The PGA Tour heads to Florida this week for the Cognizant Classic, a key stop on the early-season schedule as players sharpen their games with the first major of the year fast approaching. With several top names in the field and a course that regularly produces drama, this promises to be a compelling week of golf. Below, we assess the tournament from a betting perspective and select 4 players to take on the bookmakers.
The Course
PGA National – Champion Course has long been regarded as one of the toughest regular-season tests on the PGA Tour. Located in Palm Beach Gardens, just north of Miami, the course plays to a par 70 and measures 7,125 yards (6,515 metres).
Water is a defining feature, coming into play on 15 of the 18 holes, while strategically placed bunkers guard both fairways and greens. Accuracy off the tee is vital, as missed fairways often lead to difficult recovery shots and the constant risk of big numbers.
The course is best known for the famous “Bear Trap” (holes 15, 16, and 17), a brutal closing stretch featuring two water-lined par 3s and a narrow par 4 that regularly decides the outcome of the tournament. Even small mistakes here are heavily punished, and players must remain disciplined and hold their nerve late on Sunday.
The greens are Bermuda grass and tend to run quicker than many of the recent stops on tour. They are firm, subtly contoured, and demand precise approach play and confident putting. Wind often plays a role as well, adding further complexity to club selection and shot shaping.
In summary: PGA National rewards patience, precision, and strong mental toughness. Players who drive the ball accurately, control their irons, and avoid mistakes around water tend to separate themselves. This is rarely a pure birdie-fest, and par is often a good score when conditions toughen up.
Previous Winners
2025 Joe Highsmith (United States) -19 2 strokes
2024 Austin Eckroat (United States) -17 3 strokes
2023 Chris Kirk (United States) -14 Playoff
2022 Sepp Straka (Austria) -10 1 stroke
2021 Matt Jones (Australia) -12 5 strokes
Betting – Click here to bet
Shane Lowry 17.00
Ryan Gerard 17.00
Nicolai Højgaard 23.00
Rasmus Højgaard 23.00
Michael Thorbjornsen 23.00
29.00 and better the balance, prices subject to change
Golf Playoff
Bets must be placed before the start of round 1.
Pre-Match Bets only.
Single / Straight bets only.
Free Bets do not qualify for this offer.
Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the tournament finishing.
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Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Golf Playoff’ to claim your refund within 24 hours of the tournament finishing.
Selections:
Nicolai Højgaard at 23.00
Højgaard returns for his first start since the Phoenix Open, where he produced an excellent performance to finish tied third, missing the playoff by just one shot. Leading into that event, he had already posted a top-25 finish the week before and a top-five result two weeks earlier at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
His length off the tee combined with improving control makes him increasingly dangerous, and his confidence appears high. If he keeps mistakes to a minimum around the Bear Trap, he looks well capable of contending.
Suggested bet: Nicolai Højgaard each way at 23.00
Shane Lowry at 17.00
Lowry’s game looks tailor-made for PGA National, and his record here strongly supports that view. In his last four starts at this event, he has finished inside the top five on three occasions, with an 11th-place finish the only blemish.
He arrives this week in steady form after a 24th-place finish last weekend and a tie for eighth the week before. His ball control, short game, and comfort in windy conditions make him one of the most reliable options near the top of the market.
Suggested bet: Shane Lowry each way at 17.00
Garrick Higgo at 61.00
Higgo falls into the value range and has shown flashes of strong form this season. A proven winner at PGA Tour level, he is capable of going very low when confident, but also has the temperament to grind when conditions are tough. He was 16th in his last visit here in 2024.
If he finds rhythm with his irons, he could significantly outperform these odds but he will have to improve on his current form.
Suggested bet: Garrick Higgo each way at 61.00
Billy Horschel at 81.00
Horschel is an excellent course fit at PGA National and has 3 top 25’s including a top 10 in his last 3 starts here. He is comfortable on Bermuda greens, thrives on strategic layouts, and has the experience to navigate high-pressure closing stretches like the Bear Trap.
While recent results may not jump off the page, his profile suits this venue perfectly, and he looks worth and interest at a big price.
Suggested bet: Billy Horschel each way at 81.00
Click here for betting on all of the Cognizant Classic markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
