Black Box Golf: Cognizant Classic 2025
For the 2025 Cognizant Classic at PGA National, here are four golfers who stand out based on their past performances at PGA National and recent form. The tournament is renowned for its challenging holes, particularly the "Bear Trap" stretch, and these players have the skills needed to navigate the difficulty of the course.
Main Bet: Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry is a well-rounded golfer with a strong all-around game, making him an ideal candidate for success at PGA National. His experience in tough conditions and strong mental game will serve him well on this demanding layout.
Course Form: Lowry has a strong history at PGA National, with a runner-up finish in 2022 and several solid top-15 finishes in previous years. His accuracy off the tee and excellent short game are key strengths for tackling the challenges presented by the "Bear Trap."
Recent Form: Over the last five weeks, Lowry has been solid, including a T13 at the Farmers Insurance Open and a strong showing at the 2025 Saudi International, indicating he is in good form heading into the Cognizant Classic.
Statistics: Lowry excels in key stats for this tournament, such as greens in regulation and scrambling, both of which are essential at PGA National. His ball-striking and putting will be crucial to navigating the difficult Bermuda grass greens and narrow fairways.
Backup Bet 1: Sepp Straka
Sepp Straka, a past winner at this event, has the game needed to succeed at PGA National, especially given his solid performance at tough courses.
Course Form: Straka won the 2022 edition of the tournament and has been a consistent performer on the challenging PGA National course. His ability to control his ball-flight, combined with a solid short game, makes him a contender every year here.
Recent Form: Straka has had an excellent run recently, with a T4 finish at the 2025 Phoenix Open and a strong T20 at the Farmers Insurance Open. His solid form and confidence in high-pressure tournaments make him an appealing option.
Statistics: Sepp Straka ranks well in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee and Putting, making him well-equipped to handle the long holes and the tricky greens at PGA National. His all-around game gives him an edge over many of his competitors.
Backup Bet 2: Daniel Berger
Daniel Berger has shown that he thrives at PGA National, making him a strong bet to contend at the Cognizant Classic this week.
Course Form: Berger has been a consistent performer at PGA National, with a T3 finish in 2021 and multiple top-10 finishes throughout his career. His ball-striking and ability to navigate tough courses make him well-suited to handle the challenges of the "Bear Trap" stretch.
Recent Form: Berger has had some good finishes recently, including a T7 at the 2025 Waste Management Phoenix Open and a strong T12 at the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open. He is returning to form after battling injuries and looks ready to contend again.
Statistics: Berger ranks highly in Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green, which are crucial at a course like PGA National. His ability to control his irons and tee shots gives him an advantage on a course that demands precision and accuracy.
Backup Bet 3: Russell Henley
Russell Henley has a solid track record at PGA National, and his consistency makes him a reliable pick for this week.
Course Form: Henley is a past champion at the Cognizant Classic (2014) and has several other top-10 finishes at PGA National. His accuracy off the tee and strong approach play make him a good fit for this layout, where strategy and precision are key.
Recent Form: Henley has been solid in the last few weeks, with top-25 finishes at both the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open and the 2025 Waste Management Phoenix Open. His consistency and ability to handle tough conditions make him a contender.
Statistics: Henley ranks highly in Strokes Gained: Approach and Greens in Regulation, both of which are vital stats at PGA National. His ability to hit greens and control his approach shots gives him an edge on this challenging course.
Conclusion
The 2025 Cognizant Classic at PGA National is set to be an exciting event, and the course will challenge even the best players with its tough layout and tricky conditions. Shane Lowry stands out as the main bet with his all-around game, experience, and solid recent form. Sepp Straka, Daniel Berger, and Russell Henley provide excellent backup options, each with a strong course history and recent form to back up their chances.
These four players are well-suited to the challenges of PGA National, and their recent performances suggest they will be in contention at the Cognizant Classic this week. Keep an eye on their progress and any updates leading into the event for the best betting opportunities.
Suggested Staking:
1 point ew SHANE LOWRY »> 20-1 Skybet 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 places 1/5 odds
1 point ew DANIEL BERGER »> 22-1 Paddy Power 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 places 1/5 odds
0.5 point ew SEPP STRAKA »> 25-1 Paddy Power 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 places 1/5 odds
0.5 point ew RUSSEL HENLEY »> 22-1 Paddy Power and Betfair Sportsbook 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 places 1/5 odds