| Russell Henley | +1800 | 5.3% |
| Wyndham Clark | +2000 | 4.8% |
| Sepp Straka | +2200 | 4.3% |
| Min Woo Lee | +2800 | 3.4% |
| Billy Horschel | +3500 | 2.8% |
| Alex Noren | +4500 | 2.2% |
An interesting point worth considering is that this is a venue where favourites rarely dominate. So, while odds will move as we get closer to tee-off time, don’t follow these market movers too stringently.
Riviera Course Fit: What Actually Matters for Bettors
The PGA National is a par 70 course, but do not get terribly bogged down by the distance – it is control that is largely the moneymaker here.
Key Betting Takeaways
- Ball-striking under pressure: Small greens will punish loose approach shots; consistency will be key.
- Wind management: Coastal gusts turn mid-irons into survival shots without any prior warning.
- Bogey avoidance: This event rewards patience more than birdie streaks.
- Scrambling efficiency: Run-offs and shaved areas expose weak short games.
Putting on Bermuda: Comfort on grainy, fast surfaces matters late Sunday.
Contenders to Watch
Favourites
- Shane Lowry
Lowry is arguably the player with the best-suited profile for the demands of the PGA National. His control and consistency, even in adverse weather conditions makes him a serious contender here. - Sungjae Im
He has managed to consistently achieve strong results in this course, and so backing him to find another strong weekend showing might be worth the proverbial nod. Don’t overlook him in a hurry.
Challengers
- Russell Henley
He isn’t always able to find a big finish, but given his propensity for accurate driving and positive wedge play, he is certainly one to consider at this course. - Wyndham Clark
He will always be one to watch in open play, but given that his recent form suggests that he is once again enjoying life with his putter, gives him an outside chance. - Sepp Straka
He is a strategic player with a strong sense of patience and meticulous play. When you talk about solid ball-striking, he is certainly a contender. Keep an eye on him here.
Outsiders
Min Woo Lee
His talent is without question, but given that his game is also often sporadic and without consistency, he will need to bring his best to the course this weekend.
Billy Horshel
Horshel has shown a degree of familiarity and comfort when playing in Florida; on that alone, we would suggest considering his chances for any outside betting suggestions here
Suggested Bets
Top 10 Finish: Sungjae Im (+200, FanDuel Sportsbook). Course history plus consistency make him a reliable placement bet.
Balanced – Outright Winner: Shane Lowry (+1400, BetMGM). His control of the wind and openness to scrambling when necessary give him a winning edge on a volatile leaderboard.
Matchup – Head-to-Head: Russell Henley over Wyndham Clark (-110, DraftKings Sportsbook). Henley’s accuracy edge suits PGA National’s penalty areas.
Value Bets
Top 10 Longshot: Alex Noren (+450, Caesars Sportsbook). He is an excellent wind player with a controlled ball flight—ideal for survival golf and testing conditions.
First-Round Leader (FRL): Min Woo Lee (+5500, BetRivers). His aggressive style suits calmer Thursday conditions before the pressure of Sunday builds.
Make-the-Cut Bet: Billy Horschel (-125, Hard Rock Bet). He will always play with reliable course management and Bermuda putting offer solid cut equity.
2026 Cognizant Classic Prediction
Best Single Bet: Shane Lowry – Outright Winner
For us, Lowry’s ability to play consistently with his irons in the most testing weather conditions, play scramble golf when necessary, and remain patient even under incredible pressure makes his chances here incredibly strong. You can expect a degree of volatility this weekend, but amid the madness, get behind consistent skill.
FAQs
It is held at PGA National’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Players with strong wind control, disciplined course management, and reliable scrambling tend to outperform pure power hitters.
Yes. The standard 36-hole cut applies.
Live odds are available through regulated US golf betting sites, including BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and others.
Ryan Liberty is an experienced sports writer whose work has been featured in a range of well-known sports publications.