The Cognizant Classic at PGA National is shaping up to be quite the spectacle, and we're only halfway through. From Ryan Gerard's opening birdie to Isaiah Salinda's shirtless escapade, the tournament has been anything but dull.
Salinda's week at the 2026 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches started on a rough note with a 6-over 77. Friday didn't bring much relief.
He kicked off with a promising birdie on the 10th hole, but things quickly unraveled. A quadruple bogey 8 on the 11th hole set the tone for his day.
Later, on the 17th, his ball found the greenside lake, prompting a memorable moment. Salinda shed his shoes, socks, and even his shirt to take a swing at the submerged ball.
While he managed to land it on the green, he missed the par putt, ending with a bogey and dropping to 10 over, just three shots clear of last place.
But Salinda's aquatic adventure wasn't the only headline-grabber. On Thursday, Ryan Gerard's shot on a short Par 3 collided with a bird mid-flight, sending feathers flying. Remarkably, the ball still found its way to the green, rolling towards the back.
These moments have quickly captured the imagination of fans, overshadowing even Chris Gotterup's impressive start and Scottie Scheffler's ongoing cut streak. The Cognizant Classic is proving to be a tournament full of surprises and unforgettable moments.