Jacob Bridgeman And Ben Griffin Withdraw From Cognizant Classic

Last week's Genesis Invitational winner, Bridgeman, and US Ryder Cup player, Griffin, are among two big withdrawals from the first Florida Swing event of the 2026 season

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Jacob Bridgeman holds a trophy, Ben Griffin stares into the distance
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Following five tournaments on the US West Coast, the circuit moves to the Cognizant Classic and the Florida Swing, where two of the tournament favorites have withdrawn on Monday.

Jacob Bridgeman, who earned victory at last week's Genesis Invitational, is one of the big names to withdraw, as is Ben Griffin, with the three-time PGA Tour winner also pulling out of the tournament.

Jacob Bridgeman holds the Genesis Invitational trophy alongside Tiger Woods

Bridgeman secured a one stroke victory at Riviera Country Club

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Positioned 11th and 20th in the Official World Golf Ranking, the duo were the highest-ranked players in the field at the Cognizant Classic, but won't be present despite strong performances in the event last year.

In terms of Bridgeman, he has played five tournaments in 2026, missing just the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. The 26-year-old has played the last three tournaments in a row - WM Phoenix Open, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Genesis Invitational.

Griffin, meanwhile, has also played the exact same tournaments as Bridgeman, with the American not missing the cut in any of his first five starts.

Replacement-wise, Jackson Suber replaces Griffin, while Lanto Griffin comes in for Bridgeman.

The withdrawals are, perhaps, not a big surprise, despite the fact that, at last year's Cognizant Classic, Bridgeman finished in a share of second place and Griffin a tie for fourth.

Following the two Signature Events in California, the Tour flies across the country to Florida. What's more, after the Cognizant Classic, there is another Signature Event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, as well as the PGA Tour's Flagship Event, The Players Championship.

Both Bridgeman and Griffin have already qualified for those tournaments, which justifies the week's rest. The Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship also provide around $45 million in tournament purses and more FedEx Cup points.

Matt Cradock
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover news and social media.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round is a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: Ping G430 LST 15°, 19°

Irons: TaylorMade P7CB

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1

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