Cognizant Classic Preview

 The upcoming event will showcase a total of 123 players competing for the championship title. Although several high-profile golfers have decided to skip the event, the competition is expected to be fiercely contested. All eyes will be on Ryan Gerard, who is currently the front-runner for the title. Over the past two months, Gerard has consistently demonstrated his skills, presenting a major challenge to win the title. Let’s preview the tournament.

Ryan Gerard

Ryan Gerard is anticipated to be the top contender at the Cognizant Classic, building on his consistent performances in recent tournaments. Throughout his participation in seven events, Ryan has secured three second-place finishes, demonstrating his skills at the Mauritius Open, Sony Open, and American Express. As a 26-year-old American golfer, Ryan is determined to translate his recent success into a title win, having last triumphed at the Barracuda Championship in July of last year. His evident hunger for victory in recent events makes him a compelling choice. With his impressive record, Ryan Gerard is poised for success.

Nicolai Hojgaard

Nicolai Hojgaard’s impressive swing and accurate shooting make him a force to be reckoned with on tour. Despite his skills, one could argue that luck has not been in his favor, preventing him from achieving a win. This year, the 24-year-old Danish golfer has shown remarkable consistency, securing two top-five finishes in just three starts. As the season unfolds, his performance indicates a player who will become increasingly formidable. The only thing missing from his resume is a title, which would further boost his confidence. His unwavering commitment to success is his most valuable asset.

Michael Thorbjornsen

It is extremely challenging not to regard Michael Thorbjornsen as a strong contender for the title. His impressive record in the event, with two top-10 finishes in four past participations, speaks for itself. Moreover, in his last 10 tournaments, Thorbjornsen has consistently delivered, securing two top-10 finishes and six top-20 finishes, indicating a player driven to perform under pressure. It is now up to him to demonstrate his capabilities to the world.

Prize Money

The tournament offers a substantial $9 million prize package, with the winner receiving $1.728 million.

Past winners

– Joe Highsmith (2025)

-Austin Eckroat( 2024)

– Chris Kick( 2023)

– Sepp Straka( 2022)

– Matt Jones(2021)