The PGA Tour heads to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for the 2025 Cognizant Classic, running from February 27 to March 2 at the prestigious PGA National Resort. This highly anticipated event marks the ninth stop on the Tour schedule and is part of the exciting Florida Swing, where golfers aim to sharpen their skills before the big events to follow.
Defending champion Austin Eckroat, who earned his first PGA Tour victory at this tournament last year, returns to the green with high expectations. Last season, Eckroat triumphed over Erik van Rooyen and Min Woo Lee with a final overall score of 17-under 267 after carding a decisive fourth-round score of 4-under 67. Eckroat will be aiming to replicate his success against fierce competition, including renowned players such as Jordan Spieth, Shane Lowry, and Rickie Fowler.
The total purse for the tournament is set at $9.2 million, with the winner receiving $1.656 million and 500 points toward the coveted FedEx Cup standings. This final opportunity to earn points through the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5 challenges makes the event even more integral to players' aspirations for FedEx Cup qualification.
For fans eager to follow the action, live coverage begins at various times throughout the tournament. The first round kicks off on February 27, with coverage starting on ESPN+ at 6:45 AM ET, along with the Golf Channel taking over later at 2 PM. This schedule will extend through all four days of the tournament, with NBC joining the broadcast for the weekend’s final rounds. It's the perfect occasion for golf aficionados to tune in and catch their favorite players as they compete for the championship title.
The 2025 Cognizant Classic will feature two main tees, with numerous players scheduled for each round. For example, starting times include notable matches such as:
- 1st Tee - 6:45 AM: Patrick Rodgers, Rico Hoey, Mac Meissner
- 10th Tee - 6:45 AM: Denny McCarthy, Sam Ryder, Patrick Fishburn
- 12:29 PM: Austin Eckroat, Chris Kirk, Sungjae Im
- 12:40 PM: Shane Lowry, Gary Woodland, Min Woo Lee
The detailed tee times and broadcast information ensures fans won’t miss any of the action during the first two days.
Among the other notable competitors at this year’s tournament, Jordan Spieth will be making his debut at PGA National after recovering from wrist surgery. This appearance adds another layer of excitement as fans are eager to see how the former world No. 1 performs after his hiatus. Spieth's return is particularly compelling as he has previously shown remarkable skill and consistency on the Tour, often competing for top honors.
Additional notable players include Rickie Fowler, who has become quite popular with fans for his engaging personality, and Russell Henley, the 2014 champion of this event, making it even more suspenseful as the tournament heats up.
Another feature to watch during the Cognizant Classic is the famed “Bear Trap,” consisting of holes 15, 16, and 17 on the Champion Course, known for its difficulty. Players will have to navigate this challenging stretch carefully to maintain their scores and a chance to climb the leaderboard.
The potential for dramatic moments during the tournament is high, making the viewing experience one to anticipate. With players jockeying for position on the course, the excitement will only intensify as they push toward the weekend's finale.
All four rounds promise high stakes as players will compete not only for the prize money but also for points to secure their places for future tournaments, including the all-important Arnold Palmer Invitational. Who will emerge victorious this year? Will Eckroat defend his title, or will a new champion rise to take his place? Golf fans won't want to miss this pivotal event!
With extensive coverage on various platforms, including ESPN+, Golf Channel, and NBC, fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and tune in. Whether following along from home or at the course, the 2025 Cognizant Classic is all set to showcase thrilling golf action.