The 2026 Cognizant Classic will be kicking off this week, and while some famous names are missing from the event’s lineup, fans are still pretty hyped up for the event. This year’s tournament will be held at the PGA National Golf Course, and many of the 121 golfers in the field have previously performed admirably on the course. In this article, we will look at 5 of these golfers, who are the favorites to win the entire thing.
5 golfers who can win the 2026 Cognizant Classic
#5 Daniel Berger
While Daniel Berger has struggled in his recent tournaments, he is still a fan favorite heading into the 2026 Cognizant Classic. Following his disappointing missed cut at the 2026 Genesis Invitational, Berger may be looking to lay the route for a comeback, and the PGA National Golf Course is the perfect place for him. Berger has previously given solid performances on the course, and following his return from back difficulties, he has shown potential, as recently he finished tied for sixth at the 2026 Sony Open with a total score of 11 under par.
#4 Cameron Young
Cameron Young last played on the PGA National Champion Course in 2024, his second time there, and despite that, he finished tied for fourth. Young has recently been in excellent form, finishing tied for seventh at his last tournament, the 2026 Genesis Invitational. These facts and numbers clearly place Young as one of the favourites to perform well, if not win, the 2026 Cognizant Classic.
#3 Russell Henley
Russell Henley has been hailed as one of the top golfers at the PGA National. He has proven himself on the PGA Tour numerous times, and his recent form has been up and down. Henley has only played in four tournaments this season, two of which he has finished in the top 20, but he also missed the cut at his most recent tournament, the Genesis Invitational. His greatest performance this season was at the 2026 American Express, where he finished tied for eighth place.
#2 Sepp Straka
Sepp Straka came within inches of winning his first tournament of the 2026 season at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. He finished the tournament tied for second place with a total score of 21 under par. This shows Straka’s recent amazing form, and he can continue to crush the field at the PGA National. Straka is the only one of the 121 golfers competing in the 2026 Cognizant Classic who has previously won at the PGA National, making him a fan favourite.
#1 Shane Lowry
The 2026 Cognizant Classic will be a big tournament for Shane Lowry, as he is walking in as the biggest fan favourite to win it all, and he even tops the PGA Tour Power Rankings. He has had one of the most remarkable performances at the Cognizant Classic in recent years, finishing in the top five three times. Lowry has been looking for his big form this season, and the tournament this week could be ideal for him.
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