PALM BEACH GARDENS - The Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches is facing a challenging week as two of its top-ranked players have decided to withdraw. Ben Griffin, sitting at No. 11, and Jacob Bridgeman, fresh off a victory at the Genesis Invitational that propelled him to No. 20 in the world, have both opted out of the event, which kicks off on February 26 at PGA National.
This leaves Ryan Gerard, ranked No. 26, as the sole top 30 player in the field. The tournament, sandwiched between high-profile events like the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and The Players Championship, will feature eight of the top 50 players worldwide.
Notably absent from the lineup are Jupiter locals Brooks Koepka and Adam Scott, along with Billy Horschel and Delray Beach's Gary Woodland. While these players may not currently reside in the top 50, their presence on the Tour is undeniably significant.
The absence of Griffin and Bridgeman certainly shifts the dynamic, but with a mix of seasoned competitors and rising stars, the Cognizant Classic still promises to deliver exciting golf action. Fans can look forward to seeing how the field adapts and who will seize the opportunity to shine in the absence of some of the sport's heavy hitters.