Alex Hunter recommended Shane Lowry for the Cognizant Classic, citing his never missing the cut in seven starts at PGA National and finishing runner-up, T5th, and T4th over the last three years. Lowry’s ability to handle windy conditions and his seven T13 or better results in his last 10 starts (including a recent runner-up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am) make him a key DFS option, especially given his underpriced salary.

Alex Hunter noted Daniel Berger’s three top-five finishes across eight appearances at PGA National, including a runner-up in 2015. Berger has gained strokes in every major category through back-to-back starts, highlighted by finishes of T21, MC, second, and T12 in his last four tournaments. Hunter views Berger as worth the elevated DFS salary given his past course success and current ball-striking form.

Alex Hunter highlighted Sepp Straka’s victory at the 2022 Honda Classic and a subsequent T5 at PGA National. Straka leads all repeat competitors in strokes gained per round at this course, which includes a 7-under 64. With a recent win at the American Express and ranking 13th in SG: Approach this season, Straka is a great DFS value given his favorable odds to win.

Alex Hunter praised Kurt Kitayama’s ball-striking, as he ranks first in SG: Tee-to-Green over the past 50 rounds. Kitayama has made 10 of his last 13 cuts with four top-25 finishes during that span, and he’s posted T47 and third places in two visits to PGA National. Gaining 1.81 strokes per round at this course, he offers strong DFS upside.

Alex Hunter singled out Andrew Novak’s three made cuts in four attempts at PGA National, including a T29 and T9. Novak enters after finishing T3, T13, MC, and T13 in his last four starts, where he notably gained strokes in every category at Torrey Pines’ South Course. Hunter also cited Novak’s top-20 ranks in both SG: Approach and SG: Putting over the last 50 rounds, making him an attractive DFS play.

Alex Hunter emphasized J.J. Spaun’s reliability, with only one missed cut in his last 16 starts and 12 top-30 finishes. Spaun ranks first in SG: Approach over the last 50 rounds, fueling top-30 results in two of his four starts at PGA National. Hunter sees Spaun’s strong irons as critical for success at a course where approach play is paramount.

Alex Hunter highlighted Lucas Glover’s consistent performances at PGA National, as he’s made six of his last seven cuts here with every result T35 or better (including a T4 in 2019). Coming in with nine made cuts in his last 11 events and ranking third in SG: Approach over his last 50 rounds, Glover offers a safe DFS floor and decent upside.

Alex Hunter called Jhonathan Vegas a steal given his consistent track record at PGA National, where he’s missed only one cut in 11 tries and posted five top-30 results in his last seven appearances. Vegas has also made 14 of his last 16 cuts overall and ranks 10th in SG: Approach over his last 50 rounds, making him a strong salary-saver in DFS.

Alex Hunter noted Bud Cauley’s sixth top-35 finish in seven starts following a T21 at the WM Phoenix Open, where he gained strokes in every major category. Cauley, a Florida native, has four consecutive made cuts at PGA National (three top-30 finishes). His streak of shooting under par in 10 straight rounds sets him up for potential top-20 DFS returns.

Alex Hunter noted Kevin Roy’s T17 at the Mexico Open and four top-20 finishes in his last six starts across the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours. With 10 under-par rounds out of his last 12, and ranking fifth in SG: Approach over the last 50 rounds, Roy builds on a T29 finish in his lone PGA National appearance. His improved world ranking suggests even better DFS upside this time.

Alex Hunter touted Matteo Manasserro’s eight consecutive worldwide cuts, which include three top-30 finishes. Although he last played PGA National a decade ago, Manaserro posted a T29 and T14 in his two attempts. His strong iron play suits the course, giving him sleeper DFS appeal under $7,000.