Cognizant Classic, formerly The Honda Classic, brings out the fans and beautiful weather

It was sunny and dry, not too hot, not too windy, for the first day of one of Palm Beach County's biggest parties of the year — The Cognizant Classic, formerly The Honda Classic.

On Thursday's first day, among the biggest names among golfers, two Jupiter guys had different rounds; one (Rory McIlroy) did well, one (Rickie Fowler) not so well. The tournament includes 19 of the top 50 golfers in the world rankings, so be free to pick a golfer and cheer them on.

The tournament runs through Sunday (although there's a 40% chance of rain for Sunday), so it's anyone's tournament to grab the crystal trophy.

Either way, the fans, as usual, seemed to have a great time, from watching the pro-am Wednesday with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and "The Bachelor" alum Tyler Cameron of Jupiter; to walking the beautiful Champion Course at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens; to cheering on their favorite golfers.

I can't make it to the Cognizant Classic course, can I watch it on TV?

Andrew Novak watches his bunker shot on the sixth green during the opening round of The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort & Spa on February 29, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens.
Andrew Novak watches his bunker shot on the sixth green during the opening round of The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort & Spa on February 29, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens.

If you can't make it out to the course for the fun, follow PalmBeachPost.com for all the photos, videos and coverage. Want to watch it on TV? It's on the Golf Channel and NBC (check local listings); coverage begins at 2 p.m. Friday, and 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

If you go: Tickets, schedule for PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic, formerly Honda Classic

Grounds tickets, Goslings Bear Trap tickets and other hospitality tickets are on sale at thecognizantclassic.com or by calling 844-846-6328.

There is a mobile ticketing management tool in Ticketmaster's Account Manager. All tickets are dynamically priced.

Weekly Grounds Ticket - $240

Daily Grounds Passes (plus taxes and fees) - Friday $75; Saturday $80; Sunday $75

Goslings Bear Trap (plus taxes and fees) - One of the best viewing spots in professional golf. The venue offers sightlines to all the action on the signature par-3 17th hole and the 16th green.

Friday $171; Saturday $187; Sunday $171

CIBC Champions Club - Overlooking the 18th fairway, the CIBC Champions Club has outdoor observation decks, indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of media resources. This climate-controlled venue has open-air stadium seating with shared food and bar service throughout the day.

Friday $350; Saturday $350; Sunday $350

Legends Club - High-class hospitality location is on the 18th green and offers private white-glove service. This VIP venue has premium catering and full-bar service featuring elevated wines and signature cocktails from official spirit partners. Valet parking is included.

Weekly $3,210 - Friday $830; Saturday $1,075; Sunday $1,075

Waterford Club On 17 - Upscale venue situated on the 17th hole, offering a great mix of premium golf views and shared hospitality. It’s an open-air setting with stadium seating and all-inclusive food and bar service throughout the day.

Friday $375; Saturday $375; Sunday $320

Parking for Cognizant Classic

General parking $10 - Off-site at Dyer Park on Haverhill Road North. Shuttles will transport all spectators to the main entrance.

BallenIsles parking $25 - Access adjacent to the entrance of BallenIsles Country Club (eastbound side of PGA Boulevard). Shuttles will transport all spectators to the main entrance.

PGA of America Lot $100 (Saturday and Sunday) - Access on Avenue of the Champions just south of PGA Boulevard. Shuttles will transport all spectators to the main entrance.

Ride-hailing options - Use Uber or Lyft and get dropped off and/or picked up at our designated Uber location left of the security checkpoint at the main entrance.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Cognizant (Honda) Classic: Images of first day, field, golf players