The star power at the Cognizant Classic is rising with four new big-name commitments for next week’s PGA Tour event at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Three top-25 ranked players – Russell Henley, Billy Horschel, and Sungjae Im – will tee it up at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Champion course, along with the world’s No. 1 ranked amateur Luke Clanton.
Henley, currently 17th in the Official World Golf Ranking, is returning to the site of his playoff victory in 2014. The three-time PGA Tour winner will be making his 11th start at PGA National, where he has consistently contended over the years.
Florida native and 21st-ranked Horschel also brings strong course history, with five top-20s in a dozen previous appearances at the Cognizant Classic. The former Florida Gator star is seeking his first win at PGA National after a number of close calls, including a T4 result in 2017.
Im Returns to Defend Maiden PGA Tour Title
Sungjae Im, ranked 22nd in the world, is back to defend the title he claimed for his first PGA Tour victory in 2020 before the tournament was cancelled in 2021 due to the pandemic. The 24-year-old South Korean has continued his rise since, notching a second win at the 2022 Shriners Open.
But perhaps the most intriguing addition to the field is top amateur Luke Clanton. The 20-year-old Florida State standout grew up in nearby Hialeah and will have strong local support as he chases a historic achievement on a sponsor’s exemption.
Clanton Eyes PGA Tour Card Through Accelerated Program
Clanton is just one point shy of earning PGA Tour membership through the PGA Tour University Accelerated program. In his fourth start of the season, the world No. 93 has another chance to secure his card with a made cut at PGA National.
The decorated amateur already has a pair of runner-up finishes on Tour at the 2024 RSM Classic and John Deere Classic, to go with two other top-10s last year. He came agonizingly close to locking up membership in his last start, missing the cut by one stroke at the WM Phoenix Open.
“I’m very excited to play so close to home at PGA National and take another run at wrapping up my PGA Tour card,” Clanton told reporters. “The local crowds will be a huge boost and I feel my game is in a great place to get it done.”
– Luke Clanton
With big names hunting for titles and a local amateur phenom on the verge of a monumental achievement, the Cognizant Classic is shaping up as a must-watch event on the Florida swing. The action tees off Feb. 27 on the famed Champion course at PGA National Resort.
