History of Cognizant Classic in Timeline

The Cognizant Classic, a PGA Tour golf tournament held in south Florida, was established in 1972. Originally known as Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic, it traditionally marked the start of Florida's golf events after the West Coast Swing. A schedule adjustment in 2021 altered its place in the golfing calendar.

1969: National Airlines Open Invitational

The tournament's predecessor, the National Airlines Open Invitational, began in 1969 and ran for just three seasons.

1971: National Airlines Open Invitational Concludes

The final National Airlines Open Invitational concluded in 1971. All three runnings of this tournament took place in late March at the Country Club of Miami in Hialeah.

1972: Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic Founded

In 1972, the Cognizant Classic was founded as Jackie Gleason's Inverrary Classic.

1972: Gleason Tournament Replaces National Airlines Open Invitational

The Gleason tournament replaced the National Airlines Open Invitational on the schedule a month earlier in 1972 at the Inverrary Country Club (East course) in Lauderhill.

1972: Inaugural Prize Money

The original winner's share of $52,000 in 1972 made the Cognizant Classic one of the richest stops on tour, greater than for any of the four majors; it was more than double that of the Masters, which had a first prize of $25,000 in 1972.

1973: National Airlines Sponsorship

In 1973, National Airlines sponsored the Cognizant Classic along with Jackie Gleason.

1976: Tournament Not Played

The regular Cognizant Classic event was not played in 1976, as Inverrary instead hosted the Tournament Players Championship in late February, won by Jack Nicklaus.

1977: Jack Nicklaus Victory

Jack Nicklaus won the Cognizant Classic in 1977.

1978: Jack Nicklaus Second Victory

Jack Nicklaus won the Cognizant Classic in 1978, making him the only back-to-back winner in the tournament's history.

1980: End of Gleason Affiliation

Jackie Gleason's nine-year affiliation with the Cognizant Classic ended after 1980.

1981: American Motors Corporation Sponsorship

American Motors Corporation (AMC) sponsored the Cognizant Classic in 1981.

1981: Prize Money

In 1981, the total purse for the Cognizant Classic was $300,000 (the equivalent of only $1,005,417 in 2023 dollars).

1981: American Motors Inverrary Classic

The 1981 Cognizant Classic was renamed "American Motors Inverrary Classic" as it was sponsored by American Motors Corporation.

1982: Honda Sponsorship Begins

From 1982 to 2023, American Honda Motor Company (Honda) sponsored the Cognizant Classic, known during this period as The Honda Classic.

1984: Move to TPC Eagle Trace

In 1984 the Cognizant Classic moved to TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs, where it remained until 1991.

1991: Departure from TPC Eagle Trace

The Cognizant Classic was played at TPC Eagle Trace in Coral Springs until 1991.

1992: Move to Weston Hills Golf & Country Club

From 1992 to 1995, the Cognizant Classic was held at the Weston Hills Golf & Country Club in Weston.

1995: Departure from Weston Hills Golf & Country Club

The Cognizant Classic was held at the Weston Hills Golf & Country Club in Weston until 1995.

1996: Return to TPC at Eagle Trace

The Cognizant Classic returned to Coral Springs, first at the TPC at Eagle Trace in 1996.

1997: Move to TPC at Heron Bay

The Cognizant Classic moved to TPC at Heron Bay in 1997 and remained there through 2002.

2002: Departure from TPC at Heron Bay

The Cognizant Classic was held at the TPC at Heron Bay from 1997 to 2002.

2003: Move to Palm Beach Gardens

In 2003, the Cognizant Classic moved to Palm Beach Gardens, first at the Country Club at Mirasol through 2006.

2006: Departure from Country Club at Mirasol

The Cognizant Classic was played at the Country Club at Mirasol through 2006.

2007: Move to Champion Course at PGA National Resort and Spa

In 2007, the Cognizant Classic moved to the Champion Course at PGA National Resort and Spa.

2007: Improved Player Field

Since 2007, The Honda Classic has seen a vastly improved player field, largely due to the decision to make PGA National the tournament's permanent home.

2007: Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation as Beneficiary

Since 2007, the tournament's main beneficiary is the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation, chaired by Barbara Nicklaus, wife of hall of fame golfer Jack Nicklaus.

2013: IMG Acquisition

In 2013, IMG bought the Cognizant Classic's management company.

2017: Prize Money

The total purse for the Cognizant Classic was $6.4 million in 2017, with a top prize of $1.152 million.

2021: Cognizant Classic Schedule Change

Prior to a schedule change in 2021, the Cognizant Classic was frequently the first of the Florida events in late winter following the "West Coast Swing."