News Summary
Brooks Koepka, the five-time Major champion from Palm Beach County, is set to return to the Cognizant Classic from February 26 to March 1, 2026, marking his first appearance since 2022. His participation in this significant event comes after his return to the PGA Tour through the ‘Returning Member Program’. This tournament holds sentimental value for Koepka, as he grew up attending it, and it features both new talent and established players. The changes to the PGA National’s Champion Course may impact the competition, leading to exciting outcomes.
Brooks Koepka’s Exciting Comeback at the Cognizant Classic
Golf fans, mark your calendars because the talented Palm Beach County native and five-time Major champion, Brooks Koepka, is making his return to the Cognizant Classic! This exciting tournament is scheduled to take place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, at the beautiful PGA National’s Champion Course. It’s the first time Koepka will tee it up at this event since his last attendance in 2022, and he’s eager to show his hometown what he’s got after rejoining the prestigious PGA Tour.
Why Koepka’s Return Matters
This appearance is significant for Koepka as it’s his eighth professional outing at the Cognizant Classic. This tournament holds a special place in his heart since he grew up attending it and even carried a scoring sign as a kid! His return to the PGA Tour, which took place in January 2026, was made possible through the innovative “Returning Member Program”—and it had a hefty $5 million charitable contribution attached! A large slice of that pie, specifically $1 million, went to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, making it a significant beneficiary of the Cognizant Classic.
How is Koepka Performing Lately?
Since stepping back onto the PGA Tour, Koepka played in two tournaments but faced some challenges along the way. At the Farmers Insurance Open, he finished in a less-than-stellar T56 spot, followed by a missed cut at the WM Phoenix Open. Currently sitting at 263rd in the world rankings, he’s determined to clock in better performances as he gears up for the upcoming Major championships. Golf enthusiasts are curious to see if he can nail down his form in this familiar setting.
Course Changes at PGA National
Koepka has been vocal about the changes made to the Champion Course at PGA National. He mentions that the recent renovations may have made the course a bit easier compared to past years. Key alterations include adjustments to the greens and the removal of various bunkers around holes 4, 10, and 11. These changes could potentially lead to some lower scores being posted as players tackle the course during the tournament.
Cognizant Classic: Event Details and Field Composition
The Cognizant Classic kicks off the PGA Tour’s renowned Florida Swing at the notoriously tricky PGA National Champion Course located in Palm Beach Gardens. This year’s field brings together budding talent and skilled players alike—while it features some notable names like Shane Lowry and the defending champion, Joe Highsmith, the lone player within the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking is Ryan Gerard at No. 26. This scenario may give Koepka a unique opportunity to make waves in his home event.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches |
| Dates | February 26 – March 1, 2026 |
| Venue | PGA National’s Champion Course, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida |
| Brooks Koepka’s Participation | 8th professional appearance, 1st since 2022 |
| Koepka’s PGA Tour Return | Via “Returning Member Program” in January 2026 |
| Charitable Contribution | $5 million (including $1M to Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation) |
| Koepka’s World Ranking | 263rd (as of February 2026) |
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Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
