Nico Echavarria won the 2026 Cognizant Classic on Sunday, March 1st, after a dramatic collapse by overnight leader Shane Lowry on the final nine holes at PGA National in Florida.
Lowry, who held a three-shot lead going into the final round, saw his advantage evaporate after consecutive double bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes. Both errors stemmed from tee shots that went into the water, according to reports from Sky Sports.
The double bogeys resulted in Lowry finishing in a three-way tie for second place, allowing Echavarria to secure his first PGA Tour title of the season. Forbes reported that Echavarria finished two shots ahead of Lowry and the other contenders.
Data Golf’s win probability calculations indicated a stark shift in fortunes for Lowry. The analytics platform had Lowry at a 96% chance of winning heading into the 16th hole, a statistic that has prompted discussion about significant late-round collapses in professional golf.
The pivotal 16th and 17th holes proved decisive, with Lowry’s struggles opening the door for Echavarria. The Sky Sports report detailed how Lowry’s tee shots drifted right into the water on both holes, effectively ending his chances of victory.
The PGA Tour has not yet released a statement regarding the final round or Lowry’s performance. Echavarria’s victory marks a significant moment in his career, even as Lowry will look to rebound from the disappointing finish.
