Koepka Returns to Florida Swing as Cognizant Classic Field Takes Shape

The PGA Tour’s Florida swing begins this week with the 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, played at the PGA National Champion Course. While the field is missing several top players following Signature Events, it features notable major champions including Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry. Koepka is making his third start of the season after returning to the PGA Tour earlier this year.

Current Odds and Favorites

As of February 24, 2026, Ryan Gerard and Shane Lowry are co-favorites to win the tournament, both listed at +1600 odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Brooks Koepka currently sits at +3300 after missing the cut at the WM Phoenix Open. Other contenders include Nicolai Højgaard (+1900), Rasmus Højgaard (+2200), and Michael Thorbjornsen (+2200). A full list of odds is available here.

Koepka’s Recent Performance and History at PGA National

Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has been closely watched. He missed the cut at the WM Phoenix Open on February 8, 2026, and barely made the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. His last appearance at the Cognizant Classic (previously known as the Honda Classic) was in 2022, where he finished tied for 16th at even par, posting rounds of 68-72-71-69 according to PGA Tour statistics.

Tournament Details and Payouts

The 2026 Cognizant Classic will be held from February 26 to March 1 at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The total purse is $9.6 million, with the winner receiving $1.728 million as reported by Yahoo Sports. The tournament offers 500 FedExCup points to the winner.

Broadcast Schedule

Coverage of the Cognizant Classic will be broadcast as follows (all times ET):

• Thursday & Friday: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. On Golf Channel
• Saturday & Sunday: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. On Golf Channel, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. On NBC

Expert Predictions and Longshots

According to a model built by DFS pro Mike McClure at SportsLine, Shane Lowry is a golfer to fade, not expected to finish in the top 3. The model identifies Daniel Berger as a strong longshot contender, predicting he will finish in the top six at +2700 odds. The model has a proven track record, having correctly predicted 16 major championships entering the weekend, including the 2025 Masters and PGA Championship.

Field Updates

Several notable players have withdrawn from the tournament, including Ben Griffin, Adam Scott, and Jacob Bridgeman, leaving Ryan Gerard as the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 26 in the Official World Golf Rankings, followed by Shane Lowry at No. 31 as reported by Yahoo Sports.