The Cognizant Classic Betting Tips
The PGA Tour’s ‘Florida Swing’ begins with this week’s Cognizant Classic, which is played on the Champion Course at PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens.
A par 71 measuring 7,223 yards, accuracy off the tee and on approach will be key to success, especially when the players get to the iconic ‘Bear Trap’ stretch from holes 15-17.
Host of this event since 2007, the 1983 Ryder Cup and the 1987 PGA Championship have also been staged here. Irishman Shane Lowry leads the betting this week at 12/1, with Ryan Gerard following closely behind at 14/1.
Nicolai Hojgaard has shown some solid form this season and, along with twin brother Rasmus, the pair can be backed at 20/1.
Michael Thorbjornsen comes next at 22/1, ahead of the 28/1 shots of Aaron Rai, Brooks Koepka, Daniel Berger and Keith Mitchell.
Tip 1 – Ryan Gerard to win (each-way) @ 14/1
It has been a solid start to the season for American Ryan Gerard, who was runner-up at the Sony Open in Hawaii in his first outing of 2026 before sharing second at The American Express.
The 26-year-old also had a near-miss in his final appearance of 2025, ending up second at the Mauritius Open, and a second PGA Tour title does not seem to be far away.
Gerard ranks eighth for strokes gained approach on the US circuit this season and he has fond memories of playing the Cognizant Classic, having finished fourth on debut and tied-25th last year.
He has never shot a round higher than 71 at this course and it would be no surprise to see him in the mix come Sunday.
Tip 2 – Chris Kirk to win (each-way) @ 50/1
There is plenty of value to be had this week due to a weaker field and Chris Kirk could be worth a look at 40/1.
The 40-year-old may not be firing on all cylinders heading into this event, but since a tied-12th finish at the 2025 US Open, he recorded a further four top-15 finishes in his next seven events.
Solace can be found in the fact Kirk has made 10 cuts from 14 appearances at this tournament, even winning it in 2023 when beating Eric Cole in a play-off.
Over his last four Cognizant appearances, the American has shot 10 rounds in the 60s and he could be in for another strong appearance, especially as he ranks 13th in strokes gained approach this season.
Tip 3 – Sam Ryder to win (each-way) @ 100/1
Sam Ryder has played in five of the last six editions of the Cognizant Classic, finishing no lower than 53rd in that period, and he looks like an each-way play this week at big odds.
The 36-year-old finished tied-eighth here in 2021 - carding a brilliant 63 in round two - and then tied-ninth the following year.
Last year, Ryder opened up with a 64 but faded away over the next three days, eventually settling for a share of 48th position.
He clearly has the ability to get around this course and he can not be discounted given the amount of juice in his price.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation