Collin Morikawa (20-1) fell short for us last week despite holding a three-shot lead over Russell Henley with five holes to play. Meanwhile, in Puerto Rico, Kevin Roy and Matthias Schmid were our top performers, both finishing tied for 6th.

The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) marks the eleventh event of the 2025 PGA TOUR season and the third stop on the “Florida Swing.” It’s the first of five events this season to award 750 FedExCup points to the winner.

Let’s get into this week’s storylines…

Pre-Tournament Storylines:

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler returns to TPC Sawgrass aiming for a historic three-peat at THE PLAYERS Championship. Last year, he became the first player ever to win back-to-back titles at this event, and now he’s chasing an even rarer feat — becoming the first player to win a PGA TOUR event three years in a row since Steve Stricker’s run at the John Deere Classic from 2009 to 2011. A victory would also make Scheffler just the second player, alongside Jack Nicklaus, to win THE PLAYERS three times.

Tournament Information:

• Dates: March 13th – March 16th, 2025
• Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States
• Course: TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
• Course Type: Florida
• Par: 72 (4x 3’s / 10x 4’s / 4x 5’s)
• Length: 7,352 Yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .100”
• Fairways: Champion fine ryegrass overseed .275”
• Rough: Champion fine ryegrass overseed 4”
• Bunkers: 92 (12 acres)
• Water Hazard(s): 18 (In-Play on 17 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 5,500 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 12.5 ft.
• Purse/ Winner: $25,000,000 /$4,500,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 750
• Field: 144 Players
• Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Three Hole Aggregate (16-17-18)
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2024: 71.42 (-0.56), Rank 15 of 51
  • 2023: 72.45 (+0.45), Rank 12 of 49
  • 2022: 72.62 (+0.62), Rank 12 of 50
• Historic Cut Line:
• 2024: -1
• 2023: +2
• 2022: +2

Social Media:

• Course X: @TPCSawgrass
• Tournament X: @THEPLAYERS

Course Information:

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: Pete Dye, ASGCA (1980)
• Renovations: Pete Dye and Steve Wenzloff

Comparable Courses:

• PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches – RESULTS
• Harbour Town Golf Links – RBC Heritage – RESULTS
• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – Valspar Championship – RESULTS
• Sedgefield Country Club – Wyndham Championship – RESULTS

Comparable Location (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida):

• PGA National – Palm Beach Gardens, Florida – Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches
• Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando, Florida – Arnold Palmer Invitational
• Innisbrook Resort – Palm Harbor, Florida – Valspar Championship

Designer Link (Pete Dye):

• PGA WEST (Pete Dye Stadium Course) – Pete Dye (1986) – The American Express
• Harbour Town Golf Links – Pete Dye (1969) – RBC Heritage
• TPC Louisiana – Pete Dye (2004) – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
• TPC River Highlands – Pete Dye (1982) – Travelers Championship

Comparable Yardage (7,352 Yards):

• East Lake Golf Club – 7,346 Yards – TOUR Championship

Comparable Greens (TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .100”):

• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis .120” – Valspar Championship
• TPC Louisiana – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis .100” – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
• Quail Hollow Club – Champion G12 bermudagrass overseeded with Poa trivialis .125” – Wells Fargo Championship

Comparable Average Green Size (5,500 sq. ft.):

• Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club – 5,500 sq. ft. – ZOZO Championship
• TPC Deere Run – 5,500 sq. ft. – John Deere Classic

TV Information (all times ET):

• Round 1: Thursday, March 13th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 2: Friday, March 14th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, March 15th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  • NBC – 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, March 16th, 2025
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • NBC – 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• ESPN BET on PGA TOUR LIVE: For the first time at THE PLAYERS, ESPN BET brings unprecedented betting coverage and analysis to PGA TOUR Live; learn more about the new streaming partnership and how to watch on ESPN+
  • Thursday-Friday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Saturday: noon-2 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Weather:

Course/ Tournament History:

The PLAYERS Championship, often referred to as golf’s “fifth major,” is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA TOUR. First held in 1974, the event has grown in stature due to its elite field, massive purse, and iconic host course — the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, which has hosted the tournament since 1982. Designed by Pete Dye, the course is famous for its signature 17th hole, the “Island Green,” one of the most recognizable and nerve-wracking holes in all of golf. Over the years, the PLAYERS has produced a legendary list of champions, including Jack Nicklaus, who won the inaugural event, as well as Tiger Woods, who captured the title twice. The tournament was traditionally held in March before shifting to May in 2007, but it returned to its March slot in 2019 as part of a broader restructuring of the PGA TOUR schedule.

TPC Sawgrass, home to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course, is one of the most iconic and challenging venues in professional golf. Designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, the course opened in 1980 and has hosted the PLAYERS Championship since 1982. It was the first true “Stadium Course,” built with the idea of providing the best possible viewing experience for fans while testing every facet of a golfer’s game. The layout is famous for its balance — no two consecutive holes play in the same direction — and its signature hole, the par-3 17th, known as the “Island Green.” Measuring just 137 yards, the 17th has become one of the most recognizable holes in golf, capable of dramatically shifting the leaderboard with a single swing. TPC Sawgrass demands precision over power, with water hazards, pot bunkers, and undulating greens challenging even the world’s best players. The course has undergone several renovations over the years, most notably in 2016, when upgrades were made to the greens, bunkers, and clubhouse to enhance both playability and the fan experience. As the permanent home of the PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass continues to solidify its status as one of golf’s most celebrated and nerve-wracking tests.

Pete Dye courses are known for their challenging, strategic designs that test every aspect of a golfer’s game. His layouts often feature visual deception, using angled fairways, pot bunkers, and mounding to confuse players’ depth perception and shot selection. Risk-reward opportunities are a hallmark of Dye’s designs, forcing players to carefully balance aggression and caution. His courses typically have small, undulating greens that demand precise iron play and a sharp short game. Penal hazards, such as water features, deep bunkers, railroad ties, and expansive waste areas, are strategically placed to punish wayward shots, often turning minor mistakes into costly numbers on the scorecard. Accuracy and ball placement off the tee are critical, as Dye favored narrow fairways with strategic angles over wide-open layouts. Adding to the challenge, holes rarely run in the same direction consecutively, making it difficult for players to settle into a rhythm, especially when wind becomes a factor. At a course like TPC Sawgrass, these elements come together to create a true test of skill, rewarding those who can navigate the hazards, execute with precision, and seize scoring opportunities when they arise.

The Stadium Course has undergone numerous renovations over the years to elevate both playability and the spectator experience. A major overhaul in 2006, led by Pete Dye, included hole redesigns along with upgraded drainage and irrigation systems. Most recently, in 2024, several enhancements were introduced: a new tournament tee on No. 2 added 15 yards, the iconic tree on No. 6 — lost in 2014 — was re-established along with an additional 15 yards to the hole, a new tee complex on No. 11 extended the hole by 15 yards, and the right rough on No. 14 saw the addition of stronger, deeper, and more dramatic moguls, accented by palms, oaks, and native grasses. The yardage has been extended to 7,352 yards, up from 7,275 yards last year.

Unlike other tournaments, THE PLAYERS features a unique three-hole aggregate playoff format, introduced in 2014. Since its implementation, there has been only one playoff, which took place in 2015, when Rickie Fowler claimed a dramatic victory.

Previous Tournament Venues:

Previous Tournament Names:

Tournament Records:

• Most Wins at Event:
  • 3, Jack Nicklaus (1974, 1976, 1978)

Course Records:

• 72-Hole Record (TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):
  • 62, Tom Hoge (Round 3, 2023)

• 18-Hole Record (TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):
  • 264, Greg Norman (1994)

• Largest Margin of Victory (TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):
  • 7 Strokes – Steve Elkington (1997)

Course Guide/ Scorecard:

Originally crafted by Pete Dye in 1980, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass features a classic Par 72 layout, comprising four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, and four Par 5s.

TPC Sawgrass poses a formidable challenge, ranking among the toughest courses on the Tour outside of the Majors. In the last three editions of THE PLAYERS Championship, the scoring average has remained over par. In 2024, only three holes (No. 6, No. 10, & No. 12) boasted a scoring average under par, excluding the four Par 5s.

At 7,352 yards, PGA National isn’t excessively long, sitting near the Tour average but slightly shorter in comparison. The fairways, averaging just 31 yards in width, rank among the narrowest on Tour. When factoring in the thick 4-inch rough, accuracy off the tee becomes essential this week. The greens, averaging around 5,500 square feet, are also relatively small compared to other Tour venues, further emphasizing the need for precision on approach shots.

The course’s primary defense lies in its water hazards, which come into play on every hole. Despite its modest length, these hazards often necessitate cautious layups on specific holes. Additionally, TPC Sawgrass is highly susceptible to winds, posing a significant challenge for approach shots.

The four Par 3’s range between 141 yards and 236 yards. In terms of stats, the majority (two) of the Par 3’s range between 175-200 yards. Last year, all of the Par 3’s had a scoring average over par.

No. 13, 181 yards, Par 3: “A water hazard protects this picturesque par 3 all the way down the left side. Players must clear or maneuver around the water hazard when the pin placements are to the left. The green has three separate tiers. The highest is the right front quarter. The right rear quarter is just slightly lower and slopes away from the tee. The entire left side of the green slopes drastically toward the water. The green also is protected by two small and deep maintained bunkers. Spectators can get a great view from all the mounded areas on this medium length par 3. Short to middle irons will be the choice of the majority of players.”

No. 17, 137 yards, Par 3: “In its brief history, the island hole has become one of the most renowned of its kind in the world. Each year it is the most popular among spectators. The signature hole is a short length par 3 with a wide green that narrows to the right side. The right side of the green is protected by a small maintained bunker, which sometimes will be a relief to players who come up short of the green. Club selection on this hole is critically important; with the tricky winds of spring, the Championship could be won or lost here. A larger spectator mound has been created behind the green.”

There are ten Par 4’s at TPC Sawgrass with the majority of those holes ranging between 450 and 500 yards. No. 12 is the shortest listed at 365 yards with the longest being No. 14, playing 485 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest Par 4 on the course last year was No. 14 (+0.257).

No. 6, 393 yards, Par 4: “This hole is a perfect example of target golf and Pete Dye once called it the most beautiful on the course. The drive must avoid dense palm and pine trees on the right and two fairway bunkers and a lateral water hazard on the left. The slightly elevated green is protected by maintained bunkers, grass bunkers and clustered palm trees. The specific landing area on this hole offers players a level lie for their approach to the two-tiered green, which slopes down from right to left and back to front. Uneven and awkward lies, the result of shots that narrowly missed their targets, will cause higher scores on this hole. The players’ short games will be tested here on a daily basis. Visually, players will be greeted by an expanded water hazard down the left side of the hole in 2017.”

No. 18, 462 yards, Par 4: “A fantastic dogleg left awaits the players as they prepare to finish their rounds. Constant accuracy is of the utmost importance on this hole. Water guards the full length of the hole to the left, while large spectator mounds and trees line the right side. A collection of grass bunkers is situated in the front-right section of the green, while a lone maintained bunker stops shots hit left and long. This 18th has become one of the premier finishing holes in golf. There is a new spectator mound behind the green.”

There are four Par 5s on the course, No. 2, No. 9, No. 11, and No. 16. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2024. The easiest hole on the course last year was No. 16 with a scoring average of 4.454.

No. 9, 602 yards, Par 5: “The ninth hole is considered by many to be one of the finest par 5s in the country. A large lake and bunker to the right of the fairway collect stray drives, while woods to the left hinder second shots. The most important shot on this hole is the second. This shot will be a long iron or fairway wood directed to the right side of the fairway. To the left, a wandering fairway bunker and large oak trees crowd the small second-shot landing area. The green is very thin and severely sloped from the front to the back right. A severely banked maintained bunker guards the left and rear of the green, along with a small maintained bunker. Another small bunker in the front causes problems for players coming up short. Approach shots to the green will be with a middle to short iron. As this hole progresses from the tee to the green, it becomes more narrow and demanding. This hole can make or break a good outward nine holes. There is a new spectator mound behind the green.”

No. 11, 558 yards, Par 5: “This hole is a strategically designed middle-length par 5, which presents a variety of possibilities and potential disasters. Players attempting to reach this green in two shots must have a long and accurate drive down the right side. An immense fairway bunker stops shots hit through the left of the fairway, and dense trees knock down shots hit left of the driving area. Large overhanging trees crowd the preferred right side. Because the fairway is split by a lateral water hazard and two large bunkers, the player can elect to hit a middle iron to the fairway area on the right, which is guarded by a large oak tree. From this position, a short iron to wedge is needed for the third shot. A more daring alternative is to approach the green from the left side of the split fairway. This alternative requires a second shot lofted high enough to clear another oak tree and the continuing bunker. The large maintained bunker runs the length of the second shot landing area and continues up and around the green. The lateral water hazard that splits the fairway continues around the back of the green. One maintained bunker covers the front of the green. The left side of the green presents a tricky recovery from a closely-mown area.”

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 17

Key Statistics:

The PLAYERS Championship takes place at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course). Here are the key statistics to keep an eye on for this week’s event.

Per DataGolf, this is the favored skillset at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course).

At TPC Sawgrass, there’s plenty of debate about which stat is more crucial this week — Good Drives Gained or Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (SG: OTT). Let’s break down the differences between the two and how they apply to the unique challenges of the Stadium Course.

• Strokes Gained: Off the Tee (SG: OTT): This stat measures how much better or worse a player performs off the tee compared to the field, factoring in both distance and accuracy. Longer, accurate drives contribute positively, while errant or short drives hurt the number. It’s a comprehensive metric but can sometimes overemphasize distance over precision.
• Good Drives Gained: This stat focuses more on accuracy and playability. A “good drive” is typically defined as a drive that either hits the fairway or, if it misses, still allows the player to hit the green in regulation. It highlights players who keep the ball in position — whether they bomb it down the middle or miss slightly but leave themselves a shot at the green.

At TPC Sawgrass, Good Drives Gained can be more valuable than SG: Off the Tee because the Stadium Course doesn’t favor raw power — it rewards precision and strategy. The tight landing areas, water hazards, and Pete Dye’s penal design mean you don’t need to be the longest hitter, but you must put yourself in position to attack greens. Wild misses off the tee can be severely punished, so players who consistently find fairways or manageable spots in the rough tend to fare better.

• Good Drives Gained highlights players who prioritize keeping the ball in play — crucial at a demanding, positional course like Sawgrass.
• SG: Off the Tee helps identify strong drivers overall (distance + accuracy).

• Good Drives Gained
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Tommy Fleetwood
    • Andrew Putnam
    • Aaron Rai
    • Ben Griffin
    • Taylor Pendrith
    • Ben Kholes
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Nick Taylor
    • Taylor Moore
    • Gary Woodland

• Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
  • Success this week will hinge on players’ ability to position themselves effectively off the tee. While the course’s considerable length underscores the significance of distance, precision holds equal importance. Over the past four editions of the PLAYERS Championship, three winners have ranked 10th or better in Strokes Gained: Off the Tee amongst the field.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Taylor Pendrith
    • Alejandro Tosti
    • Daniel Berger
    • Rico Hoey
    • Taylor Moore
    • Davis Thompson
    • Rory McIlroy
    • Robert MacIntyre
    • Chun-an Yu
    • Kurt Kitayama

• Strokes Gained: Approach
  • Excellent approach play has been a key factor in determining success at this week’s tournament. Over the past four editions of the PLAYERS Championship, every winner has ranked 7th or better in Strokes Gained: Approach amongst the field.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Justin Thomas
    • Nicolai Hojgaard
    • J.J. Spaun
    • Kurt Kitayama
    • Sepp Straka
    • Joel Dahmen
    • Doug Ghim
    • Nick Taylor
    • Maverick McNealy
    • Scottie Scheffler

• Strokes Gained: Around the Green
  • The undulating greens are surrounded by tightly mown collection areas, deep bunkers, and tricky run-off spots, forcing players to execute a variety of short-game shots — from delicate chips to flop shots and bump-and-runs. With water hazards and unpredictable winds often leading to missed greens, a strong short game becomes essential for saving par and maintaining momentum. Over the past four editions of the PLAYERS Championship, every winner has ranked 19th or better in Strokes Gained: Around the Green amongst the field.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Webb Simpson
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Peter Malnati
    • Andrew Novak
    • Brian Campbell
    • Michael Kim
    • Min Woo Lee
    • Tony Finau
    • Bud Cauley
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout

• Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)
  • The green complexes at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) are TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .100”.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Taylor Montgomery
    • Matt Kuchar
    • Nicolas (Nico) Echavarria
    • Jacob Bridgeman
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Davis Riley
    • Thomas Detry
    • Zach Johnson
    • Sam Burns
    • Maverick McNealy

• Strokes Gained: Total Pete Dye Designs
  • Pete Dye’s masterpiece, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, stands as a testament to his distinctive design ethos. Known for crafting layouts that challenge and reward specific skill sets, Dye’s creation at TPC Sawgrass demands a level of prowess possessed by only a select few players.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 50 Rounds:
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Brian Harman
    • Justin Thomas
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Patrick Cantlay
    • Sungjae Im
    • Hideki Matsuyama
    • Corey Conners
    • Matthew Fitzpatrick
    • Rory McIlroy

• Fairways Gained
  • The course features narrow fairways lined with thick rough and strategically placed bunkers. Precision off the tee is crucial to avoid the punishing rough and find the best angles for approach shots.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Ben Kholes
    • Brice Garnett
    • Lucas Glover
    • Daniel Berger
    • Zach Johnson
    • Aaron Rai
    • Andrew Putnam
    • Russell Henley
    • Paul Peterson
    • Nick Taylor

• Par 3 Scoring: 175-200 Yards
  • Two of the four Par 3’s at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) range between 175-200 Yards. The two outliers are No. 8 which is listed at 236 Yards and No. 17 which is listed at 141 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Ryan Fox
    • Joel Dahmen
    • Brice Garnett
    • Nick Taylor
    • Ryo Hisatsune
    • Ben Kholes
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Denny McCarthy
    • Russell Henley

• Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards
  • Five of the ten Par 4’s at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) range between 450-500 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Alejandro Tosti
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Daniel Berger
    • Justin Thomas
    • Samuel Stevens
    • Nick Taylor
    • Alex Smalley
    • J.J. Spaun
    • Joe Highsmith
    • Russell Henley

• Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards
  • Three of the four Par 5’s at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) range between 550-600 Yards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Min Woo Lee
    • Max Greyserman
    • Cheng Tsung (C.T.) Pan
    • Brice Garnett
    • Andrew Novak
    • Hayden Springer
    • Kevin Roy
    • Davis Thompson
    • Taylor Moore
    • Shane Lowry

• Birdies or Better Gained
  • With its risk-reward design, highlighted by iconic holes like the par-5 16th and the par-3 17th “Island Green,” TPC Sawgrass challenges players to capitalize on scoring opportunities to stay competitive. The course doesn’t exclusively favor bombers or short-game specialists — success hinges on strategically picking spots and executing under pressure. Given the strength of the field at THE PLAYERS Championship, simply making pars often isn’t enough to contend. Players must convert birdie chances and build momentum when the layout offers openings. Recent editions of the tournament have seen winning scores trend lower, with Scottie Scheffler capturing the title last year at 20 under par.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Sepp Straka
    • Max Greyserman
    • Joe Highsmith
    • Jesper Svensson
    • Stephan Jaeger
    • Justin Thomas
    • Harry Hall
    • Ludvig Aberg
    • Nick Taylor
    • Cameron Davis

• Bogey Avoidance
  • TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) ranks among the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour. Patience will be key this week as players navigate the layout and capitalize on limited scoring chances. Throughout the event, players must strive to minimize any black numbers scores on their cards.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Xander Schauffele
    • Samuel Stevens
    • Michael Kim
    • J.J. Spaun
    • Justin Thomas
    • Daniel Berger
    • Brian Harman
    • Nicolai Hojgaard
    • McClure (Mac) Meissner
    • Sam Ryder

• Scrambling Gained
  • Players who excel at getting up and down from tough spots gain a significant edge in avoiding bogeys and keeping their rounds on track. With smaller-than-average greens and the unpredictable nature of Poa annua surfaces, even the best iron players frequently miss their targets. Skilled scramblers can turn difficult situations into par saves, gaining strokes on the field while others struggle.
  • Leaders in this category in the last 24 Rounds:
    • Zach Johnson
    • Brian Campbell
    • Harris English
    • Michael Kim
    • Patrick Rodgers
    • Alex Smalley
    • Paul Peterson
    • Christiaan Bezuidenhout
    • Wyndham Clark
    • Andrew Novak

• Proximity Gained: 100-125 Yards
  • TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) sees a significantly higher volume of approach shots from the 100-125 yard range compared to the PGA Tour average.

• Leaders in Proximity Gained 100-125 Yards in the last 24 Rounds:
  • Cameron Davis
  • Tom Hoge
  • Kurt Kitayama
  • Joel Dahmen
  • Sepp Straka
  • David Lipsky
  • Justin Thomas
  • Matt Kuchar
  • Wyndham Clark
  • Rory McIlroy

• Comparable Courses and Event History
  • The Data Golf Course History Tool suggests that past success at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) has been a slight predictor of future performance in this tournament. TPC Sawgrass is notoriously unpredictable, with only three players in this year’s field — Si Woo Kim, Tom Hoge, and Denny McCarthy — making the cut in every PLAYERS Championship since 2019, according to Ron Klos.

• Leaders in this category (Stokes Gained Total at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):
  • Brian Harman
  • Scottie Scheffler
  • Hideki Matsuyama
  • Si Woo Kim
  • Tommy Fleetwood
  • Shane Lowry
  • Tom Hoge
  • Joel Dahmen
  • Corey Conners

The Field:

This year’s PLAYERS Championship will feature a total of 144 competitors. Among them are eighteen of the top twenty players in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

• Winner – Tournament Winner in the Past Year
• Winner – THE PLAYERS Championship
• Winner – U.S. Open
• Winner – PGA Championship
• Winner – The Open Championship
• Winner – FedEx Cup
• Winner – World Golf Championships Event – Match Play
• Winner – Arnold Palmer Invitational
• Top 125 on Prior Seasons FedEx Points List
• Top 50 – World Golf Ranking
• Below Top 10 on Current Year FedExCup Points.

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

• Scottie Scheffler (2024, 2023), Justin Thomas (2021), Rory McIlroy (2019), Si Woo Kim (2017), Jason Day (2016), Rickei Fowler (2015), Matt Kuchar (2012), Adam Scott (2004)

Debutants in the Field:

Jacob Bridgeman, Brian Campbell, Rafael Campos, Laurie Canter, Frankie Capan III, Ricky Castillo, Will Chandler, Patrick Fishburn, Ryan Gerard, Chris Gotterup, Max Greyserman, Joe Highsmith, Rico Hoey, Rasmus Hojgaard, Matt McCarty, McClure (Mac) Meissner, Paul Peterson, Chandler Phillips, Aldrich Potgieter, Kevin Roy, Isaiah Salinda, Hayden Springer, Jackson Suber, Jesper Svensson, Alejandro Tosti, Vincent Whaley, Danny Walker, Ricky Castillo, Paul Peterson, Quade Cummins, John Pak, Danny Walker, Vincent Whaley

On the PGA TOUR Media Site, there is a full bio for each debutant in the field.

Players with Florida ties in the Field:

Birthplace:

• Daniel Berger – Plantation , FL
• Billy Horschel – Grant, FL
• Matt Kuchar – Winter Park , FL
• Sam Ryder – Winter Park, FL
• Jackson Suber – Tampa, FL 
• Bud Cauley – Daytona Beach, FL

College:

• Daniel Berger – Florida State
• Eric Cole – Nova Southeastern 
• Billy Horschel – Florida 
• Sam Ryder – Stetson
• Ben Silverman – Florida Atlantic 
• Alejandro Tosti – Florida
• Camilo Villegas – Florida

Residence:

• Byeong Hun An  – Orlando, FL
• Daniel Berger – Jupiter, FL
• Keegan Bradley- Jupiter, FL
• Eric Cole – Delray Beach, FL
• Rickie Fowler- Jupiter, FL
• Max Greyserman – Boca Raton, FL
• Emiliano Grillo – Bradenton, FL
• Billy Horschel – Jacksonville Beach, FL
• Luke List – Jupiter, FL
• Sam Ryder – Longwood, FL
• Ben Silverman – West Palm Beach, FL
• Adam Svensson – Palm Beach Gardens, FL
• Jackson Suber – Tampa, FL
• Alejandro Tosti – Gainesville, FL
• Camilo Villegas – Jupiter, FL
• Kevin Roy – Tampa, FL
• Bud Cauley – Hobe Sound, FL

Exemptions:

• N/A

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

• N/A

Tee Times & Groupings:

Fourteen of the last seventeen winners of the PLAYERS Championship started with an early (AM) tee time on Thursday, followed by a late (PM) tee time on Friday.

The Odds:

Here are the current favorites for this week’s event:

Tournament Props:

Playoff:

• Will There Be a Playoff at the PLAYERS Championship? (Yes +350 / No -500)

The PLAYERS Championship has not been decided by a playoff since 2015.

Hole-in-One:

• Will There Be A Hole-in-One at the PLAYERS Championship? (Yes -175/ No +135)

Here’s a look at all the holes-in-one recorded over the last ten editions of the PLAYERS Championship. In the tournament’s history, there have been 43 aces, with 39 of them taking place at TPC Sawgrass.

2024: Ryan Fox, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 1st round

2023: Hayden Buckley, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 1st round
Aaron Rai, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 3rd round
Alex Smalley, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, Final round

2022: Shane Lowry, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 3rd round
Viktor Hovland, 8th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 3rd round

2021: Denny McCarthy, 3rd hole, TPC Sawgrass, 2nd round
Brendon Todd, 8th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 2nd round

2019: Ryan Moore, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 1st round
Sungjae Im, 13th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 2nd round
Seamus Power, 3rd hole, TPC Sawgrass, 3rd round

2017: Sergio Garcia, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 1st round

2016: Willy Wilcox, 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass, 2nd round

Wire to Wire Winner:

• Will There Be A Wire-to-wire Winner at the PLAYERS Championship? (Yes +800)

The last wire-to-wire winner at the PLAYERS Championship was in 2018.

Facts and Figures:

Recent Horses for Courses (TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):

Recent Donkeys for Courses (TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):

Previous Winners Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament):

• 2024: Scottie Scheffler (-20)
  • Price: 11-2 (+550)

• 2023: Scottie Scheffler (-17)
  • Price: 11-1

• 2022: Cameron Smith (-13)
  • Price: 33-1

• 2021: Justin Thomas (-14)
  • Price: 20-1

• 2020: Cancelled after the first round due to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Price: N/A

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts):

• 2024: Scottie Scheffler
  • WON – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T10 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T3 – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T6 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
  • T17 – The American Express (PGA)

• 2023: Scottie Scheffler
  • T4 – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T12 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • WON – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T11 – The American Express (PGA)
  • T7 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)

• 2022: Cameron Smith
  • T33 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T4 – PIF Saudi International (ASA)
  • MC – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)
  • WON – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)
  • T4 – The RSM Classic (PGA)

• 2021: Justin Thomas
  • T15 – WGC-Workday Championship (PGA)
  • MC – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T13 – Waste Management Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • MC – Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (DPWT)
  • 3 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)

• 2020: Cancelled after the first round due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Previous Winners Finishes at Event:

2024: Scottie Scheffler

2023: Scottie Scheffler

2022: Cameron Smith

2021: Justin Thomas

2020: Cancelled after the first round due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Picks:

Collin Morikawa ranked first in my model this week, but after last week, I just can’t trust him to close out a tournament. Time and time again, he’s shown there’s something holding him back from sealing the deal. This year alone, he already has two runner-up finishes — adding to the two he had last season. It’s starting to feel eerily similar to the struggles Xander Schauffele faced before finally conquering his own demons at the PGA Championship. Until Morikawa proves he can cross the finish line, it’s hard to back him with full confidence.

Outrights

Ludvig Aberg (+1800) – FanDuel

After securing his first PGA TOUR victory at the 2023 RSM Classic, Ludvig Åberg had several close calls in 2024, finishing runner-up three times but falling just short of a second win. Toward the end of the season, he underwent knee surgery to address an issue that had affected him during the latter half of the year.

Åberg kicked off the 2025 season strong with a T5 finish at The Sentry but struggled at the Farmers Insurance Open and later withdrew from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am due to illness. However, he quickly rebounded in a big way, finally capturing his elusive second PGA TOUR victory at the Genesis Invitational. Last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he finished T22, hindered by some struggles with his irons and short game.

This marks Åberg’s second appearance at TPC Sawgrass, where he impressed with an 8th-place finish in his debut last year. He’s also had success on other Pete Dye-designed courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage) and TPC River Highlands (Travelers Championship), making him a strong contender this week.

Hideki Matsuyama (+3300) – FanDuel

Hideki Matsuyama closed out the 2024 season in impressive fashion, winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship and finishing T9 at the TOUR Championship. He carried that momentum into 2025, kicking off the season with a victory at The Sentry. Following his win, he continued to play solid golf, finishing inside the top 30 in three of his next four starts.

Since the WM Phoenix Open, Matsuyama has found another gear, posting a T25 at Phoenix, a T13 at the Genesis Invitational, and a T22 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

His track record at TPC Sawgrass is equally strong. In his last two appearances at THE PLAYERS, he’s finished T6 and 5th. Across nine career starts at this event, he’s recorded four top-10 finishes, three additional top-25s, and missed the cut just twice.

Matsuyama has also had success on other Pete Dye courses, most notably at TPC River Highlands, where he’s finished T13 and T23 in his last two starts at the Travelers Championship. With his current form and strong history on Dye tracks, Hideki looks poised for another solid week at THE PLAYERS.

Russell Henley (+3500) – FanDuel

Russell Henley has carried his strong form into 2025, building off a solid finish to the 2024 season where he notched four top-30 finishes, including two top-5s in his final four starts. His 2025 campaign started a bit slowly with a T30 at The Sentry, but he quickly found his rhythm, finishing T10 at the Sony Open in Hawaii and T5 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. After a slight setback at the Genesis Invitational, Henley bounced back with a T6 at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches and broke through with a victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week.

Normally, I’d be hesitant to back a player coming off a win, but recent seasons have shown that momentum can carry over, and Henley’s game fits TPC Sawgrass well.

This will be his twelfth appearance at THE PLAYERS Championship, where he’s posted two top 20 finishes in his last three trips to Ponte Vedra Beach. His success on Pete Dye tracks extends beyond Sawgrass — he’s also played well at Harbour Town Golf Links, recording finishes of T12, T19, MC, and T9 in his last four starts at the RBC Heritage. With his current form and a proven track record on Dye-designed courses, Henley looks well-positioned for another strong showing this week.

Shane Lowry (+4000) – DraftKings

Shane Lowry closed out the 2024 season on a high note, finishing T13 at the BMW Championship and T9 at the TOUR Championship. He then returned to Europe for a strong run on the DP World Tour, posting six consecutive finishes of T13 or better.

In 2025, Lowry got off to a rocky start, missing the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open, but quickly regained his form. He finished runner-up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, followed by a T39 at the Genesis Invitational, T11 at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, and an impressive 7th at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

While Lowry struggled early in his career at TPC Sawgrass — missing the cut in three of his first five appearances — he’s turned a corner in recent years, making the cut in each of the last four editions of THE PLAYERS. That stretch includes three top-20 finishes, showing his growing comfort with the course.

Lowry has also fared well on other Pete Dye tracks, with strong showings at Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage) and TPC River Highlands (Travelers Championship). Given his current form and improving history at Sawgrass, he looks primed for another solid performance this week.

Sepp Straka (+5000) – DraftKings

Sepp Straka kicked off the 2025 season with solid performances in Hawaii, finishing T15 at The Sentry and T30 at the Sony Open. He quickly built on that momentum by securing his third career PGA TOUR victory at the American Express — a tournament that features a Pete Dye design, the PGA West Stadium Course, in its rotation. Since that win, Straka has remained in strong form, recording four top-20 finishes in his last five starts.

This will be Straka’s fifth appearance at THE PLAYERS Championship. While he missed the cut in his tournament debut, he’s shown steady improvement since, finishing T9, T65, and T16 in his last three trips to TPC Sawgrass.

Straka’s success on Pete Dye layouts isn’t limited to Sawgrass — he’s also put together solid results at Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage). With his recent form and proven ability on Dye-designed courses, Straka appears well-positioned for another strong showing this week.

Top 20

Daniel Berger (+200) – DraftKings

Daniel Berger made his return to the PGA TOUR last season following back surgery, experiencing his share of ups and downs. He struggled early on but found his rhythm during the FedExCup Fall Swing. Berger teed it up in seven of the eight events, making the cut in all of them. His steady play was highlighted by a 7th-place finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship, a T20 at the WorldWide Technology Championship, and capped off with an impressive T2 at the RSM Classic.

Hoping to carry that momentum into the 2025 season, Berger got off to a slow start, missing the cut in two of his first three events. However, he flipped the switch at the WM Phoenix Open with a T2 finish, reigniting his form. Since then, he’s been on a roll — finishing 12th at the Genesis Invitational, T25 at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, and T15 at last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Berger returns to TPC Sawgrass for the first time since 2022, when he finished T13, following a T9 showing in 2021. His game seems tailor-made for this course, and his past results at THE PLAYERS back that up. Beyond Sawgrass, he’s also excelled on other Pete Dye tracks, posting strong finishes at Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage) and TPC River Highlands (Travelers Championship).

With his recent form trending in the right direction and a proven track record at both TPC Sawgrass and other Dye designs, Berger appears primed for a big week. He’s been rock solid across the board, gaining strokes in every category over his last four events. His accuracy off the tee — a key factor at a course with narrow fairways and penal rough — could give him a real edge this week.

Si Woo Kim (+200) – DraftKings

Cue Jordan Spieth at the 2017 Ryder Cup

Si Woo Kim started the year on a rough note, missing the cut in two of his first four events. However, he found his form at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with a solid 12th-place finish. Since then, he’s been on a strong run, placing T21 at the WM Phoenix Open, T24 at the Genesis Invitational, and T19 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Kim now returns to TPC Sawgrass, the site of his second career PGA TOUR victory back in 2017. Since that win, his only other PGA TOUR title came at the 2021 American Express — a tournament that features a Pete Dye design (PGA West Stadium Course) in its rotation. In his last four appearances at THE PLAYERS, Kim has posted T6 (2024), T27 (2023), W/D (2022), and T9 (2021).

Si Woo looks primed to continue his solid form this week, especially at a course where he’s not only won but consistently contended. While his irons have shown some inconsistency, his short game serves as a reliable safety net, helping him stay in the hunt. Off the tee, his accuracy should also be an asset at TPC Sawgrass, where precision outweighs power. With its relatively shorter layout, narrow fairways, and some of the deepest rough on TOUR, this is a setup that plays to Kim’s strengths.

Top 40

Brian Harman (+120) – BetMGM

Brian Harman had a slow start to the 2025 season, managing just one finish inside the top 50 in his first four events. However, his form has steadily improved, with a T25 at the WM Phoenix Open, T17 at the Genesis Invitational, T32 at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, and a T40 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week.

Harman has a strong track record on Pete Dye-designed courses, and TPC Sawgrass is no exception. In his last five appearances at THE PLAYERS Championship, he’s recorded three top-10 finishes. His success on Dye layouts extends beyond Sawgrass, with impressive showings at both Harbour Town Golf Links (RBC Heritage) and TPC River Highlands (Travelers Championship). With his recent form trending upward and a proven ability to navigate these strategic courses, Harman could be poised for another solid performance this week.

Keegan Bradley (+200) – BetMGM

Keegan Bradley closed out the 2024 season in strong fashion, winning the BMW Championship and following it up with a T21 finish at the TOUR Championship. Shortly after, in July, Bradley was named Captain for the United States team at the upcoming Ryder Cup, set to take place this September at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.

Following the announcement, Bradley made just one appearance during the FedExCup Fall Swing, finishing 5th at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. He carried that momentum into the 2025 season, starting off hot with three consecutive top 15 finishes. Although he hit a brief rough patch with a T65 at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a T34 at the Genesis Invitational, he bounced back impressively last week with a T5 finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

This will be Bradley’s 14th time tackling the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. While he’s missed the cut in his last two appearances, he enters this year’s PLAYERS Championship in far better form — especially with his irons, a critical factor for success at this course. Despite those recent struggles, Keegan has proven he can perform well at TPC Sawgrass, recording three top-20 finishes between 2018 and 2022.

Adding to his confidence, Bradley has also found success on other Pete Dye-designed courses, most notably winning the 2023 Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands.

Heading into this week, Bradley’s game appears sharp. His iron play — historically a key indicator for winners at TPC Sawgrass — has been a standout strength. Beyond that, he’s been solid off the tee, combining both distance and accuracy, and his short game has shown noticeable improvement compared to last season. With his current form and history on Dye tracks, Keegan looks poised for a strong showing at THE PLAYERS Championship.

Best of luck, and as always you can find me on Twitter @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting. Any feedback whether positive or negative is always encouraged.