It’s time for one of the most anticipated weeks on the golfing calendar as the sport’s elite descend on TPC Sawgrass for The Players Championship.
With less than a month to go until The Masters, the PGA Tour season is well and truly kicking into gear and continues at a tournament that has earned its place as the unofficial ‘fifth major’.
The Players is back up to full speed this year, after the 2020 edition was abandoned 18 holes in as Covid hit and the action then returned in 2021 with limited crowds.
Much of the attention at TPC Sawgrass will as usual be on the iconic 17th hole, but it’s a course full of excitement and one that invariably serves up four days of wonderful entertainment.
Who is competing at The Players?
It’s no surprise to see that all of the top ten in the world rankings will be in action this week, and 47 of the top 50 will be teeing it up.
Bryson DeChambeau has withdrawn as he continues to battle hip and wrist issues, Harris English is also out with a hip injury, and Phil Mickelson announced he is taking a break from the sport after his controversial comments regarding the Saudi Super Golf League proposals.
Justin Thomas is looking to become the first ever player to defend the title at TPC Sawgrass, while world number one Jon Rahm has now won since the US Open last year but appears to be being held back only by a cold putter.
Viktor Hovland has six top-five finishes in his last eight events worldwide, including three wins, Rory McIlroy’s game looks to be as strong as it has for some time as he returns to a tournament he won in 2019, and Scottie Scheffler now has two wins in three starts after waiting 71 PGA events for his first.
Then there’s the likes of Collin Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay and Brooks Koepka to name a few - whoever lifts the trophy on Sunday will certainly have earned it.
How to watch The Players?
The first round of The Players gets underway on Thursday, March 10, before the winner lifts the trophy after the final round on Sunday night UK time.
TV channel: The tournament will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf.
Golf fans have plenty to look forward to, with coverage beginning at 11:30am GMT on Thursday and Friday, and running through until 11:30pm.
On Saturday, coverage runs from 12:30pm through until 11:30pm, while the final round on Sunday will be covered from 11:30am until the conclusion at about 10:30pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch it through the Sky Go App.
Selected tee times for The Players
Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Rory McIlroy - Thursday 5:56pm GMT, Friday 12:51pm GMT
Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay - Thursday 12:51pm GMT, Friday 5:56pm GMT
Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele - Thursday 5:45pm GMT, Friday 12:40pm GMT
Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Daniel Berger - Thursday 5:34pm GMT GMT, Friday 12:29pm GMT
Latest odds for The Players
- Jon Rahm 11/1
- Collin Morikawa 12/1
- Justin Thomas 12/1
- Viktor Hovland 18/1
- Patrick Cantlay 20/1
- Rory McIlroy 20/1
- Scottie Scheffler 22/1
- Hideki Matsuyama 25/1
- Xander Schauffele 25/1
- Daniel Berger 28/1
