News Summary
The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is set to take place from February 26 to March 1, 2026. This thrilling PGA Tour event will be held at the Champion Course at PGA National. With over 100 professional golfers competing for a share of the $9.6 million purse and 500 FedExCup points, it promises to be an exciting showdown. Defending champion Joe Highsmith will return, while notable player Rory McIlroy is expected to miss the event. Golf fans, don’t miss this prestigious tournament!
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches Set to Tee Off Next Week
Golf fans, mark your calendars! The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is just around the corner, taking place from February 26 to March 1, 2026. This exciting PGA Tour event is set to unfold at the Champion Course at PGA National, a venue cherished by golfers for its challenging layout and stunning surroundings. With a massive $9,600,000 purse up for grabs, this tournament promises plenty of action on the greens!
What are the key details of this year’s Cognizant Classic?
Prepare for an exhilarating showdown as more than 100 professional golfers compete over 72 holes. All eyes will be on Joe Highsmith, the defending champion who secured his first PGA Tour title in 2025. The stakes are high as the tournament winner will snag a significant share of that impressive purse, along with 500 FedExCup points and a much-coveted two-year PGA Tour exemption. Who will rise to the challenge this time around? It’s anyone’s game!
Insights into the Tournament Venue and Course Challenges
Now, let’s talk about the venue. The Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa is no ordinary golf course! This track has a reputation for being tough as nails, originally designed by the talented duo of Tom and George Fazio, and later redesigned by the legendary Jack Nicklaus in 2014. One of the signature features is “The Bear Trap”, a notorious three-hole stretch (holes 15-17) that consistently tests even the best golfers’ skills. This par 71 course stretches 7,223 yards, and with unpredictable South Florida winds, players must strategize and navigate carefully if they want to come out on top!
Is a notable player expected to miss the event?
It’s been reported that Rory McIlroy, one of the top-ranked players in the world, will be skipping the 2026 Cognizant Classic. His focus is on preparing for his title defense at Augusta National Golf Club, which means fans may have to wait to see him back on the greens at this riveting tournament.
Understanding the Event’s Historical Context
The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches has a rich and storied history, dating back to its inception in 1972 as “Jackie Gleason’s Inverrary Classic.” Over the years, the tournament has evolved, undergoing several title sponsorship changes. From 1982 to 2023, it was known as The Honda Classic, but since late 2023, Cognizant has embraced the role of title sponsor, giving this event a fresh new name. Notably, since 2007, this prestigious tournament has found its consistent home at the Champion Course at PGA National Resort.
Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches 2026: Key Event Details
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches |
| Dates | February 26 – March 1, 2026 |
| Location | Palm Beach Gardens, Florida |
| Course | Champion Course at PGA National Resort & Spa |
| Purse | $9,600,000 |
| Tour Affiliation | PGA Tour |
| Defending Champion | Joe Highsmith |
| Course Architect (Original) | Tom and George Fazio |
| Course Redesign | Jack Nicklaus (2014) |
| Notable Course Feature | “The Bear Trap” (Holes 15-17) |
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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.
