Cognizant Classic Golf Predictions, Odds and PGA Tour Picks for Thursday, 02/26/26

Once considered one of the toughest courses on tour, PGA National has softened in recent seasons, but accurate tee-to-green play remains the route to success. With that in mind, this represents a good chance for Nicolai Højgaard to make his US breakthrough. As a 3-time DP World Tour champion and a member of the 2023 European Ryder Cup squad, the Dane has a touch of class about him and there has been a lot to like about his performances in recent months. Højgaard ended last year with form figures of 3-11 in the DP World Tour playoffs, then after a low-key return in the Dubai Invitational, finished fourth in the Dubai Desert Classic, 22nd in the Farmers Insurance Open and third at the Phoenix Open.

Daniel Berger is a much more experienced Cognizant performer. He was a runner-up at the course in 2015 and fourth in both 2020 and 2022. He struck the ball well when sixth at the Sony Open and when 16th in Phoenix.