Kibbey Wagner | May 29, 2025 | Personal Injury
The Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, formerly known as the Honda Classic. The site of the tournament, the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is not particularly dangerous. Nevertheless, the sudden influx of spectators—nearly 200,000 over a week—increases the likelihood that someone will be hurt. Here are some tips to help you stay safe.
Watch Your Step on Uneven Terrain
Slip and fall accidents are among the most common mishaps at golf tournaments. One of the primary reasons for this is that golf courses are not designed with pedestrian safety in mind. Walkways are often uneven, and grassy slopes can be slippery, especially in the morning dew. Cables and event infrastructure can also create tripping hazards if you are not watching your step very carefully.
Avoid Stray Golf Balls
Getting hit by a stray golf ball at a tournament is something that is bound to happen from time to time. Since golf ball injuries can be serious—and can even cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI)—do what you can to protect yourself. Stay behind ropes or in designated spectator areas, and follow directions from signage and tournament officials.
Golf Cart and Service Vehicle Accidents
Although golf carts and service vehicles travel at slower speeds than cars, they pose a significant risk to pedestrians. Their slow pace can create a false sense of security, but when one of these vehicles strikes a person, its weight can cause serious injuries, just as a car’s speed can. To stay safe, it’s essential to stay alert, observe the movement of nearby vehicles, and steer clear of their paths.
Heat Exhaustion
Even though the Cognizant Classic occurs during February or March, Palm Beach Gardens is often already hot during these months, especially in the afternoon. Bring a lot of water with you and seek shade if you feel unwell.
Intoxicated Guests
Not all injuries are accidental—some are the result of intentional acts. One of the most significant risks comes from intoxicated guests who may become aggressive or violent. If you’re injured in this way, you may have grounds not only to pursue legal action against the individual responsible but also to hold the PGA TOUR accountable for negligent security measures.
Food Poisoning
Since many vendors sell food at the Cognizant Classic, food poisoning is a real risk. Avoid makeshift or poorly maintained food carts, especially if they are not clearly affiliated with the tournament. Watch how the vendor prepares their food before you order anything.
If the food vendor responsible for your illness was not officially licensed by the PGA, you may need to pursue legal action against that individual vendor. However, identifying them can be challenging, and linking your food poisoning directly to their product may prove even more difficult.
Collapsing Structures
Structural failures—such as collapsing bleachers or vendor booths—can result in serious injuries, including broken bones or worse. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate this risk, staying aware of your surroundings and paying attention to any signs of instability can help you react more quickly and stay safe.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer If You Were Injured at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches
If you were injured at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, you might need to speak to a Florida personal injury lawyer to determine whether you have a viable claim. An experienced attorney can evaluate the circumstances of your injury, identify potentially liable parties—such as event organizers, vendors, or property owners—and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to protect your rights; reaching out to a qualified lawyer as soon as possible can make all the difference in building a strong case.
Contact Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, or Palm Beach Gardens personal injury law firm of Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and its surrounding areas in Florida:
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Stuart
73 SW Flagler Ave
Stuart, FL 34994
(772) 444-7000
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Port St. Lucie
1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd. Ste 202
Port St Lucie, FL 34986
(772) 247-3374
Kibbey Wagner Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Palm Beach Gardens
300 Ave of the Champions Ste 170
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418
(561) 944-4000
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