Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches 2026: Picks & Betting Predictions
Get ready for another week of golf fun, as professional golf analyst Craig Edwards (@EdwardsTips_) provides an expert preview of this week’s PGA Tour Event, the Cognizant Classic, and shares his top betting picks, with odds from the best online sportsbooks.
The Cognizant Classic at PGA National
Formerly known as the Honda Classic, the Cognizant Classic, taking place from February 26 to March 1, sees the start of the “Florida Swing” on the PGA Tour at PGA National in Palm Beach.
This week is the normal full-field 36-hole cut format.
Course Notes: PGA National Resort & Spa Champion Course
- Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
- Par 71, 7167 yards
- Designer: Tom Fazio (1981)
PGA National, traditionally a par-70 with two par-5s, will feature a new par-5 in 2026. The 10th hole was extended by 20 yards, changing it from a tough par-4 to a more reachable par-5. Previously the second-hardest hole, its scoring average may rise slightly, but now offers a better birdie chance. This adjustment is expected to lower winning scores by four strokes, without affecting course strategy or player suitability.
This could be a tough week for PGA Tour professionals should the wind blow in Florida, with fifteen holes having water hazards to negotiate.
A patient strategic approach has usually been the recipe for a strong week for the winners of the Cognizant Classic.
Nico Knows PGA National
Last week, it was uncertain whether Nico Echavarría would qualify for my picks at the Genesis Invitational after a strong performance at Pebble Beach. Fortunately, I chose not to back the young Colombian on his debut at Riviera Country Club.
This week, however, Echavarría returns to familiar territory. Having played extensively at PGA National during his junior days, he already demonstrated his abilities here a couple of years ago by finishing just outside the top 20 despite not being as accomplished as he is now.
Notably, Echavarría consistently performs well each year in the WorldWide Technology Championship, an event Austin Eckroat won in 2024, the same player who claimed victory here earlier this calendar year. Weather conditions heavily influence both courses, something Echavarría is well-versed in, having grown up playing on exposed tracks in Colombia.
With this week’s event being a step down in class from a Signature event, Nico Echavarría could be poised for a strong showing. He is a solid pick in both the win and top 10 markets at Bovada.
Golf Pick: Nico Echavarría Outright Win (+6600)
Golf Pick: Nico Echavarria Top 10 (+600)
Is 13 Lucky or Unlucky for Kevin Roy?
Kevin Roy, a highly consistent ball-striker, has demonstrated considerable potential early in his 2026 season, notably achieving two 13th-place finishes at both the Sony Open and, most recently, at the Phoenix event.
In 2023, Roy made his debut at this venue, delivering an impressive performance and ranking near the top off-the-tee and in strokes-gained approach, securing 29th place. Notably, his current season highlights Roy’s improved putting statistics, indicating that he may be poised for a strong showing in upcoming tournaments.
At thirty-five years old, Roy is originally from Syracuse and has resided in Florida for several years. His top 30 debut finish at PGA National may signal his ability to perform strongly near home. Roy frequently excels in the First Round Leader market; therefore, monitoring weather conditions is advised. If adverse weather does not affect his play, considering a bet on him as First Round Leader or for a top 20 finish as 13th again at BetOnline would be a good move.
Golf Pick: Kevin Roy Top 20 (+400)
Golf Pick: Kevin Roy First Round Leader (+8000)
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches Betting Gameplan
A quick recap of this week’s selections for the Cognizant Classic:
- Nico Echavarria: Outright Win (+6600), Top 10 (+600) at Bovada
- Kevin Roy: Top 20 (+400), First round leader (+8000) at BetOnline
Securing the best odds is essential in golf wagering. Since odds can differ among sportsbooks, it is advisable to establish accounts with multiple trusted books. This approach allows for effective comparison shopping for prices on outright bets and placement propositions, often the difference between an okay week and a profitable one.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
