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PGA Tour Kicks Off Florida Swing at Cognizant Classic

The breathtaking golf course at PGA National Resort, home of the Cognizant Classic.

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News Summary

The PGA Tour’s Florida Swing begins with the much-anticipated Cognizant Classic from February 27 to March 2, 2025, at PGA National Resort. The challenging par-71 course features 25 water hazards and is known as one of the tour’s toughest. Golfers to watch include past champions like Russell Henley and Sungjae Im, along with rising stars such as Jordan Spieth. With a charitable focus on the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, this tournament promises excitement both on and off the course.

Heading into an Exciting Florida Swing: PGA Tour’s Kickoff at the Cognizant Classic

The stage is set for a thrilling start to the PGA Tour’s Florida Swing with the highly anticipated Cognizant Classic taking place at the renowned PGA National Resort. From February 27 to March 2, 2025, golf fans can expect an action-packed tournament that promises to showcase some of the sport’s best talents.

PGA National: A Course Like No Other

PGA National isn’t just any golf course; it’s a testing ground for the world’s top players. This par-71 layout stretches over 7,167 yards and is notorious for its challenging features. With a staggering 25 water hazards littered across the course, water comes into play on a hefty 15 of the 18 holes. For golfers, avoiding these watery pitfalls will be a major focus throughout the tournament.

The fairways average about 33 yards wide, and players will find the greens spacious, measuring around 7,000 square feet. Recent statistics show that during the 2024 tournament, the field managed to hit 65% of fairways and 70% of greens. Clearly, navigating this tricky course effectively is no small feat.

Teeing Off with the Favorites

Among the exciting lineup of golfers is Russell Henley, who previously clinched the championship in 2014. Over the past five years, Henley has consistently performed well at this venue, notching two top-10 finishes and finishing in the top-5 in seven events over the last 12 months. Another name to watch is Sungjae Im, the 2020 champion, who’ll be looking to recapture his winning form.

Also making waves is Keith Mitchell, known as a top ball-striker who won at this course in 2019. Players such as Ben Griffin and Lucas Glover are drawing attention for their recent, strong performances, making them serious contenders.

Raising the Stakes: Challenging Adjustments

The tour organizers have recently ramped up the challenge at PGA National, elevating it to the title of the 20th most difficult course on Tour, a significant rise from its previous rankings. This change is likely to test the traditional powerhouses as well as the emerging stars aiming to make their mark.

Exciting Debuts and Rising Stars

Among the fresh faces in the field is Jordan Spieth, a three-time major champion making his debut at this tournament. His participation adds an extra layer of excitement as fans speculate about how he will fare. Furthermore, amateur Luke Clanton has received a sponsor’s exemption and is looking to secure full-time status on the PGA Tour.

Conquering the “Bear Trap”

As the players prepare to tee off, they will need to keep a close eye on the infamous “Bear Trap” stretch of holes 15, 16, and 17. This notorious trio is widely considered one of the most challenging segments in golf, adding to the course’s already daunting reputation. Golfers often find themselves having to play tactfully, opting for less than driver off the tee to avoid watery disasters.

Interestingly, the history at PGA National indicates that driving distance has often outshone mere driving accuracy in previous tournaments, making for an exhilarating contest.

Giving Back While Competing

Not only is the Cognizant Classic about competitive golf; it also has a charitable heart. The tournament’s main beneficiary is the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, highlighting the commitment of the PGA Tour community to give back while thrilling the audience.

With an incredibly competitive field poised to take the stage, the Cognizant Classic is shaping up to be an unforgettable kickoff to the Florida Swing. Fans and players alike can look forward to an exciting week of golf that is sure to deliver both quality play and entertainment!