Lowry Favored at Cognizant Classic as Koepka Returns to PGA Tour
County Offaly’s Shane Lowry is the favorite with some bookmakers to win the 2026 Cognizant Classic, a PGA Tour event taking place at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This comes after several leading players withdrew from the tournament as reported by the Irish Star.
A Weaker Field and Lowry’s Position
Lowry leads the betting alongside Ryan Gerard for the $9.6 million event. The field is considered one of the weakest on the PGA Tour this season, as many top players are prioritizing the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship next month. Lowry, who resides in nearby Jupiter, Florida, is priced as low as +1,100 to win the title.
Koepka’s Return and Other Contenders
Brooks Koepka, who recently rejoined the PGA Tour after a stint with LIV Golf, is priced at +2,500 to win according to the Irish Star. This marks his third tournament appearance since returning to the tour. Two-time PGA Tour winner Seamus Power is an outside shot at +5,500. Ryder Cup winner Nicolai Hojgaard is third in the betting at +1,400, with his twin brother Rasmus close behind at +1,600. Michael Thorbjornsen is likewise considered a contender.
Lowry’s Perspective on Koepka’s Return
Shane Lowry has expressed a shift in his focus regarding the movements of players between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He stated he’s stopped worrying about what other players are doing and is concentrating on his own game as reported by Yahoo Sports. He acknowledged meeting with Koepka recently and knowing about his return.
Lowry’s Previous Stance on Player Movements
Lowry previously spent a year on the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council (PAC) concerned with player movements, but found it “miserable.” He has since made a conscious decision to focus solely on his own golf according to Irish Golfer Magazine.
Recent Odds and Predictions
As of February 23, 2026, Ryan Gerard opened as the favorite at +1400, with Lowry at +1600 via PGATour.com. However, a computer model at SportsLine is fading Lowry, predicting he will finish outside the top 3, and is high on Daniel Berger as a longshot.