Expert Picks: Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches

The new season ushers in an updated version of Expert Picks. Here, you’ll find betting and fantasy analysis, reflecting the exciting new features of the PGA TOUR Fantasy Game, including in-tournament roster adjustments, set for 2026. Our panel of specialists will provide weekly fantasy game selections, detailing their captain choices for bonus points. Roster submissions are handled through PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf.

Additionally, our Golfbet specialists will present their noteworthy betting selections.

Here’s how it functions: Every week, PGATOUR.COM’s experts will finalize their picks for PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf. Each team comprises four starting players, one designated as captain, and two substitutes who can be rotated between rounds. A key rule is that each golfer can only be selected three times across each of the three segments.

Beyond the expert analysis provided here, Rob Bolton, Golfbet’s Fantasy Insider, offers a comprehensive breakdown of this week’s competitors in the latest Power Rankings.

WILL GRAY (Senior Manager, TOUR & Golfbet Editorial & Distribution)

• Johnny Keefer (-105) vs. Chris Kirk: Although Kirk is a past PGA National winner, I favor Keefer as a minor underdog in this 72-hole contest, given his streak of four consecutive made cuts to start the season.
• Daniel Berger, Top 10 (+290) Finish: Berger, a Florida native, has a strong history at PGA National, including a playoff loss in 2015 and two other top-five performances.

CHRIS BREECE (Senior Content Manager, Golfbet)

• Nicolai Højgaard & Ryan Gerard, Top 10 Parlay (+1100): These two players are among the leaders in Strokes Gained: Approach this season, and both have recently been on the verge of victory.
• Group D Winner, Alex Smalley (+280) against Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Haotong Li, Kristoffer Reitan, Max Homa: Smalley posted a 64 here last year, finishing T18. He’s also demonstrated a tendency to maintain momentum when playing well, as seen with his four solid rounds at Pebble Beach recently.

JIMMY REINMAN (Digital Content Manager)

• Nicolai Højgaard, Top 10 (+210) Finish: Given that bogey avoidance is critical at PGA National, Højgaard’s TOUR-leading performance in this area makes him a strong pick. He also carries momentum from almost forcing a playoff at the WM Phoenix Open.
• Group C Winner, Aaron Rai (+300) against Max Homa, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Thorbjørn Olesen, Davis Thompson: I’m backing Rai for this Group C bet, at 3-1 odds. Despite his Sunday performance at Riviera, Rai appeared to regain his stride towards the end of the West Coast swing, unlike the other golfers in this group who are still seeking their best form.

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