The prestigious Cognizant Classic is set to tee off at the PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on February 27. This highly anticipated event will feature an intriguing mix of rising stars and seasoned champions. Luke Clanton, a promising junior from Florida State, will be in the field on a sponsor exemption. Hailing from nearby Hialeah, Florida, Clanton aims to make his mark in what will be his fourth PGA Tour start this season.
Clanton has already demonstrated his potential with five top-20 finishes in 12 previous starts in this tournament. His best result came in 2017 when he tied for fourth place. However, this season has been challenging for Clanton as he has missed two of three cuts in 2025. Despite these setbacks, he secured a tie for 15th at the Farmers Insurance Open, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level. Notably, Clanton is tantalizingly close to reaching a significant milestone: he needs just one more point to achieve the 20 necessary in the PGA Tour University Accelerated system.
Adding to the excitement of the tournament, seasoned players Billy Horschel and Russell Henley will both make their 11th appearances at this event. Henley, who famously clinched victory at PGA National in a playoff in 2014, brings valuable experience and determination to the field. Sungjae Im, another formidable contender and former champion of the event, will also compete. Im secured his maiden PGA Tour victory at this course in 2020, solidifying his reputation as a strong competitor on the tour.
The blend of experienced champions and emerging talents promises an exciting showdown at the Cognizant Classic. Clanton's participation underlines the opportunities provided to young players eager to prove themselves on such a prestigious platform.
Leave a Reply