⛳ Cognizant Classic Round 3 Picks & Predictions: Austin Smotherman Leads the Field at -11

Cognizant Classic Round 3 picks and predictions are locked in as we head into what should be an eventful day at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Fl. It’s shaping up to be a prime opportunity for golf bettors. With the tournament rolling on and the course yielding plenty of birdies, there’s still value available across nearly every market.

Round-based props become even more intriguing if you’ve been tracking how the opening two-days have unfolded. Weather could play a significant role, with storms expected to affect the afternoon wave. The field will be chasing Austin Smotherman, who sits atop the leaderboard at -11.

Let’s dive into the top value plays ahead of Saturday’s tee times, which begin at 7:28 a.m. ET.

⛳ Cognizant Classic Round 3 leaderboard & odds

Here is Cognizant Classic leaderboard heading into Round 3 at PGA National Resort; outright odds via FanDuel.

🏆 Who'll win the Cognizant Classic?

Here are my golf picks for Round 3 of the Cognizant Classic on Friday:

Shane Lowry (+1200)

Shane Lowry looks poised to win the Cognizant Classic because he’s playing steady golf and currently sits T-6, just six shots back of leader Austin Smotherman with two days remaining. Lowry’s experience and ability to navigate tough conditions give him an edge as the weekend unfolds, especially on a birdie-friendly layout where momentum matters.

He’s gained strokes both off the tee and on approach, setting himself up for a strong Sunday charge. With his ball-striking and short game in rhythm, Lowry has the tools to climb the leaderboard and contend for the title.

💰 Best Round 3 props for the Cognizant Classic

Austin Smotherman: Top USA (+125)

Austin Smotherman is in prime position to finish as the top American at the Cognizant Classic thanks to his calm, controlled play and a three-shot lead entering the weekend. He’s shown excellent ball-striking and course management across the first two rounds, handling the tricky setup at PGA National Resort better than most of his peers. Smotherman’s tee-to-green game has kept him out of trouble, and his short game has been solid when it matters most, key ingredients for holding up under Sunday pressure.

What separates him from other Americans in the field is his consistency - he’s avoided big numbers and turned scoring opportunities into birdies, especially on the par-5s where this course yields. With his lead and confidence growing, he’s well-situated to fend off challengers over the weekend. If he continues to manage the course and weather effectively, Smotherman has every chance to emerge not just as the leader, but as the top American finisher in this event.

Ryan Gerard: 72 Hole Matchbet Rasmus Hojgaard vs Ryan Gerard (-150)

Ryan Gerard is in a strong position to win his 72-hole match bet over Rasmus Hojgaard, holding a one-shot edge at -2 while Hojgaard sits at -1 entering the next round. That early advantage matters in a head-to-head format, especially on a course where avoiding mistakes is just as important as making birdies. Gerard has displayed steadier ball-striking and better course management, limiting big numbers and keeping himself in scoring position.

In match bets, consistency is key, and Gerard’s ability to stay patient gives him the upper hand. While Hojgaard is known for his aggressive style, that approach can backfire under pressure. With Gerard already holding the lead and showing composure through the first rounds, he’s well-positioned to maintain his advantage and close out the matchup over 72 holes.

Brooks Koepka: Top-20 (+140)

Brooks Koepka is poised to finish inside the top-20 at the Cognizant Classic because he’s just one shot back at -2, currently sitting T-27 heading into the weekend. Koepka’s major championship experience and proven ability to handle challenging setups give him a significant edge over this field. When he finds his rhythm, especially tee-to-green, he’s capable of climbing quickly on a course that rewards aggressive, controlled play.

Koepka’s power off the tee keeps him in good positions, and when his short game clicks, he can easily erase that one-shot gap to the top-20. With two rounds remaining, moving up just a few spots is well within reach for a player of his caliber. If he avoids mistakes and capitalizes on scoring opportunities, Koepka’s combination of experience and skill should comfortably propel him into the top-20 by Sunday.

🌦️ Saturday's weather at PGA National Resort 

Weather from Accuweather.com: