2026 Cognizant Classic Begins Amid Player Withdrawals

News Summary

The 2026 Cognizant Classic kicks off the PGA Florida Swing at PGA National Champion Course. Although missing several top players, renowned competitors like Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka are ready to battle. With a reshaped field and emerging longshots like Daniel Berger and Michael Thorbjornsen, this year’s event promises unpredictability. As only a handful of top-ranked players remain, fans eagerly await which undisputed contender will step up for victory.

2026 Cognizant Classic: The Florida Swing Begins with Big Names Missing

The much-anticipated 2026 Cognizant Classic is set to kick off this Thursday, marking the start of the PGA Florida Swing at the serene PGA National Champion Course. As golf fans gear up for some exciting action, there’s a bit of a twist to the narrative — several top players have pulled out of the event, leaving the field somewhat depleted.

A Mixed Bag of Competitors

Despite the absence of some big names, the tournament does feature some familiar faces who have carved their names into golf history. Notable past major winners like Shane Lowry and Brooks Koepka are set to compete. Both players will be looking to capitalize on this weaker field. FanDuel Sportsbook sees Lowry and Ryan Gerard as co-favorites, each with odds of +1600. When it comes to Koepka, he’s coming off a disappointing missed cut at the WM Phoenix Open, with odds currently sitting at +2700.

Shane Lowry’s journey has been a bit rocky lately, with his last individual win on the PGA Tour dating back to the 2019 Open Championship. However, he did show some signs of life recently by finishing T8 at Pebble Beach, his first top-10 finish since May 2025. Will he translate that performance into a win this week? Sports analysts suggest some unpredictability, with computer models highlighting that Lowry may not even crack the top three.

Dark Horses and Longshots Awaiting Their Moment

When it comes to captivating narratives, Daniel Berger stands out as an intriguing longshot with odds of +2700. He boasts a history of impressive performances at this tournament and could very well spring a surprise. The buzz doesn’t end with Lowry and Koepka; the Højgaard twins, Rasmus and Nicolai, are both aiming for their first PGA TOUR victories, listed with odds of +2200.

Adding fuel to the speculative fire is Michael Thorbjornsen. After a T3 finish at the WM Phoenix Open, he’s knocking on the door of a breakout performance this week, also at odds of +2200. Add in Keith Mitchell, who is returning to the Cognizant Classic with odds of +2700 — and let’s not forget, he’s a previous winner of the tournament.

Shifting Dynamics and Predictions

The landscape for the Cognizant Classic has dramatically shifted due to late withdrawals from the likes of Adam Scott, Jacob Bridgeman, and Ben Griffin, further diluting the competitive strength of the field. Now, only eight of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) remain, with Ryan Gerard as the top-ranked player in the field at No. 26 in the OWGR.

Historically, the Cognizant Classic has seen surprising outcomes, with many first-time winners gracing the trophy. This unpredictability is part of what makes the tournament so exciting, as numerous contenders are vying for the spotlight. With a multitude of players at odds of +3000 or higher, the potential for upsets is enormous.

In a nutshell, the 2026 Cognizant Classic promises thrilling golf action, even if the big guns are sitting this one out. With unexpected twists lurking around every corner, who will emerge victorious? Fans can’t wait to find out!

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