Golf betting tips: Shane Lowry to shine in Florida; Johnny Keefer’s ball-striking prowess on full display
The PGA is back in Florida this week, as the golfing elite head to the PGA National Champion Course for the Cognizant Classic.
It is a slightly weakened field this week, with Shane Lowry the lone A-lister amongst the line-up.
However, Cognizant is far from an easy task for any player - accuracy is heavily rewarded here, with tidy ballstriking and control a must for anyone who wants to be in with a serious shot come Sunday.
Additionally, the wind at the National is notorious; those who are used to windy conditions and have a good grasp of ball flight control will find themselves at a huge advantage.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Sam Condy breaks down his three favourite picks ahead of the Tour’s Florida pit stop.
Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry is on fire. The Irishman is in peak form with seven straight top-30 finishes - three in the top ten.
Focusing on the PGA National Champion Course, Lowry’s 68.58 scoring average sees him as a form favourite this weekend.
Second, fifth, fourth and 11th placed in his last four starts, only further backing up Lowry’s prowess here.
He should be a real challenger for the trophy in Florida.
Best odds: Win Only @ 17/1 with AK bets
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Nicolai Hojgaard
Yet to win on the PGA Tour, Hojgaard will be hoping 2026 is his year.
Top-10 finishes in the PGA and DP World Tour have already been checked off his 2026 bucket list, ranking third Off the Tee in a stellar Phoenix Open campaign.
In such a weakened field, the odds look fairly reasonable for the Dane.
For those who enjoy a good omen, Adidas athletes have won the last two PGA Tour events, with Jacob Bridgeman and Colin Morikawa finding the winners' circle.
Best odds: Top Five @ 11/2 with Betfred
Johnny Keefer
Managing two victories on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, Keefer’s ball-striking is elite - a trait that's highly rewarded around this Florida 18-holer.
He does falter on the greens, losing any advantage he usually gains, but with the long game so important here, as long as he can put within the upper echelons of his usual ability, he should be in with a real chance of a strong finish here.
Playing his College golf in Texas, Keefer will be used to the unfavourable conditions that plague courses of this layout.
Likely his best chance of a prize-money place on the PGA Tour so far, I’m backing Keefer to bring the goods.
Best odds: Top Ten @ 9/2 with Betfred
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