With the West Coast Swing in the books, the PGA Tour heads east for the first event of the Florida Swing, the Cognizant Classic at PGA National.
Bay Hill and Sawgrass are on the horizon, so there is a noticeable dip in field strength on the PGA Tour this week — as many of the world’s best opt to skip the Cognizant. Ben Griffin and Shane Lowry have not been at their best this season, while Genesis winner Jacob Bridgeman will surely be jaded if indeed he does decide to tee it up. As such, there are others who make greater appeal. Let’s dive into my golf predictions for this week’s Cognizant Classic.
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Cognizant Classic golf picks and predictions
Cognizant Classic best bet: Nicolai Hojgaard (+2200)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing
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.
No player in this field has better Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green numbers on the PGA Tour this year than Højgaard, who shot 4 rounds in the 60s to finish 18th in last year’s Cognizant.
Cognizant Classic prediction: Michael Thorbjornsen (+2700)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
Michael Thorbjornsen also came close to a maiden PGA Tour win in Phoenix, leading at one stage of a topsy-turvy final round before joining Højgaard in a share of third, and this could be the week when he lands a first victory. One of the most gifted young players on the circuit, Thorbjornsen struggled at Pebble Beach last time out but should find PGA National — where he finished 39th in his debut last season — a lot more to his liking.
Cognizant Classic pick: Daniel Berger (+3700)
Odds available at bet365 at time of publishing
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.
Cognizant Classic longshot pick: Johnny Keefer (+5500)
Odds available at DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publishing.
This could also be a chance for Johnny Keefer to make his mark at the highest level. He is a high-class ball-striker whose putting should improve for this switch to Bermuda greens.
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