2025 Cognizant Classic: Key Matchups, Tickets, Players, and More

The 2025 Cognizant Classic, held at the legendary PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, brings some of the world’s best players to one of the toughest tests in professional golf. With the field finalized as of February 26th the notorious Bear Trap is waiting to make or break a contender’s round; every shot will count. Whether you’re following your favorite pro, scouting rising stars, or just soaking in the electric atmosphere, this tournament delivers drama, unforgettable moments, and a front-row seat to the grind of elite-level golf.

With a stacked field, key matchups to watch, and plenty of fan-friendly experiences, the 2025 Cognizant Classic promises to be one of the most exciting editions yet. Here’s everything you need to know—including ticket prices, past champions, prize money, and what makes this event truly special for those watching and attending.

PGA National: A Brutal Test of Skill and Mental Toughness

Every year, the Cognizant Classic at PGA National delivers a stern test that separates the mentally strong from the mentally fragile. This is not a course where you can get away with sloppy play—precision, patience, and composure are required on every single shot. The layout is designed to punish aggressive, reckless decisions while rewarding those who can stay disciplined over four grueling days.

While many courses on the PGA Tour are known for their length or their ability to be overpowered, PGA National is a different beast altogether. Here, it’s not just about how far you can hit the ball—it’s about where you land, how you escape trouble, and whether you can avoid compounding mistakes.

The Rough: A Constant Battle for Control

PGA National’s rough is some of the most challenging on the Tour, changing in difficulty depending on the time of year and recent weather conditions. There are two main types of rough that players will have to deal with:

• Primary Rough: Typically around three inches deep, this thick Bermuda grass grabs at clubfaces, making it incredibly difficult to generate spin. Even a small miss off the fairway can lead to a nearly unplayable lie, forcing players to hack out and play defensively.
• Overgrown Native Areas: Unlike courses that feature only neatly manicured rough, PGA National has unpredictable native grass areas that swallow errant shots whole. If a ball lands in one of these zones, players can find themselves dealing with gnarly lies, uneven footing, and minimal control over ball flight.

What makes the rough particularly dangerous is how it limits approach shots into the firm, fast greens. A player trying to land on the putting surface from thick rough will find it almost impossible to stop the ball where they want, leading to misses into water hazards, deep bunkers, or collection areas that set up impossible up-and-downs.

Lightning-Fast Greens That Demand Precision

PGA National’s greens are lightning-fast and undulating, requiring elite speed control and green reading. Unlike some courses where players can be aggressive on the greens, this is a putting surface where even a small mistake can lead to disaster.

• Speed Factor: Depending on weather conditions, the greens at PGA National can run at 12-13 on the Stimpmeter, making them among the fastest on Tour.
• Subtle Breaks: The greens may not be as dramatic as Augusta National, but they are filled with subtle movement, making it easy to misread putts.
• False Fronts & Runoffs: Approach shots that don’t have the right spin and landing angle can easily roll off the front of the green or into collection areas, setting up brutal recovery shots.

Great putters who can control the pace and avoid three-putts will have a massive advantage here. For others, one mistake on the green can completely derail a round.

Water Everywhere: A Course That Eats Golf Balls for Breakfast

One of the defining characteristics of PGA National is how much water comes into play on seemingly every hole. There are 15 holes on the course that feature water hazards, and many of them force players to make high-pressure decisions that can make or break their tournament.

• Forced Carries: Many holes require players to carry water off the tee or on their approach shots, leaving no room for error. A slight mishit and the ball is gone.
• Risk-Reward Holes: PGA National tempts players into taking bold lines over water, but it often punishes any shot that isn’t perfectly struck.
• The Bear Trap Factor: Holes 15, 16, and 17—better known as The Bear Trap—are where water plays the biggest role, destroying scorecards late in the round.

The key here is playing smart and knowing when to take your medicine. Some players will take on too much risk and end up sinking their tournament hopes in the water hazards, while others will navigate the layout with discipline and patience, setting themselves up for success.

Deep, Unforgiving Sand Traps That Test Every Facet of a Player’s Short Game

PGA National isn’t just about navigating water and avoiding rough—it’s also a course that challenges players with brutal bunker complexes that punish poor shot selection.

• Greenside Bunkers: Many of the greens are guarded by deep, high-faced bunkers, making recovery shots extremely difficult. Poor sand play can easily turn a par save into a bogey or worse.
• Fairway Bunkers: Players who miss the fairway but avoid the rough often find themselves in fairway bunkers that limit their ability to reach the green in regulation.
• Tight Lies Around the Greens: Some collection areas are designed to funnel balls toward bunkers, meaning even slightly misjudged approach shots can leave players with difficult sand shots that require perfect touch.

A player who isn’t comfortable navigating tough bunker conditions will struggle to put together a clean round.

Key Players and What’s at Stake

With a strong field set to compete at the 2025 Cognizant Classic, this tournament will be crucial for FedEx Cup points, momentum heading into the Masters, and potential Ryder Cup selections.

1. Austin Eckroat vs. Rickie Fowler

• Background: Austin Eckroat, the defending champion, returns with momentum after clinching his second career victory at the 2024 World Wide Technology Championship. Rickie Fowler, a seasoned player with six PGA TOUR wins, including the 2017 title at this event, makes this matchup one of the most anticipated.
• What to Watch: Eckroat’s recent form versus Fowler’s experience on the course could lead to a fascinating contest, especially under the pressure of big moments where Fowler’s seasoned approach could be pivotal.

2. Russell Henley vs. Sepp Straka

• Background: With both players ranked closely in the Official World Golf Ranking (Henley at No. 17 and Straka at No. 18), this matchup pits consistent performers against each other. Henley, a winner here in 2014, and Straka, the 2022 champion, both know what it takes to succeed on this course.
• What to Watch: The strategic play and mental toughness of Henley against the aggressive style of Straka could lead to a thrilling display of top-tier golf.

3. Sungjae Im vs. Keith Mitchell

• Background: Sungjae Im, the 2020 champion, and Keith Mitchell, who took the title in 2019, are both players capable of spectacular performances. Their contrasting styles—Im’s calculated precision against Mitchell’s power game—set the stage for a dynamic showdown.
• What to Watch: Keep an eye on how each player adapts to the day’s conditions, which could be a deciding factor in this high-stakes encounter.

4. Chris Kirk vs. Camilo Villegas

• Background: Chris Kirk, who triumphed in 2023, faces off against Camilo Villegas, whose last win at this event was back in 2010. Both players have demonstrated resilience and a knack for comeback stories.
• What to Watch: This matchup could come down to who manages the greens better, with both known for their exceptional putting skills under pressure.

5. Past Champions Showdown: Luke Donald vs. Matt Kuchar

• Background: This veteran showdown features Luke Donald (2006 champion) and Matt Kuchar (2002 champion), bringing years of experience and strategic mastery to the forefront.
• What to Watch: The finesse and course management skills of these seasoned players will be on full display, providing a masterclass in tactical golf.

With a $9 million prize pool up for grabs and 500 FedEx Cup points at stake, expect aggressive play and some Sunday drama.

Prize Pool: What’s on the Line at the 2025 Cognizant Classic?

The 2025 Cognizant Classic will feature a $9 million total purse, making it one of the biggest non-major payouts of the season.

• Winner’s Share: $1.62 million
• Runner-up: $972,000
• Third place: $612,000

A big finish here can set up a player’s season financially and in the rankings, making every putt even more meaningful.

Ticket Prices & Fan Experience at the 2025 Cognizant Classic

If you’re planning to attend, here’s a breakdown of ticket options and what you get at each level.

General Admission – $75 per day

• Access to the entire course
• Great views of The Bear Trap (15-17)
• Plenty of food and drink options

The Bear Trap VIP Lounge – $250 per day

• Exclusive access to the Bear Trap viewing area
• Unlimited food and drinks included
• Private lounge seating with air conditioning

Luxury Skybox Experience – $1,500 per day

• The ultimate experience with a private suite, catering, and VIP access
• Meet & greet opportunities with select players
• Exclusive parking and shuttle service

We plan to attend and will provide a full review of the best spots to watch, the overall fan experience, and whether the VIP upgrades are worth it.

How the 2025 Cognizant Classic Fits Into the 2025 PGA Season

This tournament is a key stop on the PGA Tour calendar, positioned right after:

• The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
• The Genesis Invitational at Riviera
• The Arnold Palmer Invitational

With The Players Championship and The Masters approaching, this event serves as one of the last major tune-ups before the season’s biggest moments.

Past Winners of the Cognizant Classic (Last 10 Years)

Looking at recent champions, ball-strikers and clutch putters tend to thrive at PGA National.

• 2024: Chris Kirk
• 2023: Chris Kirk
• 2022: Sepp Straka
• 2021: Matt Jones
• 2020: Sungjae Im
• 2019: Keith Mitchell
• 2018: Justin Thomas
• 2017: Rickie Fowler
• 2016: Adam Scott
• 2015: Padraig Harrington

Several of these players weren’t favorites going in, proving that this tournament often delivers surprises.

What’s the Signature Food & Drink at the Cognizant Classic?

Every great tournament has a food or drink it’s known for, like the Azalea cocktail at The Masters or the Honey Deuce at the US Open.

At PGA National, one of the must-try items is The Bear Trap Burger, a massive creation topped with Florida-style blackened seasoning and smoked bacon.

For drinks, the Palm Beach Mule is the signature cocktail, made with local citrus vodka, fresh lime, and ginger beer—a perfect refreshment after walking the course.

We’ll be trying these firsthand and giving a full review of the best eats and drinks at the event.

Predictions for the Top 3 Finishers at the Cognizant Classic

As the Cognizant Classic approaches, here’s a closer look at the potential top three finishers based on current form, historical performance, and adaptability to the course challenges:

1. Russell Henley

• Why He Might Top the Leaderboard: Russell Henley enters the tournament ranked No. 17 in the world, bringing a solid track record of consistency and precision to the course. His previous win at this event in 2014 highlights his familiarity and success under these conditions. Known for his exceptional approach game and putting skills, Henley is well-suited to navigate the strategic demands of the Champion Course.

2. Austin Eckroat

• Defending Champion’s Edge: As the defending champion, Austin Eckroat not only brings winning momentum from last year’s tournament but also from a recent victory at the 2024 World Wide Technology Championship. His growing confidence and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong contender to finish at the top once again. Eckroat’s understanding of the course and his resilience in tough weather conditions, as demonstrated in last year’s event, underscore his potential to repeat his success.

3. Sepp Straka

• The Challenger: Sepp Straka, currently ranked No. 18, closely trails Henley in the world rankings, adding an intriguing competitive edge to the tournament. His victory in 2022 at this event showcases his capability to conquer the course. Straka combines powerful drives with a robust short game, making him particularly formidable in a field that requires versatility and strong nerve management.

The Finalized Field List At The 2025 Cognizant Classic

Below is the final field list for the 2025 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches:

1. An, Byeong Hun
2. Berger, Daniel
3. Bezuidenhout, Christiaan
4. Bridgeman, Jacob
5. Campbell, Brian
6. Campos, Rafael
7. Capan III, Frankie
8. Castillo, Ricky
9. Cauley, Bud
10. Chandler, Will
11. Clanton, Luke
12. Cole, Eric
13. Coody, Pierceson
14. Cummins, Quade
15. Dahmen, Joel
16. Del Solar, Cristobal
17. Dickson, Taylor
18. Donald, Luke
19. Echavarria, Nico
20. Eckroat, Austin
21. Fishburn, Patrick
22. Fisk, Steven
23. Fowler, Rickie
24. Fox, Ryan
25. Garnett, Brice
26. Gerard, Ryan
27. Ghim, Doug
28. Glover, Lucas
29. Gordon, Will
30. Gotterup, Chris
31. Greyserman, Max
32. Griffin, Ben
33. Grillo, Emiliano
34. Hall, Harry
35. Hardy, Nick
36. Harman, Brian
37. Henley, Russell
38. Hicks, Justin
39. Higgs, Harry
40. Highsmith, Joe
41. Hisatsune, Ryo
42. Hodges, Lee
43. Hoey, Rico
44. Hoffman, Charley
45. Hoge, Tom
46. Højgaard, Nicolai
47. Horschel, Billy
48. Hoshino, Rikuya
49. Hossler, Beau
50. Hubbard, Mark
51. Hughes, Mackenzie
52. Im, Sungjae
53. Johnson, Zach
54. Kim, Chan
55. Kim, Michael
56. Kirk, Chris
57. Kisner, Kevin
58. Kitayama, Kurt
59. Kizzire, Patton
60. Knapp, Jake
61. Kohles, Ben
62. Kuchar, Matt
63. Lashley, Nate
64. Lawrence, Thriston
65. Lee, K.H.
66. Lee, Min Woo
67. Lipsky, David
68. List, Luke
69. Lower, Justin
70. Lowry, Shane
71. Malnati, Peter
72. Manassero, Matteo
73. Martin, Ben
74. McCarthy, Denny
75. McCarty, Matt
76. McCumber, Tyler
77. McGreevy, Max
78. Meissner, Mac
79. Mitchell, Keith
80. Molinari, Francesco
81. Montgomery, Taylor
82. Moore, Taylor
83. Mouw, William
84. Mullinax, Trey
85. Nørgaard, Niklas
86. Norlander, Henrik
87. Norrman, Vincent
88. Novak, Andrew
89. Olesen, Thorbjørn
90. Palmer, Ryan
91. Pan, C.T.
92. Pavon, Matthieu
93. Pendrith, Taylor
94. Perez, Victor
95. Peterson, Paul
96. Phillips, Chandler
97. Polland, Ben
98. Power, Seamus
99. Putnam, Andrew
100. Ramey, Chad
101. Riley, Davis
102. Rodgers, Patrick
103. Rosenmueller, Thomas
104. Roy, Kevin
105. Rozner, Antoine
106. Ryder, Sam
107. Salinda, Isaiah
108. Schenk, Adam
109. Schmid, Matti
110. Sigg, Greyson
111. Silverman, Ben
112. Simpson, Webb
113. Skinns, David
114. Smalley, Alex
115. Snedeker, Brandt
116. Spaun, J.J.
117. Stevens, Sam
118. Straka, Sepp
119. Svensson, Adam
120. Svensson, Jesper
121. Thompson, Davis
122. Thorbjornsen, Michael
123. Thornberry, Braden
124. Todd, Brendon
125. Valimaki, Sami
126. van Rooyen, Erik
127. Vegas, Jhonattan
128. Velo, Kevin
129. Ventura, Kris
130. Vilips, Karl
131. Villegas, Camilo
132. Wallace, Matt
133. Waring, Paul
134. Whaley, Vince
135. Widing, Tim
136. Willett, Danny
137. Woodland, Gary
138. Young, Cameron
139. Young, Carson

Please note that the complete field is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the official tournament website or follow their official channels.

A Tournament You Won’t Want to Miss

With high-profile players, a challenging course, and one of the most passionate crowds on Tour, the 2025 Cognizant Classic is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event.

We’ll be there covering it live, giving first-hand updates on the course setup, best fan experiences, and key storylines as they unfold. Stay tuned for our full event breakdown and exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage.