News Summary
Brooks Koepka, a five-time Major winner, makes his awaited return to the Cognizant Classic at PGA National’s Champion Course from February 26 to March 1, 2026. This marks his first tournament since 2022 and his eighth professional appearance. Koepka’s comeback is fueled by a $5 million charitable donation initiative, including $1 million dedicated to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation. With recent modifications to the course and a competitive field, fans can expect an exciting tournament.
Exciting Times Ahead: Brooks Koepka Is Back for the Cognizant Classic!
Golf fans, get ready for some thrilling action as Brooks Koepka, the hometown hero and five-time Major winner, makes his much-anticipated return to the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches! This thrilling golf tournament is set to take place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, at the stunning PGA National’s Champion Course. This year marks his first appearance since 2022, and it has everyone buzzing!
Why Is This Such a Big Deal?
Brooks Koepka is no stranger to this event. In fact, this will be his eighth appearance as a professional, and it’s special for him because he used to attend this tournament as a child, even carrying a scoring sign! That’s quite the journey from the fairway to the spotlight. His return to the PGA Tour earlier this year was made possible by a “Returning Member Program”, which included a significant charitable donation of $5 million. Of that, $1 million has been dedicated to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, the main charity benefiting from the Cognizant Classic.
How Has Koepka Been Playing Lately?
Since rejoining the PGA Tour in January 2026, Koepka has had some ups and downs. He made two appearances; first, he finished T56 at the Farmers Insurance Open, but then unfortunately missed the cut at the WM Phoenix Open. Currently ranked 263rd in the world, Koepka knows he has some work to do, especially with the big Major championships on the horizon.
What About the PGA National Course?
This year, players will notice that the Champion Course at PGA National has undergone some recent modifications. Koepka has remarked that these changes have made the course feel “easier” than before. With tweaks to greenside areas and the removal of bunkers around holes like 4, 10, and 11, this could mean more players achieving lower scores during the tournament. Sounds like a recipe for some exciting golf!
What Can We Expect from the Event and Competitors?
The Cognizant Classic officially kicks off the PGA Tour’s Florida Swing, and it promises to deliver thrilling competition at the challenging PGA National Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens. The field this year includes notable players such as Shane Lowry and the defending champion Joe Highsmith. Notably, only one player, Ryan Gerard, sits within the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking at No. 26. This creates a fantastic opportunity for Koepka to make his mark in his own backyard.
Event Details at a Glance:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches |
| Dates | February 26 – March 1, 2026 |
| Venue | PGA National’s Champion Course, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida |
| Brooks Koepka’s Participation | 8th professional appearance, 1st since 2022 |
| Koepka’s PGA Tour Return | Via “Returning Member Program” in January 2026 |
| Charitable Contribution | $5 million (including $1M to Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation) |
| Koepka’s World Ranking | 263rd (as of February 2026) |
Mark your calendars and get ready to cheer on Brooks Koepka as he competes in this exciting tournament! With a mix of nostalgia and thrilling golf action, the Cognizant Classic is looking to be a fantastic event that no fan will want to miss.
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