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Course and form stats for this week's event in California
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Last week's winner was runner-up here 12 months ago
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Shane Lowry has three top 10s at this week's venue
Cognizant Classic 2026 - Contenders based on current form
Jacob Bridgeman @ 20/121.00
The American's win at last week's Genesis Invitational did not come from nowhere, as he was eighth the week before and fourth at last month's Sony Open. Bridgeman has made a formidable start to 2026 and is yet to finish outside the top 20 this year, so it is not a surprise to see him second in the winner market this week, especially as he was the runner-up here 12 months ago.
Ryan Gerrard @ 25/126.00
Gerrard's last two efforts - 28th at the Genesis and 45th at Pebble Beach - were disappointing but prior to that he was on an excellent run of form. Finishing 11th at the Farmers after consecutive second place spots at The Sony Open and American Express. He was fourth here three years ago so this could be the place for him to rediscover his excellent recent form.
Nicolai Hojgaard @ 28/129.00
The Dane has made a good start to this year on both tours, finishing tied for third at the Phoenix Open and fourth at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He was in the top 20 here 12 months ago so looks like a man to consider.
Cognizant Classic 2026 - Contenders based on course form
Shane Lowry @ 22/123.00
The Irishman loves playing at this venue where his last four visits read 11, 4, 5, 2. That is remarkable consistency and he welcome the chance to reacquaint himself with Palm Beach. He has an eighth and a third, as well as last week's 24th place finish, this season so is in decent nick already.
Daniel Berger @ 40/141.00
Berger arrives in his home state this week keen to improve on his 25th here last year and get back to the level that saw him finish fourth at this event in 2020 and '22. He missed the cut at the Genesis so needs to put recent form behind him.
Chris Kirk @ 50/151.00
With a 52nd place finish last week, and three MCs to his name already this year, the man from Tennessee needs to kickstart his 2026. This may be his best opportunity yet as he won here in 2023 and finished seventh the year before.
Stroke Averages
Lowest Eight at PGA National (2016-25)
Average .... (Rounds)
67.75: Jacob Bridgeman (8)
67.88: Ryan Gerard (8)
68.58: Shane Lowry (24)
68.60: Ben Griffin (10)
68.63: Chan Kim (8)
68.88: Austin Eckroat (8)
68.88: Matthieu Pavon (8)
69.00: Daniel Berger (14)
Min. No. of Rounds =8
Only those entered this week are included in table
MC* - Missed Additional 54-Hole Cut
Note: List Contains Leading Reserves