Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches One and Done Picks

The PGA Tour’s Florida swing continues with the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, one of the most volatile and demanding non-major stops on the schedule. With water hazards in play on nearly every hole and the infamous “Bear Trap” waiting late on Sunday, PGA National’s Champion Course rewards elite ball-striking and composure under pressure. For One and Done players, this is a key strategy week. Identifying the right Cognizant Classic One and Done pick for 2026 can create separation before the season’s biggest events begin.

Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches 2026: Tournament Overview

• Event: Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
• Dates: February 26 – March 1, 2026
• Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
• Course: Champion Course (PGA National)
• Purse: $9,600,000
• Defending Champion: Joe Highsmith

The Champion Course consistently ranks among the most difficult non-major layouts on TOUR. Water comes into play on 15 holes, scoring is volatile, and wind is often a factor. This is not a birdie-fest — it’s a survival test.

That makes strong course history and current form critical when evaluating Cognizant Classic One and Done picks 2026.

Best Cognizant Classic One and Done Pick 2026: Jake Knapp

When narrowing down the top One and Done picks for the Cognizant Classic, Jake Knapp stands out as the most compelling option on the board.

Why Jake Knapp Is an Elite Cognizant Classic One and Done Pick

• Elite Course History: Knapp has finished T4 (2024) and T6 (2025) in his two previous appearances — showing clear comfort at PGA National.
• Historic Scoring Ability: His first-round 59 in 2025 set the lowest 18-hole score in tournament history, proving he can separate from the field.
• Strong Current Form: After early-season finishes of T11 at the Sony Open and T5 at the Farmers Insurance Open, Knapp currently sits inside the top 15 in the FedExCup standings.
• Win Equity Without Burning a Superstar: Knapp offers legitimate upside while preserving elite names for Signature Events and majors.

Among all Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches One and Done picks, Knapp provides the best mix of course fit, scoring ceiling, and roster flexibility.

Contest to Join on Splash Sports

Once you’ve locked in your Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches One and Done pick, there’s one featured contest we recommend checking out on Splash Sports — with even more contests available on the platform.

Splash $10K PGA O&D – A $50 entry contest offering $10,035 in guaranteed prizes, ideal for players looking for a season-long One & Done at a lower entry point. Top prize payouts include $2,007 for first, $1,505.25 for second, and $1,204.20 for third. Standard golf One & Done rules apply: one golfer per tournament, no repeats, Dollar Winnings scoring, and up to 6 entries per player.

Be sure to explore the Splash Sports lobby for additional contests and formats available throughout the season.

Final Thoughts on Cognizant Classic One and Done Picks 2026

The Cognizant Classic is one of the most unpredictable weeks of the Florida swing. The Champion Course rewards confidence, precision, and experience navigating difficult finishing stretches.

If you’re searching for high-upside Cognizant Classic One and Done picks for 2026, Jake Knapp stands out as the sharpest play. His proven success at PGA National combined with early-season momentum makes this a well-timed, strategic deployment.

For Splash Sports players looking to gain leverage before the schedule turns to Signature Events, this is a calculated opportunity to make a move.