PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A year back, a visit to PGA National proved transformative for Austin Eckroat. Securing his maiden victory at the Cognizant Classic, one of his two PGA Tour triumphs last season, opened doors he’d only dreamed of. That win granted him entry into the Masters and other prominent events, significantly boosting his earnings by $1.62 million, enhancing his FedExCup standings, and providing two years of assured job stability on the tour. More than anything, it allowed him to let go of overthinking his approach.
One significant, yet often overlooked advantage, according to Eckroat, of being a PGA Tour victor is the newfound freedom in play. Without the constant pressure to merely retain his tour card, he can now adopt a more liberated and assertive game style. This liberated mindset accompanies him to PGA National this year, where he aims to defend his Cognizant Classic title starting Thursday.
“It’s interesting on the PGA Tour,” Eckroat remarked. “If two competitors are vying for a win, maybe to one, a second place is everything, while to the other, it’s all in for the win. With my two wins now, it’s win or bust for me when I’m in the mix.”
Eckroat’s approach was evident throughout the 2024 season. Although he didn’t make the cut at the Masters, he succeeded in making the cut at the other three majors. He closed the season strong by making six consecutive cuts, which included four finishes within the top 20, highlighted by a first-place finish at the World Wide Technology event in Mexico, where a final-round 63 earned him victory by a single stroke.
Celebrations erupted after his win in Mexico. Winning at PGA National, which required a three-stroke lead and a delayed Monday finish, offered him a chance to finally breathe easy. “Coming down the stretch, I was so tense. I wanted that win more than anything,” Eckroat recalled. “The aftermath was pure relief. I finally accomplished what I set out to do.”
This week presents an opportunity for Eckroat to defend a professional title for the first time. Although he clinched a couple of titles during his college days at Oklahoma State, he never had the opportunity to defend those due to the Cowboys not returning to those courses.
Revisiting PGA National reinstates the emotions tied to his first win, and now there’s even more confidence that he can replicate that success. “Certain sections of this course align well with my game,” Eckroat explained. “Especially last year, my ability to hit fairways instilled the confidence to attack. I’m aiming to replicate that strategy this year.”
