The PGA Tour this week features the 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches starting on Thursday at PGA National Resort's Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
My PGA Tour field ranking for Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches looks at the top 10 players in this 120-player field that brings together the best in the world for the start of the Florida Swing.
The Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches is a drop off from the last two weeks, with just 10 of the world top 50 are in the field this week at PGA National. The Champion Course is kind of wonky, and there are some players who like it, but not many.
Just a reminder that I make my expert picks looking at all fantasy leagues and formats. Whether you're playing in a fantasy golf leagues, betting on golf, or competing in a DFS (DraftKings, FanDuel) event, our picks highlight the top PGA Tour golfers to watch this week from our 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches rankings.
2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches expert picks and rankings
1. Shane Lowry: Lowry was strong at Pebble again, and he's the horse-for-course player of the week this week.
2. Michael Thorbjornsen: Thorbjornsen is getting close to that breakthrough win, and he's got the power to dominate here by keeping the ball in play with lesser clubs.
3. Ryan Gerard: I love Gerard's game, and I think it works well for PGA National, but he's got to be a bit tired.
4. Ben Griffin: By OWGR, Griffin is the best player in the field. However, he's had five very mediocre results so far in 2026. He was 4th here last year.
5. Adam Scott: What a Sunday from Scott at Riviera! Might be something to take moving forward.
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6. Haotong Li: Li has been playing quite well so far on the PGA Tour this season, and PGA National seems to attract international players.
7. Johnny Keefer: I like Keefer's game a lot, and he has made four of four cuts, so he is a fast learner.
8. Kristoffer Reitan: Reitan won the Nedbank Golf Challenge on a super-tight course like this one and has played well on the PGA Tour in his first go-round.
9. Aaron Rai: Rai hasn't played a ton to start the year, though this is certainly a venue that should appeal to him.
10. Erik van Rooyen: EVR has been in the top nine here in each of the last two years, including a runner-up finish, and that makes him a rare bird this week.
