Surprise in the Florida Swing: A New Look at the 2026 Cognizant Classic

The 2026 PGA Tour starts its Florida Swing with the Cognizant Classic, a field that includes champions like Shane Lowry and Brook Koepka. Fans often turn to FanDuel Sportsbook for odds, where Lowry and Ryan Gerard share the top spot at +1600. The Højgaard brothers, Nicolai and Rasmus, appear next with odds of +2000 and +2200, while Koepka sits at +2700. Before placing any bets, it helps to check predictions from a trusted computer model. SportsLine’s system, crafted by DFS expert Mike McClure, runs 10, 000 simulations for each tournament. It has a strong record of accuracy, even predicting winners in major championships such as the Masters and PGA Championship. Players who followed those predictions earned significant returns.For this week’s Classic, the model offers a different story. It lowers expectations for Lowry, forecasting that he will finish outside the top three even though he is a co‑favorite. On the flip side, Daniel Berger receives a +3000 longshot rating, suggesting he could surprise many. The simulation also highlights four other golfers with odds of +3000 or more who have a realistic chance to crack the top ten. These insights show that odds alone do not capture every possibility. By looking at a detailed simulation, bettors can uncover hidden gems and avoid overreliance on popular favorites. The model’s predictions are free to view, so those interested can explore the full list of potential top‑ten finishers before making decisions.