{"id":43653,"date":"2026-02-23T17:33:15","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T22:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-02-23T17:33:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T22:33:15","slug":"2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 Cognizant Classic odds, predictions and best bets: Nikolai Huygaard thrives in Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#%E2%9B%B3_Cognizant_Classic_Key_points\" >\u26f3 Cognizant Classic: Key points<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Cognizant_Classic_odds_favorites_and_full_field\" >Cognizant Classic odds: favorites and full field<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#best_bet_card\" >best bet card<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Course_Breakdown_Who_Wins_on_the_Champion_Course\" >Course Breakdown: Who Wins on the Champion Course?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Featured_players\" >Featured players<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Key_stats_and_player_profiles_to_target\" >Key stats and player profiles to target<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Featured_players-2\" >Featured players<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Complete_selection_Betting_Winners\" >Complete selection: Betting Winners<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Pick_1_Nicolai_Hojgaard_wins_2500\" >Pick 1: Nicolai Hojgaard wins (+2500)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Odds_movements_and_market_notes\" >Odds movements and market notes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#How_to_watch_games_and_tee_times_quick_links\" >How to watch games and tee times (quick links)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Cognizant_Classic_Betting_Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Cognizant Classic Betting Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#When_will_the_2026_Cognizant_Classic_be_held\" >When will the 2026 Cognizant Classic be held?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Where_will_the_2026_Cognizant_Classic_be_held\" >Where will the 2026 Cognizant Classic be held?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#What_is_the_%E2%80%9CFlorida_Swing%E2%80%9D\" >What is the &#8220;Florida Swing&#8221;?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Who_is_your_favorite_2026_Cognizant_Classic\" >Who is your favorite 2026 Cognizant Classic?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#What_is_Cognizant_Classic_FRL_Market\" >What is Cognizant Classic FRL Market?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#How_do_Cognizant_Classic_matchup_bets_work\" >How do Cognizant Classic matchup bets work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#What_is_Cognizant_Classic_Cutline\" >What is Cognizant Classic Cutline?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/23\/2026-cognizant-classic-odds-predictions-and-best-bets-nikolai-huygaard-thrives-in-florida\/#Are_Cognizant_Classic_odds_the_same_at_all_sportsbooks\" >Are Cognizant Classic odds the same at all sportsbooks?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p><em>Want more cover content? Add us as a preferred source in your Google account here.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Last updated: Monday, February 23rd at 4:00 PM ET.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"%E2%9B%B3_Cognizant_Classic_Key_points\"><\/span><strong>\u26f3 Cognizant Classic: Key points<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>Best thing to do early: <\/strong><strong>Nikolai Heigo wins (+2500) \u2013 <\/strong>A pair of top-five finishes in the past three events and elite ball-striking numbers could make them the betting favorites.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>Initial high: Sam Rider wins (+10000) \u2013 <\/strong>He has two career top 10 finishes at PGA National and was third in the field in 2026 for true strokes gained on both approach and putting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>course: <\/strong>PGA National Resort&#8217;s Champion Course has flowing water. <strong>15 out of 18 holes<\/strong> is famous for <strong>&#8220;Bear Trap&#8221;<\/strong> (holes 15-17).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>weather: <\/strong><span>Early forecasts call for periodic rain and a chance of thunderstorms Friday. <strong>Windy playing conditions throughout the tournament<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>Expected cut: <\/strong>Standard PGA Tour rules apply to this full-field event. <strong>Same rank as top 65<\/strong> Moving on to the weekend. The cutline has historically hovered around +1 or +2, but will drop to -5 in 2025 due to weak conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cognizant_Classic_odds_favorites_and_full_field\"><\/span>Cognizant Classic odds: favorites and full field<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Cognizant Classic will be held at the Champion Course from February 26th to March 1st. Below are the latest full odds, followed by this week&#8217;s picks and the best bets by market.<\/p>\n<div class=\"content-table-wrapper\">\n<table class=\"content-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>\n<p>golfer<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th\/><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Shane Lowry<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+1600<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>ryan gerard<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+1600<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Nikolai Huygo<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+2000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Rasmus H\u00f8jgaard<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+22200<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Michael Thorbjornsen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+2500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>aaron rye<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+2800<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Brooks Koepka<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+2800<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>keith mitchell<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+2800<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Daniel Berger<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+3300<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+3500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Christian Bezuidenhout<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+3500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>alex smalley<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Thorbjorn Olesen<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Will Zalatoris<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Max McGreevey<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>davis thompson<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Haotong Li<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>mac meisner<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Max Homa<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+4500<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Johnny Keefer<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>+5000<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Odds as of Monday, February 23rd at 4pm ET.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Check out the entire Cognizant Classic field here.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"best_bet_card\"><\/span>best bet card<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>completely<\/strong>: Nicolai Hojgaard (+2500): Given his elite statistical profile and current form with two top-five finishes in the last three events, he is very likely the favorite.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><strong>* Adam Scott (+2200) was one of my perfect bets Monday morning, but he withdrew from the tournament.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Course_Breakdown_Who_Wins_on_the_Champion_Course\"><\/span>Course Breakdown: Who Wins on the Champion Course?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Notorious as one of the toughest courses on the PGA Tour, the Champion Course requires precision due to its narrow landing area and wind sensitivity. Water is present on 15 of the 18 holes, making almost every shot a danger.<\/p>\n<p>Tom Fazio&#8217;s design is a 7,223-yard par 71 with three par 5s, a large green surface featuring Tiffagle Bermuda grass, and a highlighted &#8220;Bear Trap&#8221; that is one of the most demanding three holes on the PGA Tour circuit.<\/p>\n<p>advertisement<\/p>\n<p>Course redesigner Jack Nicklaus said of Bear Trap, &#8220;This is where you win or lose. It&#8217;s not about length, it&#8217;s about accuracy. It&#8217;s about guts. It&#8217;s all about whether you can clear the hole.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Wet conditions, overseed fairways and rough rye grass contributed to the 2025 score. Because the track wasn&#8217;t very hard or fast.<\/p>\n<p>Still, players rarely have the luxury of picking up a wedge. With the most common approach distances being 125 to 200 yards, PGA National is truly a second-shot track. Additionally, players often club down from the driver on several tees to leave a long approach to a large green.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Water hazards occur on 15 of 18 holes<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>A second shot course that emphasizes approach accuracy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>The infamous &#8220;Bear Trap&#8221;, a true round wrecker<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>large bermuda grass green<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Avoiding bogeys is essential for success<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Featured_players\"><\/span>Featured players<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><span><strong>Shane Lowry:<\/strong> We got real strokes on the approach on all four trips on the 2nd-T5-T4-T11 heater on the Champions course.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>Keith Mitchell:<\/strong> The 2019 winner also achieved T9 results in 2022 and 2024. He also never lost a stroke in seven track appearances.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><strong>Brooks Koepka:<\/strong> The Florida native finished T2 here in 2019 after his putter ruined his great ball-striking in back-to-back tournaments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_stats_and_player_profiles_to_target\"><\/span>Key stats and player profiles to target<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>A true stroke from tee to green<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li\/>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Scramble rate and true number of strokes gained around the green<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Approaches from 150-175 yards, 175-200 yards<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li\/>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Birdie or better percentage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>advertisement<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Featured_players-2\"><\/span>Featured players<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><span><b>Nikolai Heigo: <\/b>He began the PGA Tour season ranking sixth in the field in strokes taken from tee to green over the past six tournaments, first in bogey avoidance and fifth in adjusted points average.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p><b><span>Ryan Gerald: <\/span><\/b>This PGA Tour season, he ranks 10th in both bogey avoidance and adjusted score average, and is pacing the field in total strokes gained.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Complete_selection_Betting_Winners\"><\/span>Complete selection: Betting Winners<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pick_1_Nicolai_Hojgaard_wins_2500\"><\/span>Pick 1: Nicolai Hojgaard wins (+2500)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Nikolai Hujgaard ranks sixth in the field in true strokes gained from tee to green over the past six tournaments, first in bogey avoidance and fifth in adjusted average score heading into the 2026 PGA Tour season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Course fit:<\/strong> Third trip to the circuit with T18 in 2025<br \/><strong>Recent forms:<\/strong> Pairs in the top 5 in the past 3 tournaments<br \/><strong>Market value:<\/strong> Could become the betting favorite<\/p>\n<p><strong>risk:<\/strong> He continues to aim for his first victory on the PGA Tour.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>* Winner Adam Scott (+2200) was named early Monday morning, but he withdrew from the tournament.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Odds_movements_and_market_notes\"><\/span>Odds movements and market notes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The tournament is bookended by signature events, and with two of the top three betting favorites withdrawing on Monday, there remains the potential for a big move in Cognizant&#8217;s odds this week. At BetMGM, Shane Lowry has the shortest odds to win the tournament at +1600 after Ben Griffin, Jacob Bridgman and Adam Scott all withdrew.<\/p>\n<p>advertisement<\/p>\n<p>The field at PGA National is solid, but now even more lacking in the PGA Tour&#8217;s best players. Longshots with odds of +10000 or better have also won in three of the past four years, and interestingly, so has the defending champion. <strong>joe highsmith<\/strong> Start the week at +20000 to win at BetMGM.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the 2024 Champion <strong>Austin Eckrot<\/strong> +7000.<\/p>\n<p>looking forward to seeing <strong>Will Zalatoris<\/strong> It will be a popular target for bettors, with odds shortened from +4000. Other golfers who could be shortened include: <strong>ryan gerard<\/strong> (+2200), and <strong>Michael Thorbjornsen<\/strong> (+2800).<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_watch_games_and_tee_times_quick_links\"><\/span>How to watch games and tee times (quick links)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>How to watch:<br \/><\/b><\/p>\n<ul class=\"content-list\">\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Thursday &#8211; Friday: 2pm &#8211; 6pm (Golf Channel)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Saturday: 1:00pm &#8211; 3:00pm (Golf Channel) 3:00pm &#8211; 6:00pm (NBC\/Peacock)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div class=\"\">\n<p>Sunday: 1:00pm \u2013 3:00pm (Golf Channel) 3:00pm \u2013 6:00pm (NBC\/Peacock)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Tea time:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Tee times for the first and second rounds should be announced on the PGA Tour&#8217;s official website on Tuesday, February 24th.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cognizant_Classic_Betting_Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Cognizant Classic Betting Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_will_the_2026_Cognizant_Classic_be_held\"><\/span><span>When will the 2026 Cognizant Classic be held?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>The 2026 edition of Cognizant Classic will run from Thursday, February 26th to Sunday, March 1st.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>advertisement<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_will_the_2026_Cognizant_Classic_be_held\"><\/span><span>Where will the 2026 Cognizant Classic be held?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>The 2026 Cognizant Classic will be held at PGA National Resort (Champion Course) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_%E2%80%9CFlorida_Swing%E2%80%9D\"><\/span><span>What is the &#8220;Florida Swing&#8221;?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>The Cognizant Classic is the traditional opening event and serves as the first stop in the \u201cFlorida Swing,\u201d a series of tournaments played on the state\u2019s most challenging Bermudagrass courses.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_your_favorite_2026_Cognizant_Classic\"><\/span><span>Who is your favorite 2026 Cognizant Classic?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>Shane Lowry (+1600) is the favorite to win the 2026 Cognizant Classic after three-time PGA Tour winner Ben Griffin (+1400) withdrew from the tournament on Monday, February 23rd.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>advertisement<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Cognizant_Classic_FRL_Market\"><\/span><span>What is Cognizant Classic FRL Market?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>The First Round Leader (FRL) market revolves around which player leads after the first 18 holes of a tournament. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_Cognizant_Classic_matchup_bets_work\"><\/span><span>How do Cognizant Classic matchup bets work?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>When you bet on a Cognizant Classic matchup, you are choosing which golfer will score better between the two players listed in that particular market. In addition to tournament-style 72-hole competition, there are also 18-hole single-round competitions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Cognizant_Classic_Cutline\"><\/span><span>What is Cognizant Classic Cutline?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>Standard PGA Tour rules apply to this full-field event. The top 65 and ties will advance to the weekend. The cutline has historically hovered around +1 or +2, but will drop to -5 in 2025 due to weak conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>advertisement<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Cognizant_Classic_odds_the_same_at_all_sportsbooks\"><\/span><span>Are Cognizant Classic odds the same at all sportsbooks?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>Cognizant Classic odds vary slightly from sportsbook to sportsbook. It&#8217;s always good practice to check multiple sports betting sites for the best odds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>This article originally appeared on Covers.com. Read the full article here to see the best betting sites or check out the top sportsbook promotions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want more cover content? Add us as a preferred source in your Google account here. Last updated: Monday, February 23rd at 4:00 PM ET. \u26f3 Cognizant Classic: Key points Best thing to do early: Nikolai Heigo wins (+2500) \u2013 A pair of top-five finishes in the past three events and elite ball-striking numbers could make [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43654,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[17],"class_list":{"0":"post-43653","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-golf","8":"tag-golf"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43653","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43653"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43653\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43654"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43653"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43653"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43653"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}