Blog#313Cog Feb 26- Mar 1, 2026

Blog#313Cog Feb 26- Mar 1, 2026

PGA National Champions Course Par 71

Purse $9.6M+400K 4%

HISTORY

This is the 3rd year of sponsorship by Cognizant an IT Company in Teaneck NJ.

It had been The Honda Classic and before that the Jackie Gleason’s Inveraray Classic.

Jackie was an AVID golfer and I highly recommend his autobiography “How Good It Is”

Last years winner, Joe Highsmith by 2 over Jacob Bridgeman who won last week. Jake Knapp led for the 1st 3 RDs but gave up the lead in RD4 and finished 6th. Not a strong field of 121 from 144 last year.

FAVORITES Ben Griffin was picked #1 at 14/1 but he withdrew. He came in #40 at PB & 47 Genesis. Maybe he needs a rest!

2 Jacob Bridgeman 18/1 goes from 2nd to 1st but can he win 2 weeks in a row?

3 Shane Lowry 18/1 He was picked to win last year and finished 11th, never in it.

4 Adam Scott 20/1 The way he played last week he has a good chance.

5 Ryan Gerard 20/1 Been in the mix in several tournaments but not ready to win yet.

6 Nicolia Hojgaard 25/1 At these odds may be a good pick.

7 Kieith Mitchell 28/1 Has had some good RDs this year but can’t put 4 together.

8 Michael Thorbjornson 28/1 Same as Hojgaard!

9 Brooks Koepka 35/1 His game not there yet and may never be.

10 Rasmus Neergarrd Peterson 35/1 Who is this guy? Shows how weak this field is.

MY WINNER The way Bridgeman played last week he is the best player in the field.

Also Adam Scott could sneak in, can you say Justin Rose at The Farmers!

LONGSHOT

Aaron Rai 40/1 He led after 1st RD last week but faded and finished 28th.

Daniel Berger 40/1 Has had back problems and not won since Pebble Beach in 2021.

Chris Kirk 50/1 His 1st win here in 2023 but missed 3 of 4 cuts this year & 52 at PB.

Blades Brown 200/1 Turned pro in Jan 2025 at 17, shot 60 at AM EXP this year.

Harry Higgs .05% to win, 5% top 10 but he is one of my favorites.

COMMENTARY

Bear trap considered one of the most difficult 3 hole stretches on Tour.

#15 Par 3 is a semi-island green over water with 2 bunkers beyond the green.

#16 Par 4 Also over water with a difficult 2 tier putting green.

#17 Par 3 Another over water with a tricky bunker to the left of green.