2026 Cognizant Classic prop picks, predictions, free best bets: Golf model backing Nicolai Hojgaard Top 5
CBS Sports
by
Owen OBrien
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Cognizant Classic golf event in the Palm Beaches is shaping up as an intriguing but wide-open tournament, with no marquee names from recent events like the Genesis Invitational. While Brooks Koepka, a major name returning to the PGA Tour after two underwhelming starts, has not been favored by the SportsLine model for this event. Instead, the model is backing Danish star Nicolai Hojgaard as its top pick, projecting him to finish in the top five at odds of +460. Hojgaard’s strong performance at the Phoenix Open, where he secured a third-place finish just one shot shy of advancing to the playoff, has garnered significant attention from the model.
Hojgaard’s rise is not without merit; he demonstrated consistent form last year with two top-five finishes and three top-15 performances in his final five tournaments of 2025, including a T14 at The Open Championship. With none of the world’s top-25 golfers participating, Hojgaard stands as one of the strongest contenders. The model also highlights Daniel Berger, who has consistently performed well at this event over the years, with three top-five finishes. Despite missing the cut in his last appearance, Berger’s proven track record and recent sixth-place finish make him
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/25/2026