Cognizant Classic
Nico Echavarria wins 2026 Cognizant Classic after Shane Lowry's Bear Trap collapse
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Colombia's Nico Echavarria claimed his third PGA Tour title—and first U.S.-based win—at the 2026 Cognizant Classic, finishing at 17-under par with a bogey-free weekend capped by a final-round 66. Shane Lowry built a three-shot lead before consecutive double bogeys on the 16th and 17th handed the $1.728 million victory, 500 FedExCup points, and a 2026 Masters invitation to Echavarria from the record $9.6 million purse.
Nico Echavarria secured his third PGA Tour victory at the Cognizant Classic by switching to a softer, spinnier golf ball. The change to Srixon's Z-Star Diamond from the Z-Star XV provided better control on firm greens. This adjustment, tested earlier in the season, contributed to his strong approach play.
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Brooks Koepka delivered a strong final-round 65 at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, marking his best performance since returning to the PGA Tour. The five-time major winner overcame an opening 74 with improved putting, gaining confidence after early struggles. His effort placed him inside the top 10 as the final groups reached the back nine.
The Cognizant Classic marked the start of the PGA Tour's Florida Swing with several new prototype putters making their tour debut. Companies like L.A.B., Bettinardi, and Scotty Cameron showcased innovative designs, while players Chris Kirk and Kevin Yu put Odyssey's Damascus Milled No. 7 putters into play. Equipment changes were notable despite many top pros resting before the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
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Brooks Koepka, the five-time major champion, shot a 5-under 66 in the second round of the Cognizant Classic to make the weekend cut after an opening 74. The Palm Beach County native adjusted his putting stroke following poor greens performance on Thursday, gaining nearly four strokes with the putter on Friday. Koepka enters the weekend at 2 under, nine shots behind leader Austin Smotherman.
The Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches has suffered significant blows with withdrawals from top-ranked players, including Adam Scott, Ben Griffin, and Jacob Bridgeman, just before the tournament's start. In contrast, the Valero Texas Open has bolstered its field with commitments from several high-profile golfers. These developments come amid discussions of broader PGA Tour schedule changes under new CEO Brian Rolapp.
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The 2026 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches opens the PGA Tour's Florida Swing at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, from February 26 to March 1. The event features a $9.6 million purse on a par-71 course measuring 7,223 yards, but a weaker field due to recent high-purse Signature Events and withdrawals from top contenders like Ben Griffin, Adam Scott, and Jacob Bridgeman. Ryan Gerard and Shane Lowry enter as co-favorites at +1600 odds amid a wide-open competition.
Players wear yellow ribbons during Cognizant Classic final round
March 01, 2026 06:51Austin Smotherman co-leads Cognizant Classic with Shane Lowry
February 28, 2026 21:28Cognizant Classic reflects PGA Tour's schedule uncertainties
February 28, 2026 20:21Shane Lowry and Austin Smotherman tied for lead entering final round of Cognizant Classic
February 28, 2026 04:17Shane Lowry and Austin Smotherman share lead at Cognizant Classic
February 26, 2026 23:54Adam Scott withdraws from PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic
February 26, 2026 23:22Austin Smotherman leads after first-round 62 at Cognizant Classic
February 26, 2026 21:43Koepka falters in Cognizant Classic first round amid Zalatoris withdrawal
February 26, 2026 12:19Ryan Gerard hits animal with shot at Cognizant Classic
February 26, 2026 11:00PGA Tour pros criticize PGA National course setup for Cognizant Classic