Ryan Gerard aims for his second PGA Tour victory at the Cognizant Classic taking place this week in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The 26-year-old enters the tournament as the favorite at +1600 odds, according to FanDuel Sportsbook, ahead of notable contenders such as Shane Lowry at +1700 and Nicolai Højgaard at +1900. Gerard has three professional wins to his name, including his only PGA Tour success at last year’s Barracuda Championship. His most recent outing was a tie for 28th place at the Genesis Invitational, finishing 12 strokes behind the leader.
The tournament begins Thursday morning at 6:45 a.m. ET on the PGA National – Champion Course, a challenging par-71 layout stretching 7,223 yards. The $9.6 million purse is attracting a broad field including other top contenders like Rasmus Højgaard (+2200), Michael Thorbjornsen (+2200), and Keith Mitchell (+2700). Joe Highsmith, last year’s champion, returns but is ranked as a long shot at +15000 in the current odds.
Golf Analyst Brady Kannon Advises Caution on Betting Favorite Ryan Gerard
Professional golf handicapper Brady Kannon, with over three decades of experience, has publicly advised bettors to avoid backing Ryan Gerard at the Cognizant Classic. Kannon, known for his accurate predictions of major championships and PGA Tour winners, urges caution against Gerard despite his status as the tournament favorite.
We saw a 26-year old born in the latter half of 1999 win last week at Riviera but I am not banking on yet another ‘Party like it’s 1999’ happening again for a second straight 26-year old this week in Palm Beach Gardens,
Kannon told SportsLine.
Gerard is a very good player who notched his first PGA Tour win in his rookie year last season. He began this year red-hot, with two straight runner-up finishes but now in this watered-down field, he is at the very top of the board as the betting favorite — being priced the same if not lower than Shane Lowry. It is a very different world, going from 30-40-50-to-1 longshot to lone favorite and now being
expectedto win the golf tournament. See who Kannon is backing at SportsLine.
Kannon has a history of successful calls, including hitting eight major outright winners since 2013 and identifying underdogs like Harris English at 110-1 odds at the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open. Last season he correctly predicted champions such as Hideki Matsuyama and Tommy Fleetwood among others. His expert analysis extends to head-to-head bets, where he holds a strong record.
Insider Recommendations and Expert Betting Advice for the Cognizant Classic
In addition to issuing a warning on Gerard, Brady Kannon has spotlighted a less recognized golfer as his top outright pick at odds above 45-1, praising his suitability for the course and potential for a big payoff. While details on this selection remain exclusive to SportsLine subscribers, bettors are encouraged to study Kannon’s analysis closely before placing wagers.
Golf fans and bettors can also take advantage of promotions like the DraftKings and Kalshi bonus codes, offering cash bonuses and risk-free bets, enhancing the betting experience for new users engaging with this tournament.
Complete Overview of Betting Odds and Field for the 2026 PGA Cognizant Classic
The current odds list Ryan Gerard as the main favorite at +1600, followed closely by Shane Lowry (+1700) and Nicolai Højgaard (+1900). Other contenders inside the top ten include Rasmus Højgaard, Michael Thorbjornsen, Keith Mitchell, Daniel Berger, and Brooks Koepka, each with varying odds indicating competitive potential.
A wide array of players from well-established names to emerging talents fill out the field, offering diverse betting options and strategic choices for golf enthusiasts. The odds are subject to updates as the tournament progresses, reflecting changes in player form and external conditions.
Selected odds from FanDuel Sportsbook (subject to change):
1. Ryan Gerard +1600
2. Shane Lowry +1700
3. Nicolai Højgaard +1900
4. Rasmus Højgaard +2200
5. Michael Thorbjornsen +2200
6. Keith Mitchell +2700
7. Daniel Berger +2700
8. Brooks Koepka +3000
9. Aaron Rai +3300
10. Alex Smalley +3300
What to Expect Moving Forward in the Cognizant Classic
The Cognizant Classic serves as a key early-season event for players to establish their form and aim for vital tour points and prize money. Favorited contenders like Ryan Gerard face scrutiny, with experts urging bettors to weigh potential risks amid a highly competitive and somewhat unpredictable field. The tournament’s outcomes may influence roster decisions and betting markets, creating a space filled with both opportunity and uncertainty.
With seasoned professionals and underdog hopefuls on the course, anticipation remains high. Observers will closely monitor how players adapt to the course demands and pressure. The expert analysis from handicapper Brady Kannon and others will continue to influence betting trends as the tournament unfolds.
