Last week proved successful for OddsTrader golf enthusiasts, as both Xander Schauffele (top 10) and Adam Scott (top 10 and top 20) secured prominent positions on the Genesis Invitational leaderboard, yielding substantial returns for our readers.
This week, we turn our attention to the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic at Palm Beach Gardens, which takes place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, providing an in-depth event analysis and expert betting insights to assist your selections at the best sportsbooks.
The Cognizant Classic at PGA National
The Cognizant Classic, previously known as the Honda Classic, has experienced a notable change in status following its exclusion from the Signature PGA Tour events. However, this adjustment presents an advantageous opportunity for golf bettors, offering a full field event on a challenging course without the presence of Scottie Scheffler to influence outcomes.
Course Notes
PGA National Resort & Spa Champion Course
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – Par 71, 7,167 yards
Situated within picturesque parkland featuring numerous water hazards, the PGA National is regarded as one of the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour, frequently influenced by the prevailing winds, which add to its complexity.
Originally designed by Tom Fazio in 1981, the course has undergone several renovations by Jack Nicklaus in recent years. Success at this venue requires players to employ a strategic and patient approach, as the layout does not favor those who attempt to simply overpower it with modern techniques.
Can Berger Finally Grab a Cognizant?
Daniel Berger has demonstrated a considerable connection to the Cognizant Classic over the past decade, beginning as a rookie when he narrowly missed victory in a sudden-death play-off against Padraig Harrington.
Having developed his skills playing junior golf at PGA National’s Champion Course, Berger appreciates the familiarity of staying at home and the comforts afforded by being near family during tournament week.
His performance at the 2015 Honda Classic signalled his emergence on the professional stage, and although he has yet to secure a win at this event, Berger boasts multiple top-five finishes, including two fourth-place results in 2020 and 2022, the latter following a five-stroke lead entering the final round.
This season, Berger has experienced variable results, but promising outings at both the Sony Open in Hawaii and the Phoenix event indicate that his form is good enough to compete effectively at a venue he knows well from his early career.
Given Berger’s consistent track record, considering him in the top 10 and top 20 proposition markets at Bovada are great picks this week, and you can add an outright wager for leverage.
Golf Pick: Daniel Berger Outright Win (+3300)
Golf Pick: Daniel Berger Top 20 (+175)
Golf Pick: Daniel Berger Top 10 (+360)
Can Karl Vilips Improve On Last Year’s Debut?
Since his initial PGA Tour victory last year in Puerto Rico, Karl Vilips has experienced challenges with his performance; however, early indications this season suggest that he is regaining consistency in his game.
At this time last year, Vilips secured a tie for 39th place at the Cognizant Classic, subsequently remarking on Instagram that his “game is trending nicely” as he prepared for his next tournament. His assessment proved accurate, as the following week the twenty-four-year-old Australian earned his first PGA Tour title at the Puerto Rico Open, recording a final-round score of 64 to finish at 26-under par for a three-stroke victory.
Vilips achieved this win in only his fourth career PGA Tour start (and third as an official member), reaching the milestone faster than Tiger Woods, who won in his fifth appearance. Notably, Vilips competed wearing Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red apparel during the event and received a congratulatory voicemail from Woods after his success.
With the rise of modern Signature events, the Cognizant Classic now functions as an alternate event, like last year’s Puerto Rico Open. Accordingly, Karl Vilips can be followed in three markets at BetOnline, as outlined below.
Golf Pick: Karl Vilips Outright Win (+12000)
Golf Pick: Karl Vilips Top 20 (+500)
Golf Pick: Karl Vilips Top 10 (+1000)
There Is So Much Golf to Bet!
You are going to want to check out the latest odds at the top sportsbooks for this week’s event.
Always try and take the time to browse the wager list to see if you can find value on the betting board. After all, the best bets do not last forever, so if you see something that looks good, grab it!
Regardless, our golf expert has it covered for you below.
A quick recap of this week’s two selections for the Cognizant Classic:
- Daniel Berger: Outright (+3300), Top 20 (+175), Top 10 (+360)
- Karl Vilips: Outright (+12000), Top 20 (+500), Top 10 (+1000)
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
