After the electrifying Mexico Open at Vidanta, which saw Brian Campbell clinch the victory, the golfing world is already gearing up for the next significant event on the PGA Tour calendar, the eagerly anticipated Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches 2025. The tournament, with a hefty purse of $9.2 million, is expected to serve up a thrilling face-off between golf’s most elite players.
The Champion Course of PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will host the event from February 26–March 2, marking the official commencement of Florida’s PGA Tour leg. The competition boasts a glamorous lineup of golfing talents, including the defending champion Austin Eckroat. The anticipation is high among fans for an exhilarating week of golf on the notoriously challenging course.
Here, we delve into the top five players you should keep an eye on for this event:
1. Shane Lowry:
Shane Lowry, an undeniable top bet for the Cognizant Classic 2025, has often voiced his admiration for the PGA National event. A previous tournament saw him lose out on a win due to a sudden Florida hurricane. Lowry’s return to the course signifies his quest for redemption. Over the last five seasons, he has ranked #1 in SG: Total, highlighting his impressive performance on Florida courses. His recent second-place finish at Pebble Beach is a testament to his preparedness for an imminent victory.
2. Sungjae Im:
Sungjae Im, the 2019 Rookie of the Year, is another player to watch out for at PGA National. Im’s performance in Florida, specifically on this course—which he conquered in 2020—is exceptional. He ranks #1 on water-heavy layouts and #2 in Florida in terms of strokes gained in total. His superior iron play gives him an edge, and his thirst for a win remains unquenched after more than three years.
3. Sepp Straka:
Sepp Straka is currently on a winning streak in 2025, and the PGA National is the perfect stage for him to continue his momentum. After a victory at The American Express, Straka is set to make an argument for another Ryder Cup appearance. With three PGA Tour wins, including one in 2022 and a T5 finish in 2023 at this very venue, Straka is a formidable contender for the Cognizant Classic.
4. Daniel Berger:
Daniel Berger has been a favorite for the Cognizant Classic for several weeks. His style of play aligns well with the PGA National. Berger shone with his off-tee accuracy at the WM Phoenix Open, a course known for its generous water hazards. Having placed fourth here twice (in 2020 and 2022), Berger is keen to climb back to the top of the leaderboard.
5. Russell Henley:
Russell Henley’s track record at PGA National speaks for itself. The 2014 Honda Classic champion has consistently performed well on this challenging course, finishing five times in the top 20. His recent T5 and T10 finishes at Pebble Beach and the Sony Open, respectively, suggest that he is still in peak form.
With a star-studded field, the 2025 Cognizant Classic promises to be a must-see event. This year, organizers have redesigned the tournament, and introduced significant modifications to enhance viewer experience. In response to declining attendance and an increased focus on profitability by the PGA TOUR, the number of grandstands and suites has been reduced. However, the ultimate goal remains the same: offering an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts, whether they’re on the course or watching from home.
As the Cognizant Classic draws near, golf fans across the globe are bracing themselves for an enthralling week of top-tier golf in Florida.