Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches Preview

As the PGA Tour rolls into South Florida, all eyes turn to the 2025 Cognizant Classic. Formerly known as The Honda Classic, this historic event has been a staple on the Tour since 1972, featuring a rich legacy of champions and unforgettable moments. Now held at the formidable PGA National’s Champion Course, the tournament is known for its grueling test of precision and endurance, with “The Bear Trap” standing as one of the most feared stretches in professional golf. With a stacked field, including past winners, rising stars, and intriguing storylines—such as amateur Luke Clanton’s shot at earning a PGA Tour card—this year’s event promises plenty of drama. Here’s everything you need to know before the action tees off.

What is the Cognizant Classic?

The Cognizant Classic (formerly The Honda Classic) is a PGA Tour event held in South Florida. Established in 1972 as "Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic," the tournament has a long history of title sponsors and name changes. Initially backed by National Airlines in 1973 alongside Gleason, it later saw American Motors Corporation take over in 1981, rebranding it as the "American Motors Classic."

From 1982 to 2023, American Honda Motor Company served as the title sponsor, making "The Honda Classic" a staple on the tour. Traditionally, before a schedule shift in 2021, it was the first Florida stop after the "West Coast Swing." In late 2023, Cognizant took over sponsorship, ushering in a new era with the tournament's rebranding as the Cognizant Classic.

The tournament rotated through several courses in South Florida, including Inverrary, TPC Eagle Trace, Weston Hills, Heron Bay, and Mirasol, before settling at PGA National’s Champion Course in 2007, where it remains today.

PGA National Resort (Champion)

PGA National’s Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is a true test of precision and endurance, standing among the most formidable courses on the PGA Tour. Originally crafted by Tom and George Fazio in 1981 with championship golf in mind, it wasted no time proving its pedigree, hosting the 1983 Ryder Cup and the 1987 PGA Championship, where Larry Nelson edged out Lanny Wadkins in a dramatic playoff.

Jack Nicklaus put his legendary stamp on the course with a major redesign in 1990, followed by further refinements in 2002, shaping it into what is now unmistakably a Golden Bear masterpiece. His most notorious addition? “The Bear Trap”—a treacherous three-hole stretch (15-17) that has humbled even the world’s best golfers.

Stretching 7,158 yards with a punishing par of 70, the Champion Course has been the battleground for the Cognizant Classic (formerly The Honda Classic) since 2007, cementing its reputation as one of golf’s most demanding tournament venues.

Cognizant Classic Field

The field is set for the Cognizant Classic, with a 144-player field, including 16 of the world’s top 50 golfers and 170 combined PGA TOUR victories among them. This year’s lineup features a mix of seasoned champions and rising stars, with names like Sepp Straka, Shane Lowry, Billy Horschel, Russell Henley, Brian Harman, Max Greyserman, Daniel Berger, and Denny McCarthy.

One of the most intriguing storylines in this year’s Cognizant Classic field is amateur standout Luke Clanton, who has a chance to earn his PGA Tour card after receiving a sponsor exemption. All he needs to do is make the cut, and he’ll secure enough points to turn professional if he chooses. With his future on the line, Clanton’s performance at PGA National will be one to watch.

If you’d like to see the full field, visit the PGA Tour’s website for the most up-to-date information. This is especially helpful for those looking to place bets or track specific players.

How to Watch the Cognizant Classic

Fans can catch all the action of the 2025 Cognizant Classic with extensive TV and online coverage.

TV Coverage:

Golf Channel

• Thursday (Round 1): 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

• Friday (Round 2): 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.

• Saturday (Round 3): 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

• Sunday (Final Round): 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

NBC

• Saturday (Round 3): 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

• Sunday (Final Round): 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Streaming Coverage:

• PGA Tour Live on ESPN+

  • Exclusive early coverage begins at 6:45 a.m. each day

  • Featured hole coverage throughout the tournament

  • Featured group coverage throughout the tournament

Our Picks for the 2025 Cognizant Classic

Winner Pick: Sepp Straka

I’m not going too far out on a limb with this one—Sepp Straka is on fire after an incredible West Coast swing. He had a win at The American Express, followed by a T7 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a solid 15th-place finish at the WM Phoenix Open. Add in the fact that he’s a past champion at PGA National, and all signs point to another big week. That’s why we’re backing Sepp to claim his second PGA Tour victory of the season at the Cognizant Classic.

Top-5 Pick: Shane Lowry

Shane Lowry is off to a fantastic start this year, making waves in the TGL with his Bay Club team and delivering strong performances on the PGA Tour. He recently finished runner-up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, adding to his impressive season. Lowry also has a solid track record at the Cognizant Classic, formerly The Honda Classic. In 2022, he came heartbreakingly close to victory, finishing just one shot behind Sepp Straka. He followed that up with a T5 finish in 2023, posting a final score of nine under par. With his game in great shape, he’s a serious contender once again this year.

Top-10 Pick: Davis Thompson

Davis is coming off an impressive T13 finish at a demanding signature event at Torrey Pines, a strong showing for a young Tour player. He held his own alongside World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, displaying composure under pressure and a steady game. With his confidence building, I expect Davis to keep the momentum going and push for a top-10 finish at the Cognizant Classic.

Top-20 Pick: Cameron Young

This one’s more of a gut feeling, but Cameron has been holding his own in the TGL and showing glimpses of strong form. While his season has been a bit of a rollercoaster—with two top-25 finishes but also two missed cuts—he has the skill set to thrive at PGA National. This course rewards both power and precision off the tee, two areas where Cameron excels. If he can find consistency, he’s poised for a solid week at the Cognizant Classic.

Underdog Winner Pick: Daniel Berger

Daniel Berger is looking more and more like his 2015 self, showing flashes of brilliance this season. Climbing to 53rd in the world rankings, he’s coming off an impressive runner-up finish at the WM Phoenix Open and a strong T12 at the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines. With his game trending upward, don’t be surprised to see Berger in the mix come Sunday at the Cognizant Classic!