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Cognizant Classic 2026 Full PGA Tour Preview

Originally posted on HITC | By Jordan Harris | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 10:53 AM ET

The PGA Tour is headed to Florida for the Cognizant Classic. Here’s what you need to know before tee-off.

This tournament kicks off the Florida Swing, taking over from last week’s Genesis Invitational which wrapped up the West Coast part of the schedule.

While some of the biggest names aren’t in the field this week, there are still plenty of strong players set to test themselves against a tough layout at PGA National Resort.

The Golfing Gazette has all your tournament details covered, including who’s playing, what’s on the line, and who could come out on top.

When is the Cognizant Classic being played?

This year’s Cognizant Classic takes place from Thursday, February 26 to Sunday, March 1. It is the only event on the PGA Tour calendar this week.

PGA National Resort hosts the Cognizant Classic once again

The event takes place once again at the PGA National Resort, a venue that has long been part of the PGA Tour calendar and consistently challenges even the most seasoned players.

Who is in the Cognizant Classic field?

The entry list for the Cognizant Classic does not include any players currently ranked in the top 25 of the Official World Golf Ranking.

Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images

Brooks Koepka and Shane Lowry are among the notable names taking part, with Billy Horschel also adding some extra interest to this year’s lineup.

First round tee times for Cognizant Classic

The opening two rounds of the Cognizant Classic still don’t have confirmed tee times.

How to follow the Cognizant Classic

Golf Channel will broadcast all four rounds in the United States, with NBC picking up coverage over the weekend.

Cognizant Classic prize money

The prize pool for the Cognizant Classic this week is set at $9.6 million.

The winner will collect $1.73 million, with second and third place earning $1.05 million and $662,400, respectively.

Expert Predictions for the Cognizant Classic

The Golfing Gazette panel has shared their picks for this week’s Cognizant Classic.

Jordan Harris: “Ryan Gerard has finished no lower than 11th in the three full-field events so far this season. His ability to keep the ball in the fairway could make him the man to beat at PGA National this week. I think he could be the latest 20-something to win on the PGA Tour this year.”

Peter Lynch: “Rasmus Hojgaard has been progressing nicely in 2026 so far, and I think his momentum could lead to a big win this week.”

James Shearman: “Nicolai Hojgaard has made an under-the-radar start to the 2026 season, finishing T22 at the Farmers Insurance Open and T3 at the Phoenix Open. He ranks 1st on Tour in strokes gained off-the-tee, 17th in approach, and 30th in putting. Hojgaard’s game will suit PGA National, so he should be in contention this week.”

Antony Martin: “Shane Lowry. He’s due a win and has three top-5s and no missed cuts in the eight times he has played at PGA National.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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