Top Hacks for Enjoying the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches

If you love live sports, then owning a condo in South Florida will provide you with access to a variety of world class events throughout the year. One can’t miss annual event is the PGA golf tournament, the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. It takes place the last week in February at the PGA National Champion Course in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

 

Tournament History

 

The tournament was once renowned as one of the most prestigious non-major events on the PGA schedule, boasting one of the largest purses in its prime, making it a magnet for all the top players in the golfing world. This has changed over the years and the tournament has lost some of its drawing power for the top players. For 2024, it was not defined as one of the Signature Events that attract the best players. Worst yet is it is scheduled between two Signature events, The Genesis Invitational and the Arnold Palmer Invitational, so many of the top players skip the event.

 

Even though there was a limited list of top players at the 2024 event, it still attracted some Palm Beach Gardens locals like Rory McIlroy, Ricky Fowler. Matthew Fitzpatrick and Daniel Berger. It's been exciting to witness the close finishes and the milestone victories, with five out of the last six champions securing their first PGA win. It's also refreshing to see players who have dedicated years to the Korn Ferry Tour or even the PGA tour finally achieve their first victory, bringing them not only glory but also a newfound sense of career stability.

 

The tournament started in 1972 as Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic and moved around to several South Florida courses in Hialeah, Lauderhill, Weston, Coral Springs and finally to Palm Beach Gardens and has been played at its current location since 2007. The tournament also has had several sponsors including National Airlines, American Motors Corporation and was sponsored by Honda from 1984 until 2023 before Cognizant took over the rights.

 

The Champion at PGA National Resort is a challenging Par 72 course opened in 1981. It was the site of the Ryder Cup in 1983, the PGA Championship in 1987 (won by Larry Nelson), and the Senior PGA Championship for 19 years, from 1982 to 2000. It was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2002 and is home to the famous “The Bear Trap”. The tough three-hole stretch of the par-3 15th, par-4 16th, and par-3 17th holes.

 

Ticketing

 

Tickets can be purchased online for the entire event or by day and are all considered to be General Admission where you have access to all common amenities (seating and hospitality). The tournament utilizes dynamic prices and starts at $70 on Thursday and increase by $5 daily through Saturday and drops back to $75 on Sunday.

 

In honor of the military, the Cognizant Classic is offering complimentary tickets for Active Duty, Reservists, Retirees, their registered Dependents and Non-Retired Veterans Thursday through Sunday of tournament week. As an added bonus, anyone redeeming a complimentary military ticket can also purchase up to two (2) additional military guest tickets for $35 each, Thursday – Sunday. A limited amount of tickets are available each day, so fans are encouraged to redeem quickly.

 

You can also buy upgrades that grant access to observation decks near the best holes, along with all-inclusive food and bar service. While these amenities can be pricy, they can greatly enhance your experience if you prefer to stay in one spot all day.

 

Upgrades

 

The hospitality upgrades include:

 

• CIBC Champions Club - Overlooking the 18th fairway

 

• Waterford Club – Green location on the par 3 17^th hole

 

• Legends Club – Situated on the 18^th green

 

• Bear Trap Reserve - Located on the second level of the Bear Trap & overlooking the 16th green & 17th tee

 

• Skysuites – Located on either the 17^th or 18^th Green

 

Getting to the Course

 

The course is open to the public for all four days of the tournament, starting at 6:45 AM. There are various transportation options available, but make sure to give yourself plenty of time as it can take a while to reach the entrance and navigate to the holes.

 

• Shuttle Bus

We opted to take the shuttle bus to reach the tournament. You can buy a $10 parking pass online, which means parking at Dyer Park and catching a shuttle bus directly to the course. It's quite convenient, but the entire process takes about 45 minutes, so be sure to plan ahead.
 

 

• Rideshare

 

The rideshare option is favored for those coming from the Palm Beach area. Since we were staying at a nearby hotel, we thought about parking there and using rideshare to travel back and forth. There's a dedicated drop-off and pick-up area right on-site, opposite the Sports & Racquet Club, making it just a few steps from the Main Entrance. This would have been quicker, but it would have cost more compared to the shuttle bus.

 

• Brightline

 

If you're coming to the course for the day from outside the Palm Beach area, you can use Brightline. Just exit at the West Palm Beach Station and then request a Brightline+ Uber ride to the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens. For travel within South Florida, use the code ALLABOARD to save 25% on SMART fares for groups of 4 or more. The discount is automatically applied for groups of 4 or more traveling between South Florida and Orlando. This method of getting to the course is very convenient but will be much more expensive than bringing your own car and parking at Dyer Park.

 

• Cadillac Vehicle Owners

 

For the 2024 tournament, Cadillac vehicle owners will have access to the closest available parking in General Parking. This lot, situated off-site at Dyer Park on Haverhill Road North, provides shuttles to the main tournament entrance. Remember, a separate parking pass is needed for each day of tournament week and must be bought online in advance.

 

Watching the Action

 

Once you pass through ticketing and security, expect a 15-20 minute walk to reach the play area. Along the way, you'll encounter various vendors vying for your attention, as well as the main merchandise building. If it's your first time at the event, maps of the course, similar to the one below, are available to assist you in navigating the holes.

 

The main decision you'll face is whether to follow a specific golfer or pairing, or to park yourself at one or two holes and watch all groups as they come through. If you decide to follow one of the more popular players, be prepared to move swiftly between shots to secure a decent view, as you may find yourself several rows of people back from the front.

 

The day we attended, the hot group consisted of Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Jake Knapp, who had won for the first time the week prior. There was a very large gallery following the threesome, so we decided to stay at one hole to secure a good view without anyone in front of us. We ended up waiting at the 4th hole for around 30 minutes before they teed off on that hole.

 

If you choose to stay in one spot for a while, there are several public options available with just the purchase of a grounds ticket. These spots offer a similar experience to the paid venues, although all food and drinks are purchased separately. Some of the options to check out, including their locations marked with (X) on the course layout map are:

 

• Autograph Zone presented by Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (AZ)

 

Adjacent to the practice green, positioned just off the 18th green, the Autograph Zone allows young fans to collect signatures from the players before they start a round or finish for the day.

 

• Corona Premier Clubhouse (B)

 

The Corona Premier Clubhouse is one of the furthest walks from the entrance but gives you views of the 5 pivotal holes (12-16) on the back nine, including the notorious 15th hole – the first leg of the feared Bear Trap. The Corona Premier Clubhouse includes a covered space to escape the heat and of course features Corona Premier as the beverage of choice.

 

• The Champagne Lounge featuring Taittinger (A)

 

Experience the elegant Champagne Lounge featuring Taittinger. It's a publicly accessible area with an outdoor garden, providing an ideal setting to relax and enjoy while players tee off on the 10th tee. This spot is perfect to visit at the beginning or end of your day, conveniently located near the course entrance. Just be prepared, as beverages don't come cheap here; a glass of champagne will set you back $25.

 

• The Duffy’s Zone (C)

 

Located adjacent to the 8th green, The Duffy’s Zone offers a family-friendly environment where you can purchase food and beverages while enjoying premium views of the golf action from the bleachers provided by Duffy’s Sports Grill.

 

• FPL Patio (D)

 

Overlooking the 17th hole, the stadium seating at the FPL Patio offers an optimal vantage point to at the culmination of the Bear Trap. With premium views of the iconic par-three hole surrounded by water, patrons can enjoy theater-style seats that provide unobstructed sightlines of one of professional golf's most challenging holes.

 

• Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker at 9 Green (E)

 

With great views of the 9th Green, the Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker is another perfect location to visit before or after your visit as it is located close to the course entrance. You will find several beverage options leveraging one of the Texas based Garrison Brothers Distillery’s Bourbon Whiskeys. They also offer options to pair perfectly with each beverage choice. As the Friday round draws to a close, the Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker evolves into a festive celebration with a band playing from 6-9PM.

 

• Nicklaus Neighborhood (F)

 

A pioneering venture, Nicklaus Neighborhood on 18 sets the ideal scene for fans of every age to unwind and rejuvenate throughout the tournament. Featuring sheltered AC seating and amenities suitable for families, this venue provides an array of games, activities, concessions, and beyond!

 

• Public Seating Options

 

• Ideal Nutrition Public Seating at the 1st Tee
• Duffy’s Public Seating on the 8th Green
• Jupiter Medical Center Public Seating at the 16th hole

 

• The Palm Beaches Cabanas (I)

 

The Palm Beaches Cabana, nestled between the 10th green and 11th tee includes the purchase of food and beverage options while admiring views of the iconic Bear Trap or catching up on the full tournament coverage on the video wall. This venue features patio seating, lawn games and captivating photo opportunities.

 

• Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge (J)

 

Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge offers a chic atmosphere with stadium seating and a cozy enclosed lounge with prime views of the 17th hole action and an extra viewing deck overlooking the 10th green. The venue includes a photo booth, vibrant music and top-tier bar service showcasing a selection of Tito’s signature drinks. All ticket holders aged 21 and above will need to show proof of age to enter.

 

Our Venture

 

Using the shuttlebus worked well for us since we drove to Palm Beach Gardens for the event. We arrived around 10:30 AM and found no line to get into the parking area. After parking, we walked to the bus pickup location, which required us to descend the hill created by the landfill that had been turned into Dyer Park. There were plenty of buses available, and we were able to hop on one immediately. The vehicles used were very nice coach buses with comfortable seating. It took about 15 minutes to get to the course after leaving the park, and the personnel working for the shuttle service were helpful and ensured smooth operation.

 

Once at the course, we were dropped off right near the entrance and proceeded to go through security and ticketing. After that, we walked by the vendors and merchandise building towards the course entrance and grabbed a copy of the course map. Since we did not purchase tickets to any of the premium venues, we planned to explore the locations open to the public.

 

Since it was close to the entrance, we decided to stop into the Champagne Lounge. The venue featured the French Champagne producer, Taittinger, which was founded in 1734 in Reims and is famous for its white and rosé champagne. The building was very inviting and provided a nice view of the 10th tee. Since there were no golfers teeing off at this hole for a few hours, we decided to keep moving.

 

We really wanted to see some of the signature holes and didn't plan to follow any particular golfer. Therefore, we headed to the 17th hole area and The Bear Trap. The tournament organizers know that fans enjoy this part of the course and have built up the area with hospitality vendors and seating open to the public. We went to the Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge, purchased a tasty Tito’s Bloody Mary, and watched several groups play the 17th hole. These seats are right next to the Waterford Club upgrade stand, so it was a much cheaper option for a similar experience.

 

Afterward, we stepped outside to the Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge and observed a few groups finishing the 10th hole. Following that, we left the venue to explore the food options at The Palm Beaches Cabana. We ordered a delicious chips and guacamole plate, freshly made from scratch, and watched some of the event on the large screen within the venue.

 

Next, we watched a few groups hitting their approach shots to the 16th green and enjoyed a great view of the players navigating the water. Afterwards, we walked between the 12th and 16th holes to the Corona Premier Clubhouse, which was featuring its premier beer and seltzer drinks. After grabbing a cold one, we took a seat in the stands to watch several groups play the 15th hole. This is a tricky Par 3 as the area between the tee and green is completely water. As expected, we saw several shots get wet.

 

Leaving the stands, we found a nice spot to watch tee shots on the 13th and 16th holes, as well as groups on the 12th green. At that moment, we realized Rory McIlroy’s group was on the 2nd green. Curious to catch a glimpse of him, we decided to walk towards that area of the course. While on our way, we checked the course map and identified a good spot to watch his group at the 4th tee box. We managed to secure a front-row spot on the rope fairly close to the tee box. After about 30 minutes, his group made their way to the box, and we were able to capture some great pictures of Rory, Shane, and Jake walking up the fairway together.

 

Feeling thirsty, we headed towards the exit and stopped by the Garrison Brothers Distillery Bunker. They had a tasting area set up, and we were able to try a few of their Bourbon Whiskies. We also decided to try one of their Old Fashions. Afterward, we watched a few groups finish the 9th hole and realized it was time to check out the merchandise facility as we made our way towards the exit.

 

The fan shop was housed in a separate spacious building with a nice selection of golf gear. They had branded clothing, shoes, hats, jackets, and everything else necessary for a round of golf. Additionally, they offered various clothing items with the Cognizant Classic logo.

 

Upon exiting, we made our way to the shuttle bus pickup area, where we were again able to quickly board a bus. Within less than 10 minutes, we were back at the parking facility. At Dyer Park, we had to climb back up the landfill hill to reach our car. It's worth noting that they have golf carts with drivers available to assist people at times. We observed a few individuals struggling to climb up the hill, so be prepared if you have mobility issues.

 

Overall, the weather was fantastic, and we had a great day. The course offers plenty of opportunities to witness excellent golf, and it's quite challenging. There's a wide selection of paid venues for food and beverages, so you shouldn't be disappointed if you plan to attend the event in 2025.

 

To help you make the most of your experience at the Cognizant Classic, here are some expert tips, insider tricks and savvy hacks I've put together for you.

 

Condo Journey Hacks

 

• If you're parking at Dyer Park, be aware that it was built on a landfill, so the parking area is elevated, requiring you to traverse a hill when going to and from the shuttle bus. We noticed some people struggling to climb the hill back to their cars, so if you have mobility issues, consider using an alternative method to get to the course.

 

• If you're parking at Dyer Park, make sure to download your parking pass before arriving in the area. We experienced difficulties with cell service and had trouble accessing our pass in real-time.

 

• If using Ride Share Simply enter “Cognizant Classic” or "400 Avenue of Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 34418" as the destination to be directed to the designated lot.

 

• The end of February is a great time in Palm Beach Gardens, with mild temperatures and low humidity, and minimal chances of rain. However, South Florida weather is unpredictable, so keep an eye on the forecast. If there's any chance of rain, be prepared. We recommend carrying a disposable poncho that can fit in your back pocket, just in case. We didn't need to use it, but as you saw, the weather was very wet on Sunday, and the event had to finish on Monday.

 

• Be mindful of what you bring to the course, as you may need to dispose of personal items or return them to your car. Your bags will undergo inspection, and you'll pass through a metal detector. Forbidden items include:

 

• Computer/laptops
• Fireworks or laser pointers
• Lounge or oversized chairs
• Seat cushions in a carry case
• Pets, except service animals
• Knives, firearms or weapons of any nature
• Video cameras
• Point and shoot or DSLR cameras
• Selfie sticks or hand-held camera stabilizers
• Large (greater than 6”x6”x6”) backpacks, cases or purses even if clear

 

• The PGA Tour has updated its device policy to enhance the enjoyment of the event for all attendees and minimize distractions. Be sure to comply with the following policies:

 

• Devices must be on silent at all times; flash may not be used.
• Devices may be used to capture content in all areas throughout tournament week.
• Content may be used for personal purposes.
• No live streaming or real-time coverage.
• Data use is permitted in all areas throughout tournament week.
• Phone calls are allowed only in designated areas.
• Please be respectful of play and do not interfere with players, caddies or media.
• All posted signage and instructions from tournament staff must be observed.
• Failure to comply with this policy may result in the revocation of your ticket.

 

• Plan ahead to understand the tee times and pairing of your favorite players. Make sure to grab a copy of the course map, which includes a QR code providing access to a Spectators Guide, Digital Course Map, and Daily Pairings. Downloading the PGA Tour app is also a good option to track play or utilizing the PGA website. Keep in mind that internet speed may be challenged due to large crowds using cellular networks.

 

• If there's a golfer you want to follow, plan how you'll move around the course to ensure you get close views of their shots. You'll need to quickly move from green to tee box between holes and may need to reset your position before all golfers have completed the previous hole. Look for higher ground if available to get a better view, and consider foregoing a fairway shot to get a good position around the green.

 

• They offer various tournament-branded gear at the merchandise locations, but as with most sporting events, the prices are high.

 

• Professional golfers hit the ball very far and high, making it difficult to see the ball from the side of the course where most of the sitting areas are located. You often see the golfer swing, and then you see the ball land. It's amusing because everyone in the gallery acts like they can see the flight of the ball. One of our favorite places to stand is at the back of the tee box, where you can actually see the trajectory and flight of the ball.

 

• For those with plant-based diets or special dietary needs, finding options to eat can be challenging unless you upgrade to get access to one of the hospitality venues. Otherwise, I suggest bringing in a few snacks, but keep in mind the largest case you can bring into the event is 6”x6”x6”.

 

• The restroom facilities are spread throughout the course and consist of groupings of outhouses. We were expecting nicer facilities and realized it was hit or miss whether the particular outhouse you picked was clean. They did not offer running water and only had sanitizing gel for your hands. I would recommend bringing some individual wet wipes to clean your hands.

 

• We saw a few people with strollers but did not see spectators with small children. We would not advise bringing children that are still nursing, as the only nursing station available is near the entrance.

 

• There are many event personnel, course maintenance workers, and those needing assistance riding in golf carts sharing the same paths as walking spectators. This can be dangerous, and we wouldn't be surprised if there were some accidents. Please be alert for the carts when walking on the paths.

 

• We left the course before the round finished, so we were able to quickly get on a bus. I imagine there would be lines forming as the rounds come to an end, so plan ahead if you're tight on time.