This week's Cognizant Classic has attracted a solid field, and several big hitters lead the list of players to watch.
Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week the PGA Tour moves to Florida for the Cognizant Classic (formerly the Honda Classic), where Rory McIlroy headlines the field.
The 2024 Cognizant Classic, formerly known as the Honda Classic, remains at its traditional home, PGA National Resort in Florida. It was designed by Tom and George Fazio and later refined by Jack Nicklaus. Known for its challenging "Bear Trap" (holes 15 through 17), the Champion course demands the utmost respect from every golfer who walks its fairways. Stretching over 7,140 yards, the par-70 course is not only about length but also strategic play and precision shotmaking. Here are the players our model likes this week:
1. Rory McIlroy (+750): Enters as the betting favorite. Driving distance and accuracy make him worth the price.
2. Tom Kim (+2500): Has quickly risen through the ranks. Adaptability will be key on a course that rewards strategic thinking. First appearance at this tournament.
3. Min Woo Lee (+3300): Power, precision and recent form indicate he’s ready for this.
4. Matt Fitzpatrick (+2500): Well-suited for the Bear Trap’s demands. Steady.
5. Eric Cole (+2500): A new name among the favorites, Cole is ascending. Solo second here last year.
6. Byeong Hun An (+2800): Known for exceptional ballstriking and iron play, a good combo for this event.
7. Russell Henley (+2200): Putting and accuracy off the tee will be advantageous.
8. Cameron Young (+2000): Like McIlroy, Young's power is his biggest asset. If he can harness his accuracy, watch out.
9. Corey Conners (+3300): A model of consistency, it’s all precision and control. A nice fit here.
10. Sepp Straka (+4000): Aggressive approach could pay off on a course that rewards bold play. Winner here in 2022.
Just two years removed from his days working as a bouncer at a bar, Jake Knapp pulled off a stunner at the Mexico Open. Another example of the sheer unpredictability of sports.
KeyCompete had a nice week, finishing with a 6-2 record on our picks (with one draw), bringing our yearly record to 37-24.
