Steve Bamford advised backing Justin Thomas each way at 18/1, highlighting his strong form in 2025. Thomas ranks 4th in Scoring Average, 8th in Birdie Average, and 8th in Bogey Avoidance across his recent starts. Bamford noted an uptick in Thomas's iron play and driving (4th in total driving at TPC Scottsdale) and emphasized that six of his 15 career PGA Tour wins have come on Bermudagrass greens. Thomas finished 12th at Bay Hill in 2024 and has excelled at Florida venues, including third- and first-place finishes at PGA National and TPC Sawgrass, which Bamford sees as an ideal preview of his potential this week.

Steve Bamford recommended Patrick Cantlay each way at 22/1, citing his improved play in 2025 and his return to familiar strengths such as Greens in Regulation. Cantlay recorded top finishes earlier this season and currently sits 3rd for GIR. Bamford also noted Cantlay’s fourth-place result at Bay Hill in 2023—his debut in this event—demonstrating his ability to handle tough, windy scoring conditions. With a strong record on classical setups (including two wins at Muirfield Village), Bamford believes Cantlay can secure another signature victory at Arnold Palmer’s tournament.

Steve Bamford tipped Tommy Fleetwood each way at 22/1, underscoring Fleetwood’s consistent tee-to-green performance and notable Florida record. Fleetwood has finished top-7 at Copperhead, PGA National, TPC Sawgrass, and here at Bay Hill (3rd in 2019). Bamford further highlighted Fleetwood’s strong Strokes Gained Approach numbers in recent starts—he was 4th for Greens in Regulation at Pebble Beach and 1st at Torrey Pines. Coupled with a history of success on TifEagle Bermudagrass greens (such as his Abu Dhabi wins), Bamford sees Fleetwood as a prime contender for a breakthrough PGA Tour victory.

Steve Bamford suggested Brian Harman each way at 90/1, pointing to his recent surge in tee-to-green form. Last week at PGA National, Harman ranked 6th in Strokes Gained Tee to Green and 8th in Approach. Bamford noted that Harman has a solid track record in Florida, including four top-17 finishes at Bay Hill, where he led after 36 holes in 2024. Harman’s strong Greens in Regulation numbers and comfort on Bermudagrass surfaces support Bamford’s view that he has substantial value in this tournament.

Steve Bamford recommended Shane Lowry for the 2025 Cognizant Classic at 18/1, highlighting his local familiarity with Florida conditions, strong tee-to-green play, and renewed confidence in his putting. Bamford noted Lowry’s proximity to PGA National (living only 10 minutes away) and past success in difficult setups, such as his Open Championship victory and U.S. Open contention. He emphasized Lowry’s strong finishes at Bay Hill, TPC Sawgrass, and a recent runner-up at Pebble Beach, concluding that his proven ability to handle windy, major-championship–style challenges suits PGA National perfectly in this Ryder Cup year.

Steve Bamford tipped Daniel Berger at 25/1 for the Cognizant Classic, citing Berger’s four PGA Tour wins, familiarity with Florida greens, and strong local ties as a Jupiter resident. Bamford underscored Berger’s runner-up finish at the RSM Classic to regain his Tour card, plus top-25 results this season including 2nd at TPC Scottsdale. Past course form includes runner-up in 2014, plus additional top-5 finishes (2020 and 2022) at PGA National. Noting Berger’s proven ability to excel on shorter courses and his past U.S. Open successes, Bamford expects a big week with Masters qualification on the line.

Steve Bamford selected Brian Harman at 55/1 for the Cognizant Classic, emphasizing Harman’s consistent play on Bermuda greens and his proven record in Florida, including multiple top-10 finishes at TPC Sawgrass and Copperhead. Bamford noted Harman’s past success at PGA National—a course-record 61 in 2012—and his U.S. Open pedigree, where he finished runner-up at Erin Hills. Recent west-coast form, highlighted by a 17th at Torrey Pines with top-tier driving accuracy and ball striking, signals a strong return to a comfortable Bermudagrass setting for this left-handed grinder.

Steve Bamford backed Nicolas Echavarria at 90/1, noting his two PGA Tour wins in recent starts, including the 2023 Puerto Rico Open on a windy, coastal track. Bamford pointed to Echavarria’s strong showing at Waialae (runner-up and 12th across two appearances) and last year’s 24th at PGA National, where he was 11th after 54 holes. With a preference for shorter, Bermudagrass courses, plus local Florida familiarity from junior events and Ponte Vedra residency, Bamford expects Echavarria’s ball striking and comfort in windy conditions to translate into a serious under-the-radar threat this week.