If you’re a fan of golf and the PGA Tour, then you know about The Honda Classic, held annually at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The destination remains the same, but there’s a new sponsor and name of the event this year: The Cognizant Classic.
PGA National is a very difficult test for golfers, with The Bear Trap (holes 15, 16, and 17) being one of the toughest stretches of holes all season. The whole track is a tough test, with wind being a consistent factor. PGA National is volatile to say the least. This week is one of the toughest week’s to cap on tour because course history means less this week than most. Every single champion going back to 2010 has missed a cut here within three years of winning.
Rory McIlroy (+700) – McIlroy returns to PGA National after length absence. In recent weeks, Rory sputtered a bit, however this week he is close to home and on his favorite surface: Bermuda. He has length, crafty short game and plays well in wind. It’s chalk to take Rory this week. He’s ramping for Augusta. I don’t expect a win here, although he won here a decade ago – which was followed up by a P2, two missed cuts and a 59th.
Cameron Young (+2200) - See Below
Eric Cole (+2500) – Cole made a debut at PGA National last year and finished in 2nd behind a loss in a playoff. He hasn’t backed down since. He arrives rested this week with 5 Top 25s in 2024. He ranks 3rd in total Strokes Gained over the last 6 months. Course history doesn’t factor as much this week, but I expect Cole to be highly owned in DFS and One and Done formats. He continues to knock on the door of his 1st win on Tour. Is this the week?
Russell Henley (+2500) – The 2014 champion returns to PGA National for the first time since 2021. Henley has a great track record here and is playing with some spark in ’24. I like Henley to finish Top 25 this week.
Byeong-Hun An – An almost won earlier this year in Hawaii, but Grayson Murray clinched it with a 40 foot putt. An has 4 top-5’s in his last 10 starts. He has a solid history at PGA National with two Top 10s, 3 Top 25s and only one missed cut in five tries. At 28:1, I like him!
Daniel Berger – Berger has been a roller coaster the last few years with injuries, but if there was ever a week that suits him well, it’s this week. He has consecutive 4th place finishes here. I expect no worse than Top 40.
Shane Lowry – In 2024, Lowry has not been himself. However, over the last 5 years, no one has performed better in Florida than Shane Lowry… surprising, honestly. He’s 6-for-6 at PGA National. At 35:1, he’s as good of a pick as anyone this week.
DARTS:
Here are a few guys who I like for possible 1st Round Leaders or even wins… Jhonattan Vegas, Camilo Villegas, Gary Woodland or Sungjae Im.
Tom Hoge – MC, MC, MC, MC, 37th in 5 tries. Pass.
Doug Ghim – Recent form is very strong. However, 3 appearances = 3 missed cuts.
Cameron Young – Honestly, no great reason aside from I just don’t like his game for this style of play
