2026 Cognizant Classic: How to Watch, Tee Times, and Field Preview
The 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches is set to begin on February 26th at PGA National’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This event marks the first non-signature event in three weeks on the PGA Tour, and while several top players are opting to rest or prepare for the Masters, the tournament still boasts a competitive field.
How to Watch the Cognizant Classic
Golf fans have several options for tuning into the 2026 Cognizant Classic:
- TV: NBC and Golf Channel will provide live television coverage throughout the tournament.
- Streaming: PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will offer comprehensive streaming coverage, including exclusive early coverage and featured group/hole coverage. Peacock will also simulcast NBC’s coverage.
TV Schedule
| Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, February 26 | 2-6 p.m. | Golf Channel |
| Friday, February 27 | 2-6 p.m. | Golf Channel |
| Saturday, February 28 | 1-3 p.m. | Golf Channel |
| Saturday, February 28 | 3-6 p.m. | NBC |
| Sunday, March 1 | 1-3 p.m. | Golf Channel |
| Sunday, March 1 | 3-6 p.m. | NBC |
Tournament Details
- What: 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches
- Where: PGA National Champion Course, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
- When: February 26 – March 1, 2026
- Purse: $9.6 million ($1.728 million winner’s share)
Field Highlights
The 121-player field will be without several top-ranked golfers, including Rory McIlroy, who is using the time for practice rounds in preparation for his Masters title defense . Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Collin Morikawa are also skipping the event .
Despite these absences, the tournament will feature notable players such as:
- Ryan Gerard (ranked 26th)
- Shane Lowry (ranked 31st)
- Brooks Koepka, making his third start of his PGA Tour return
- Max Homa
- Tom Kim
- Will Zalatoris
- Sepp Straka
Defending champion Joe Highsmith will also return to compete .
Betting Odds and Favorites
According to early odds, Shane Lowry and Ryan Gerard are the favorites . Brooks Koepka is also expected to be a strong contender, particularly given his familiarity with PGA National.
Tee Times
Official tee times for the first and second rounds will be released closer to the tournament start date.