PGA Cognizant Classic In The Palm Beaches Best Bets and Top 20 DFS Picks
The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is one of the highly anticipated events on the golf calendar for 2024, bringing together a field rich in talent and previous tournament winners. As players gear up for the competition, a look at the past champions in this week's field provides a hint at who might have an edge. This elite roster includes notables like Jake Knapp and Eric Cole, both of whom have demonstrated the resilience and skill to conquer the course before.
The course itself is a masterpiece of design, demanding precision and strategy. With its sweeping fairways and meticulously crafted greens, it presents a challenge that requires a well-rounded game. Signature holes like the par-5 14th with its risk-reward dynamic and the treacherous par-3 17th, known for its island green, are where tournaments can be won or lost.
The Statsational model allocation for the victor's profile emphasizes the importance of a balanced game with a particular focus on Driving Distance and Approach, each weighted at 27%. Putting and Fairway Approach are equally critical, both coming in at 15%, with Around The Green play also at 15%. It’s clear that to claim the trophy, a golfer must excel in all facets of the game.
Jake Knapp (6500) comes into the event as a longshot, but his recent surge in form, including a win last week in Mexico, suggests he's peaking at the right time. His powerful driving could be a significant advantage here.
Eric Cole (2800), with odds reflecting his status as a contender, has been consistent this season. His knack for precision on approach shots will serve him well at a course that rewards accuracy over aggression.
JT Poston (3500) has shown flashes of brilliance this year and will look to improve on his impressive performances in previous editions of the Classic. His calm demeanor on the greens could be the key to climbing the leaderboard.
Stephan Jaeger (4500) is another player to watch, having recorded several top-20 finishes leading up to this event. His all-around game aligns well with the Statsational model, making him a dark horse for the title.
Doug Ghim (8000) enters the tournament as an underdog, but his ability to navigate around the greens could turn heads this week. He's a sleeper pick who might just surprise many.
Erik Van Rooyen (7000) brings international flair and a solid track record of performance under pressure. While he's been quiet this season, his past success on challenging courses could indicate a strong showing.
Matthieu Pavon (6000), hailing from Europe, has had a steady season and is known for his disciplined approach play. His precision with irons could prove invaluable on this course.
Adam Svensson (4000) has been a model of consistency this season, and his well-rounded game fits the Statsational model perfectly. He could very well find himself in contention if he can string together four solid rounds.
Lastly, Mark Hubbard (9000) might have the longest odds, but his recent improvement in driving distance coupled with his veteran savvy makes him a potential surprise package of the tournament.
As the Cognizant Classic unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which aspects of play will dominate—distance, accuracy, or perhaps the mental game. One thing is certain: the winner will need to master them all to come out on top in The Palm Beaches.
DFS Top 20 Model Plays
1. Rory McIlroy
- Salary: $12,200
- Model Rank: 1
- Driving Distance Rank: 1
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 47
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 58
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 44
- Fairways Gained Rank: 79
- Recent Tournament Results: Genesis (T24), AT&T Pebble Beach (T66), TOUR Championship (4), BMW Championship (4), FedEx St. Jude (T3)
2. Jake Knapp
- Salary: $8,400
- Model Rank: 2
- Driving Distance Rank: 8
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 27
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 11
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 41
- Fairways Gained Rank: 130
- Recent Tournament Results: Mexico Open (1), WM Phoenix Open (T28), Farmers (T3), The American Express (CUT), Sony Open (T70)
3. Eric Cole
- Salary: $9,900
- Model Rank: 3
- Driving Distance Rank: 81
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 5
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 91
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 5
- Fairways Gained Rank: 28
- Recent Tournament Results: Genesis (T10), WM Phoenix Open (T49), AT&T Pebble Beach (T14), Farmers (CUT), The American Express (T21)
4. J.T. Poston
- Salary: $9,800
- Model Rank: 4
- Driving Distance Rank: 107
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 4
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 6
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 23
- Fairways Gained Rank: 42
- Recent Tournament Results: Genesis (T10), WM Phoenix Open (CUT), AT&T Pebble Beach (T20), The American Express (T11), Sony Open (6)
5. Stephan Jaeger
- Salary: $8,800
- Model Rank: 5
- Driving Distance Rank: 12
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 61
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 14
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 39
- Fairways Gained Rank: 98
- Recent Tournament Results: Mexico Open (T3), AT&T Pebble Beach (T71), Farmers (T3), The American Express (T52), Sony Open (T18)
6. Taylor Pendrith
- Salary: $7,800
- Model Rank: 6
- Driving Distance Rank: 13
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 36
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 46
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 43
- Fairways Gained Rank: 109
- Recent Tournament Results: Mexico Open (CUT), Farmers (T9), The American Express (CUT), Sony Open (T10), The RSM Classic (CUT)
7. Billy Horschel
- Salary: $7,000
- Model Rank: 7
- Driving Distance Rank: 76
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 6
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 87
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 53
- Fairways Gained Rank: 13
- Recent Tournament Results: WM Phoenix Open (T41), Farmers (CUT), The American Express (CUT), Sony Open (T18), The RSM Classic (CUT)
8. Doug Ghim
- Salary: $7,000
- Model Rank: 8
- Driving Distance Rank: 83
- Strokes Gained: Putting Rank: 109
- Strokes Gained: Around-The-Green Rank: 30
- Strokes Gained: Approach Rank: 21
- Fairways Gained Rank: 9
- Recent Tournament Results: Mexico Open (T8), WM Phoenix Open (T12), Farmers (T13), The American Express (CUT), Sony Open (CUT)
Rank 9: Erik Van Rooyen - Salary: $7,400
- Model Rank: 9
- Dr Dist: 42
- SG: P: 31
- SG: ARG: 118
- SG: APP: 4
- Fwys Gained: 64
- Recent Tournaments:
- Mexico Open: T8
- WM Phoenix Open: CUT
- AT&T Pebble Beach: T20
- The American Express: T25
- Sony Open: T52
Rank 10: Matthieu Pavon
- Salary: $8,700
- Model Rank: 10
- Dr Dist: 54
- SG: P: 16
- SG: ARG: 107
- SG: APP: 6
- Fwys Gained: 83
- Recent Tournaments:
- AT&T Pebble Beach: 3
- Farmers: 1
- The American Express: T39
- Sony Open: T7
- Genesis Scottish Open: CUT
Rank 11: Adam Svensson
- Salary: $7,700
- Model Rank: 11
- Dr Dist: 59
- SG: P: 117
- SG: ARG: 82
- SG: APP: 7
- Fwys Gained: 19
- Recent Tournaments:
- Genesis: T10
- WM Phoenix Open: CUT
- AT&T Pebble Beach: T47
- Farmers: CUT
- Sony Open: T30
Rank 12: Mark Hubbard
- Salary: $7,500
- Model Rank: 12
- Dr Dist: 101
- SG: P: 57
- SG: ARG: 23
- SG: APP: 15
- Fwys Gained: 47
- Recent Tournaments:
- Mexico Open: T48
- WM Phoenix Open: T53
- AT&T Pebble Beach: T4
- Farmers: T20
- The American Express: T47
Rank 13: Min Woo Lee
- Salary: $9,600
- Model Rank: 13
- Dr Dist: 2
- SG: P: 9
- SG: ARG: 18
- SG: APP: 136
- Fwys Gained: 110
- Recent Tournaments:
- WM Phoenix Open: T71
- Farmers: T43
- The American Express: T21
- ZOZO Championship: T6
- The Open: T41
Rank 14: Beau Hossler
- Salary: $8,300
- Model Rank: 14
- Dr Dist: 93
- SG: P: 13
- SG: ARG: 9
- SG: APP: 52
- Fwys Gained: 67
- Recent Tournaments:
- Genesis: T24
- WM Phoenix Open: T41
- AT&T Pebble Beach: T14
- Farmers: T6
- The American Express: T47
Rank 15: Tom Kim
- Salary: $10,100
- Model Rank: 15
- Dr Dist: 102
- SG: P: 28
- SG: ARG: 64
- SG: APP: 19
- Fwys Gained: 31
- Recent Tournaments:
- Genesis: T24
- WM Phoenix Open: T17
- AT&T Pebble Beach: T31
- The American Express: CUT
- Sentry: T45
Rank 16: Shane Lowry
- Salary: $9,300
- MCM: 1
- Model Rank: 16
- Dr Dist: 82
- SG: P: 89
- SG: ARG: 32
- SG: APP: 36
- Fwys Gained: 18
- Recent Tournaments: WM Phoenix Open (T60), Farmers (T25), The American Express (CUT), Wyndham (T51), The Open (CUT)
Rank 17: Akshay Bhatia
- Salary: $6,900
- MCM: 1
- Model Rank: 17
- Dr Dist: 55
- SG: P: 40
- SG: ARG: 51
- SG: APP: 79
- Fwys Gained: 11
- Recent Tournaments: WM Phoenix Open (CUT), Farmers (T13), The American Express (CUT), Sony Open (T13), Sentry (T14)
Rank 18: Davis Thompson
- Salary: $6,800
- MCM: 1
- Model Rank: 18
- Dr Dist: 50
- SG: P: 33
- SG: ARG: 81
- SG: APP: 22
- Fwys Gained: 101
- Recent Tournaments: Mexico Open (T24), WM Phoenix Open (T15), Farmers (CUT), The American Express (T21), Sony Open (T57)
Rank 19: Chesson Hadley
- Salary: $6,700
- MCM: 1
- Model Rank: 19
- Dr Dist: 69
- SG: P: 19
- SG: ARG: 117
- SG: APP: 10
- Fwys Gained: 86
- Recent Tournaments: Mexico Open (T24), WM Phoenix Open (CUT), Farmers (T25), The American Express (T56), The RSM Classic (T38)
Rank 20: Gary Woodland
- Salary: $6,500
- MCM: 1
- Model Rank: 20
- Dr Dist: 5
- SG: P: 125
- SG: ARG: 121
- SG: APP: 13
- Fwys Gained: 121