Cognizant Classic Betting Preview: Top Picks for PGA National

The Florida Swing starts this week with the Cognizant Classic at PGA National, one of the toughest tests on the PGA Tour calendar. This event offers an interesting puzzle to solve from a handicapping perspective due to its challenging layout.

Top Contenders:
– Shane Lowry (+2000)
– Sungjae Im (+2200)
– Sepp Straka (+2200)

A close look at these golfers reveals that Shane Lowry, the betting favorite, has posted three straight top-five finishes but hasn’t managed to cross the finish line as the winner.
Sepp Straka, the 2022 winner, recently bounced back with a victory at the American Express after struggling in his next start.

To succeed in this event, focus on golfers who can avoid big numbers and minimize bogeys. Based on these criteria, two notable picks are:
– Keith Mitchell to Win (+3500): Mitchell has excelled in scrambling and bogey avoidance, ranking third in both categories this season. His strong record at PGA National includes a previous win in 2019.
– Bud Cauley Top 10 including ties +500: Cauley leads the tour in scrambling and bogey avoidance, showcasing his ability to minimize damage on his scorecard.
– Kevin Roy Top 20 including ties +280: Roy’s recent top-20 finishes are attributed to his scrambling and bogey avoidance skills, making him a long-shot option worth considering.

Odds may change periodically, so it is essential to check them frequently. If you or someone you know struggles with gambling issues, call 1-800-GAMBLER for support.

Source: https://www.si.com/betting/2025-cognizant-classic-betting-preview-picks-predictions-odds-pga-national