⛳ Survival Guide Inside: Conquer the Bear Trap & Bet on Cognizant Classic Drama

Good morning. This is your Happy Valley Golf Team newsletter. Let’s get it!

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• The Bear Trap’s Reign of Terror

• Defending Champ Austin Eckroat vs. History

• Shane Lowry & Daniel Berger’s Redemption Arcs

• Betting Picks & Dark Horses

Unsolicited Golf Tips

Watch: I Get an Incredible Driver Lesson From Worlds #1 Coach Pete Cowen

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Golf Trivia

The 2025 Cognizant Classic: Where Golfers Battle The Gators (and Each Other)

The PGA Tour’s Florida Swing kicks off this week at PGA National Resort & Spa, where 144 players will face water hazards, bermudagrass greens, and the infamous “Bear Trap”—a three-hole stretch so brutal it makes Saw look like a Disney movie. Defending champion Austin Eckroat returns, but Jack Nicklaus’ 1978 trophy is whispering: “Break the curse, kid.”

Let’s dive into the storylines, bets, and why Shane Lowry might finally need a snorkel.

Key Storylines

1. The Bear Trap: PGA National’s Version of “Hold My Beer”

The Champion Course’s 15th, 16th, and 17th holes—collectively known as the Bear Trap—have devoured over 1,700 golf balls since 2007. Last year, they played “nicely” at just +0.354 over par, but insiders say the alligators are hungry for more drama. Pro tip: Bring floaties.

2. Austin Eckroat’s Déjà Vu Mission

Eckroat’s 2024 win was his first PGA Tour victory, and he’s back to defend his title. History isn’t on his side—no one’s repeated here since Nicklaus in 1978. His season has been shaky (two missed cuts in his last three starts), but PGA National’s bermuda greens love underdogs.

3. Shane Lowry: The Florida Man Who Can’t Quit Palm Beach

Lowry has finished 2nd, 4th, and 5th in his last three Cognizant appearances. He’s gained 2.7 strokes per round here since 2022, and his recent runner-up at Pebble Beach proves he’s still a menace. If he doesn’t win this year, we’re blaming the Irish weather withdrawal symptoms.

4. Daniel Berger’s Redemption Arc

After 18 months sidelined by a back injury, Berger is back. A T2 at the WM Phoenix Open and T12 at Genesis Invitational signal his return to form. He’s finished 2nd, 4th, and 4th here before—so the course owes him a favour.

5. The Par-5 That’s Actually a Par-5 (Finally)

The 10th hole has been stretched to 530 yards and reclassified as a par-5, ending a 14-hole stretch of “Where’s the breather?!” agony. Players can now exhale… before the Bear Trap steals their soul.

Best Bets: Because Even Alligators Gamble

Outright Winner

• Shane Lowry (+2000): The course fits him like a tailored green jacket. Three top-5s here since 2022, plus a T2 at Pebble Beach? Bet the shamrock.

• Daniel Berger (+2800): Vegas slept on his comeback. Three top-4 finishes at PGA National + recent T2 in Phoenix = solid bet.

• Andrew Novak (+5500): Balanced stats (top-10 in all strokes-gained categories) and a T9 here last year. Dark horse with a neon saddle.

Top 10

• Keith Mitchell (+280): The 2019 champ scrambles like he’s in a Mission: Impossible scene. Top-21 finishes in three of his last four starts.

• Gary Woodland (+1000): Healthy, hungry, and four top-10s at PGA National. His U.S. Open grit translates here.

Top 20

• Ryan Gerard (+225): Three top-20s in five starts this season. Stats don’t lie—he’s the “Why not?” pick.

You can check out all our betting promos, for every sports book we work with, in one place RIGHT HERE.

Final Thought: Bring Popcorn (and a Life Preserver)

The Cognizant Classic isn’t just a tournament—it’s a survival show. Between the Bear Trap’s water hazards and Eckroat’s redemption quest, this weekend promises drama thicker than Florida humidity. Tune in Thursday… and pray your favourite golfer packed extra balls.

Coverage starts at 6:45 AM EST on Golf Channel/NBC. Pro tip: Watch the 15th-17th holes. Trust us.

One and Done

Shane Lowry

• Rationale: The 2019 Open Champion has three consecutive top-five finishes at PGA National (2nd in 2022, 5th in 2023, 4th in 2024). He ranks 4th in Strokes Gained (SG): Total on Coastal Courses over the past two seasons and thrives in windy conditions.

• Risk/Reward: Lowry’s suitability for The Open Championship (July) makes him a potential save, but his dominance at PGA National justifies using him here for a likely top-five payout.

Sepp Straka

• Rationale: The 2022 Cognizant Classic winner has regained form with a victory at The American Express in January. He ranks 1st in SG: Approach (150–200 yards) and 3rd in Bogey Avoidance this season, critical for navigating the Bear Trap.

• Risk/Reward: Straka’s volatility (two missed cuts in 2025) is offset by his course pedigree. Ideal for players seeking a high-ceiling play without conserving a "major-only" asset.

Daniel Berger

• Rationale: The Florida resident has three top-10s at PGA National, including a runner-up in 2015. He ranks 4th in SG: Tee-to-Green this season, signalling a return to pre-injury form.

• Risk/Reward: Berger’s upside is enticing, but his recent injury history adds risk. A strategic pick for aggressive players.

News You Need to Know

Meme of the Week

Thanks for reading!

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Cody.