Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches

What Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches does

The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is a PGA TOUR-sanctioned professional golf tournament held annually at PGA National Resort's Champions Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, operating since 2007. The event generates revenue through five primary streams: ticket sales (grounds passes and youth admissions), premium hospitality experiences (Palm Suites on the 18th green, Shoreline Suites presented by Nicklaus Children's Health System, Ross Cabanas at the Bear Trap, Flagler Tables, and the climate-controlled CIBC Champions Club), sponsorship revenue anchored by title sponsor Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) with The Palm Beaches as presenting sponsor and 25+ additional tournament partners, Birdies for Charity donations (100% pass-through to participating 501(c)(3) nonprofits plus a $100,000 bonus pool), and Pro-Am participation fees for the 18-hole amateur-professional experience.

The tournament serves multiple customer segments: general public and golf enthusiasts, corporate sponsors seeking brand visibility and client entertainment, amateur golfers participating in the Pro-Am, military and veterans (via Patriot's Outpost and complimentary tickets), and nonprofit organizations benefiting from charitable programs. Distribution operates through the official website, Ticketmaster, PGA TOUR App, phone sales, and specialized military and service-professional portals.

Operationally, the tournament is owned and governed by the PGA TOUR with a lean 15-employee organizational structure. The event's charitable impact exceeds $72 million cumulatively, including $55+ million over 19 years to Children's Healthcare Charity and a $2 million contribution to Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation in 2025. Recent leadership transition saw Max Novena appointed interim Executive Director in May 2026. The 2026 edition was won by Nico Echavarria at 17-under 267, earning a $1.728 million winner's check, with the next tournament scheduled for February 24-28, 2027.

Name

Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches

Legal name

Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches

Website

https://thecognizantclassic.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is an annual PGA TOUR golf tournament at PGA National Resort in Florida, generating revenue through ticket sales, premium hospitality, and a sponsorship ecosystem anchored by title sponsor Cognizant, with over $72 million donated to charity historically.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Golf Tournament and Sports Hospitality Events

NAICS

Spectator Sports (71121)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Golf Tours & Professional Circuits (MPAKAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)

Keywords

• Professional golf tournament
• PGA TOUR event
• Premium hospitality packages
• Corporate sports sponsorships
• Charitable sports fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Palm Beach Gardens

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Others, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: The tournament generates revenue through sale of grounds passes, hospitality tickets, and premium experiences to spectators attending the annual PGA TOUR event held at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
2. Hospitality and Premium Experiences: Revenue from luxury suites (Palm Suites, Shoreline Suites), cabanas, Flagler Tables, and the CIBC Champions Club, featuring all-inclusive food and beverage and premium views of championship holes.
3. Sponsorship Revenue: Title sponsorship from Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH), along with presenting sponsors (The Palm Beaches), palm partner, tournament partners, and military partners providing financial support in exchange for brand visibility and hospitality access.
4. Birdies for Charity Donations: Charitable donations raised through the Birdies for Charity program where donors contribute minimum $20 to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, with a $100,000 bonus pool contributed by the tournament and a $10,000 grand prize.
5. Pro-Am Participation Fees: Revenue from the Championship Pro-Am experience which provides 18-hole format playing alongside PGA TOUR players at PGA National.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is an annual PGA TOUR professional golf tournament held at PGA National Resort's Champions Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Its primary commercial products are premium all-inclusive hospitality experiences (luxury suites, cabanas, reserved tables, and the CIBC Champions Club), general admission grounds passes, and a Championship Pro-Am offering that lets amateurs play alongside PGA TOUR professionals. The event is sustained by title and presenting sponsorships from corporate partners and channels a meaningful portion of proceeds to charitable causes.

Product overview

The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is a single PGA TOUR event held annually at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The core offering is the professional golf tournament itself, supplemented by premium hospitality experiences (Palm Suites, Shoreline Suites, Cabanas, Flagler Tables, CIBC Champions Club) and community programs including Birdies for Charity, Equipment Grant Program, Tickets for Good, and Military Appreciation. The tournament also offers a Championship Pro-Am experience for clients seeking direct interaction with PGA TOUR players.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches (PGA TOUR Event) Annual PGA TOUR professional golf tournament held at PGA National Resort's Champions Course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, featuring top professional golfers competing for prize money (e.g., $1.728 million winner's check in 2026 to Nico Echavarria). Open to public spectators via grounds passes and targeted at golf fans and corporate hospitality buyers.
• Palm Suites Luxury hospitality suite centrally located on the 18th green offering premium views of South Florida's natural beauty and championship golf, designed for entertaining clients or enjoying the tournament with friends. Includes all-inclusive food and beverage.
• Shoreline Suites presented by Nicklaus Children's Health System Premium hospitality suites offering panoramic views of the final hole with gourmet dining and exclusive amenities for client entertainment or personal enjoyment. Includes all-inclusive food and beverage.
• Ross Cabanas Premium viewing experience at the Bear Trap with views of the 16th and 17th holes, featuring all-inclusive food and beverage in a high-energy atmosphere.
• Flagler Tables Reserved table hospitality experience overlooking the 16th and 17th holes at the Bear Trap, offering a high-end event experience for intimate gatherings. Includes all-inclusive food and beverage.
• CIBC Champions Club Climate-controlled venue featuring indoor lounge seating and exterior patio with stadium-style tip-up seats overlooking the historic 17th hole. Includes all-inclusive food and beverage and multiple TVs for tournament broadcast viewing.
• Championship Pro-Am 18-hole Pro-Am experience providing unmatched access to play alongside two world top-ranked PGA TOUR players at PGA National using the 9 & 9 format. Targeted at affluent amateur golfers seeking to play alongside tour professionals.
• Grounds Pass General grounds access ticket granting entry to open-to-the-public spaces at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. Youth tickets available for children ages 15 and under (up to 2 per ticketed adult).

Quantifiable outcome

• $72+ million donated to charitable causes
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered title sponsor, host venue, charitable partner, charitable beneficiary, presenting partner, tournament partner, marquee military partner, tournament partner / pillar military partner, government partner, governing partner and community partner.

• Cognizanttitle sponsorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 February 2026Title sponsor of the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses, helping clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences. They are dedicated to improving everyday life and have been title sponsor since the tournament's naming.
• PGA National Resorthost venueStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the Cognizant Classic, providing The Champions Course at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. The course is known for its challenging Bear Trap (holes 15-17) and has hosted PGA TOUR events since 2007.
• Nicklaus Children's Health Systemcharitable partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerNicklaus Children's Health System partnered with the tournament for Shoreline Suites sponsorship and received $2 million contribution from 2025 event to Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus attend annual ceremonies.
• Children's Healthcare Charitycharitable beneficiaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial charitable beneficiary of the Cognizant Classic for 19 years, having received over $55 million from tournament proceeds. Supports over 100 local nonprofits in Palm Beach County.
• The Palm Beaches (Discover The Palm Beaches)presenting partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting partner and official destination marketing organization for Palm Beach County. Tourism generates approximately $10 billion annual economic impact in the local economy, produces $78 million in bed-tax revenue, and supports more than 85,000 jobs.
• TBC Corporationtournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerPalm Beach Gardens-based TBC Corporation is one of North America's largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through wholesale and franchise operations. Serves customers in US, Canada, Mexico and South America with nearly 470 franchised tire and automotive service centers under Big O Tires brand.
• CIBCtournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial Banking & Private Wealth Partner of the Cognizant Classic. Hosts Business After Hours events and provides the CIBC Champions Club hospitality venue with climate-controlled interior space and stadium seating overlooking the 17th hole.
• Cadillactournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerLuxury automotive brand serving as tournament partner for the Cognizant Classic.
• Pratt & Whitneymarquee military partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerAircraft engine manufacturer serving as marquee military partner for the Cognizant Classic. Supports Military Appreciation Day presented by Pratt & Whitney on Thursday, February 26th, with special gifts for Patriot's Outpost guests.
• BallenIsles Country Clubtournament partner / pillar military partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerCountry club serving as tournament partner and pillar military partner, supporting the tournament's military appreciation initiatives.
• Blue Bell Creameriestournament partner / pillar military partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerIce cream producer serving as tournament partner and pillar military partner for the Cognizant Classic.
• Florida Power & Light (FPL)tournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerFlorida utility company serving as tournament partner for the Cognizant Classic.
• Amperatournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerClean energy company serving as tournament partner.
• Golfmercetournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerGolf commerce platform serving as tournament partner.
• City of Palm Beach Gardensgovernment partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal municipal government serving as tournament partner for the Cognizant Classic.
• Palm Beach County Sports Commissiongovernment partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial sports commission for Palm Beach County serving as tournament partner, promoting sports tourism and athletic events in the region.
• PGA TOURgoverning partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe governing body of professional golf in North America that operates the Cognizant Classic as part of the PGA TOUR schedule.
• Tickets for Goodcommunity partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatform partner providing complimentary tournament tickets to eligible service-based professionals including healthcare workers, teachers, and nonprofit employees.
• PGA TOUR Superstorecommunity partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Cognizant Classic for Equipment Grant Program, expanding access and equity to golf programs in under-resourced communities through golf equipment donations to South Florida nonprofits.
• PGA TOUR Charities, Inc.charitable partnerStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable arm of the PGA TOUR that collects and manages online donations for the Birdies for Charity program.
• Golf in Irelandtournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTourism organization promoting golf in Ireland as a tournament partner.
• Coronatournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerBeer brand serving as tournament partner.
• Cutwater Spiritstournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerSpirits brand serving as tournament partner for hospitality experiences.
• Dobel Tequilatournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTequila brand serving as tournament partner.
• Gunstertournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerBusiness law firm and wealth management firm serving as tournament partner.
• Hotel Plannertournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel booking platform serving as tournament partner.
• Travel Insured Internationaltournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel insurance provider serving as tournament partner.
• Wright's Impact Window & Doortournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerImpact window and door company serving as tournament partner.
• Marie Birdietournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand serving as tournament partner.
• Munyon's Paw-Pawtournament partnerGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal brand serving as tournament partner.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• PGA TOUR: The governing body and parent operator of the Cognizant Classic. Provides scheduling, sanctioning, media rights, and operational infrastructure — the institutional backer whose strategic priorities shape every comparable tour event.
• The Players Championship: PGA TOUR's flagship event at TPC Sawgrass. Operates the same underlying event business model (title sponsor, hospitality, charitable mission) but at materially larger scale and prestige — the upper bound on what a PGA TOUR tournament can become.

Direct peers

• Sony Open in Hawaii: PGA TOUR's traditional early-season stop at Waialae Country Club. Operated by the Hawaii Tourism Authority-aligned nonprofit Friends of Hawaii Charities, structurally similar as a single-venue PGA TOUR event with title sponsor and charitable beneficiary model.
• Genesis Invitational: PGA TOUR invitational hosted by Tiger Woods at Riviera Country Club, with Genesis as title sponsor. Directly comparable as a corporate-titled invitational on a single signature course with charity beneficiary and premium hospitality.
• Farmers Insurance Open: PGA TOUR event at Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA, operated by the Century Club of San Diego. Comparable business model: title sponsor (Farmers), corporate hospitality, military appreciation programs, and significant charitable giving.
• The Memorial Tournament: PGA TOUR invitational hosted by Jack Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, OH. Directly comparable as a single-course, sponsor-driven invitational with strong hospitality product and charitable mission.
• RBC Heritage: PGA TOUR signature event at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, operated by the Heritage Classic Foundation. Comparable non-profit operator model, title sponsorship, and premium hospitality product.
• Arnold Palmer Invitational: Annual PGA TOUR invitational event held at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, FL. Comparable in structure: title sponsorship, premium hospitality, charitable giving, and an elite player field on a single signature course.
• Waste Management Phoenix Open: One of the PGA TOUR's highest-attended regular events, operated by The Thunderbirds. Comparable in scale of sponsor ecosystem, hospitality offerings, and community/charitable impact in a single-market, single-venue format.
• AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: PGA TOUR event at Pebble Beach featuring a celebrity-amateur Pro-Am format. Closely mirrors the Cognizant Classic's Pro-Am product, premium hospitality, and corporate sponsor structure on a premium West Coast venue.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/the_cognizant
• Facebookfacebook.com/cognizantclassic
• Instagraminstagram.com/cognizantclassic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cognizant-classic-in-the-palm-beaches

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches