Sleeper Picks: Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
Finding Value in Underdogs
The excitement was palpable last week as our leading sleeper pick, Aldrich Potgieter, dominated much of the field in Mexico before narrowly missing out on a win. Hopefully, you followed our advice and placed bets on him across various markets, securing some profit along the way.
Now, we turn our attention to the PGA National Resort, where we seek out players with longer odds who have the potential to deliver big returns. Here are our sleeper picks for the Cognizant Classic.
Outright Winner
Nicolai Højgaard (+6000)
These odds won’t last long for the talented European Ryder Cup player. Despite not being at full fitness due to illness, he still managed a top-10 finish in Mexico. Højgaard ranks third in SG: Approach, 10th in SG: Tee-to-Green, 14th in Bogey Avoidance, and seventh in SG: Total. He faces a potential wind bias due to his late/early draw, but the Danish golfer has proven his ability to perform in diverse conditions worldwide. With three DP World Tour wins under his belt, he’s a strong contender.
Note: Players listed in the outright sleeper category should also be considered for Top 5, Top 10, Top 20, Top 30, Top 40, or Make Cut markets.
Top 5 Finish
Jhonattan Vegas (+1000, including ties)
A four-time PGA TOUR winner, Vegas has had a solid season so far, with a fourth-place finish at The Sentry as a highlight. Though a top-five finish is ambitious, it’s worth noting he finished fourth here in 2017 and has only missed the cut once in 11 appearances at PGA National. Currently ranked fifth on TOUR in Bogey Avoidance and 29th in SG: Tee-to-Green, he has a solid chance to deliver another high finish.
Top 10 Finish
Kevin Roy (+650, including ties)
Roy is second on TOUR in Bogey Avoidance this season, a crucial stat for success on this challenging course. He also ranks 33rd in SG: Tee-to-Green and is coming off two recent top-20 finishes at The American Express and the Mexico Open at Vidanta. Though he has only one career top-10 finish on TOUR (Bermuda 2023), he has shown he can handle windy conditions, making him an intriguing option.
Top 20 Finish
Isaiah Salinda (+360, including ties)
Salinda enters the tournament in excellent form, having finished third last week in Mexico. This week’s course features several approach shots from 175-200 yards, including the two par 3s at "The Bear Trap." Salinda ranks second on TOUR in proximity from this range, making him a strong candidate for a top-20 finish. He will need to minimize mistakes, but with confidence on his side, he could surprise many.
Top 40 Finish
Zach Johnson (+200, including ties)
The veteran golfer is an appealing pick at these odds. A two-time major champion, Johnson knows how to navigate challenging layouts and windy conditions. He has secured a top-25 finish in three of his last four appearances at PGA National and has cashed a top-40 ticket in seven visits throughout his career. His experience and strategic play could earn him another solid finish.
Final Thoughts
Finding value in sleeper picks can be challenging, but by analyzing key statistics and past performances, we uncover players who can exceed expectations. Keep an eye on these underdogs as they look to make a strong impact at the Cognizant Classic.
