Koepka, Gerard and Highsmith Headline Cognizant Classic Field
Palm Beach Gardens, FL – February 24, 2026 – The Cognizant Classic tees off Thursday at PGA National, marking the start of the Florida Swing on the PGA Tour. Brooks Koepka is making his third PGA Tour appearance since returning to the tour, and will be grouped with Will Zalatoris and Daniel Berger. Ryan Gerard, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 26, will compete alongside Max Homa and Michael Brennan. Defending champion Joe Highsmith is likewise set to play, grouped with Chris Kirk and Keith Mitchell. The 123-player field includes 13 golfers currently slated to compete at Augusta.
Koepka Returns to Familiar Turf at Cognizant Classic, Signaling Shift in PGA Landscape
The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches marks the beginning of the Florida swing, a pivotal stretch on the PGA Tour often considered the unofficial launchpad to the Masters Tournament.
A Field Brimming with Potential, Led by Koepka’s Return
Brooks Koepka’s presence headlines the 123-player field, representing his third PGA Tour appearance since his return from LIV Golf. Previously a mainstay at this event since 2014, his return adds a significant storyline to the tournament.
Ryan Gerard, currently ranked 23rd, stands as the highest-ranked player in the field, and is considered one of two favorites to claim victory.
Defending Champion Faces New Challenges
Joe Highsmith, the defending champion after his impressive 19-under-par performance last year, will undoubtedly be looking to replicate his success. However, the absence of the world’s top 10 players opens the door for a wider range of contenders.
Notable Players Vie for Position
Beyond Koepka and Gerard, a strong contingent of players are vying for a win and valuable FedExCup points. Ben Griffin (No. 11) and Shane Lowry (No. 29) are also among the highest-ranked players competing.
Fan favorites such as Billy Horschel, Adam Scott, Daniel Berger, and Gary Woodland add further depth and excitement to the tournament.
Tournament Format and Stakes
The Cognizant Classic offers a $9.6 million purse and 500 FedExCup points to the winner. Crucially, it represents the final opportunity for players to qualify for the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational through the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5.
Did you know?
Brooks Koepka has a strong history at this course, having played the event almost every year before joining LIV Golf.
Early Tee Times Set the Stage
Competition begins on February 26th, with tee times scheduled throughout the day. Notable groupings include Brooks Koepka alongside Will Zalatoris and Daniel Berger, setting the stage for a compelling showdown.
Other early pairings feature Max Homa with Ryan Gerard and Michael Brennan, and Adam Schenk with William Mouw and Aaron Wise.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on players who excel in windy conditions, as PGA National is known for its challenging coastal breezes.
FAQ
Q: When does the Cognizant Classic start?
A: The tournament starts on February 26th.
Q: Who is the defending champion?
A: Joe Highsmith is the defending champion.
Q: Is Brooks Koepka playing?
A: Yes, Brooks Koepka is playing in the tournament, marking his return after a three-year absence.
Q: What is the prize money?
A: The total purse is $9.6 million.
Q: What is at stake besides the prize money?
A: Players can also qualify for the Arnold Palmer Invitational through the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5.
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