The PGA Tour golfers are now heading towards the PGA National Champion Course in Florida for the 2026 Cognizant Classic. The tournament will feature 121 golfers playing for a total prize pool of $9.6 million. Many famous names, including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, are missing from the field for this event, but the buzz among fans for the event is still amazing. In this article, we’ll explore some of the field’s expert picks for who could win the tournament.
5 expert picks for the 2026 Cognizant Classic
#5 Ryan Gerard
Ryan Gerard has had a bit of bad luck so far in his 2026 campaigns. Despite his excellent form, the golfer has yet to win a competition, having finished second three times. Gerard has the potential to pose a significant challenge to every golfer in the 2026 Cognizant Classic, and fans should keep an eye out for him. The most recent tournament he appeared in was the 2026 Genesis Invitational, where he tied for 28th place with a total score of 6 under par.
#4 Adam Scott
Adam Scott has been in amazing form in 2026. He recently finished in a solo 4th place finish at the Genesis Invitational and now he is looking forward to the Cognizant Classic. On top of his form, Scott also has some great previous outstanding records at the PGA National Champion Course, making him one of the fan favourites to win the entire event. Interestingly, thanks to his form, Scott is currently ranked third in the tournament betting and odds.
#3 Jacob Bridgeman
The 26-year-old Jacob Bridgeman has been making waves over the past few days. He recently won his first PGA Tour event, the 2026 Genesis Invitational. Bridgeman had some impressive rounds at the Riviera Golf Course, and he has been in excellent condition since. The golfer has the potential to be a huge threat at the Cognizant Classic, as he is now second on the odds list.
#2 Ben Griffin
The English golfer, Ben Griffin, is unquestionably one of the fans’ favourites in whatever tournament he plays. He is even included in the PGA Tour Power Rankings for the 2026 Cognizant Classic. Griffin’s game is currently on the back foot, as his most recent event was the Genesis Invitational, where he just made the 36-hole cut and ended tied for 41st with a total score of 3 under par.
#1 Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry, the number one in the PGA Tour Power Rankings, has one of the greatest records on the PGA National Championship Course. Not only that, but Lowry has been unstoppable at the Cognizant Classic in recent years, making him a clear favorite to win the entire tournament. Interestingly, during the 2026 Genesis Invitational and 2026 during&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he has been displaying tremendous form, so predictions are that this week will be important for him.
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