2025 The Players Championship: A Test of Champions at TPC Sawgrass

2025 The Players Championship, often hailed as the "fifth major," descends upon Northeast Florida, bringing with it the PGA Tour's finest. This tournament, unlike any other, pits 144 players against the formidable TPC Sawgrass, a course where water hazards loom on 17 of 18 holes. Skill, precision, and mental fortitude are paramount, making it a true test of a golfer's mettle. While the iconic island green of the 17th hole steals the spotlight, the strategic challenges of the 16th and 18th holes are equally crucial.  

The players championship 2025 power rankings

Last year's dramatic finish saw Scottie Scheffler deliver a historic Sunday charge, overcoming a five-shot deficit to secure his second consecutive Players Championship title. His spectacular 5-under 31 on the front nine, followed by crucial birdies on the back nine, showcased his resilience. Meanwhile, contenders like Xander Schauffele, Brian Harman, and Wyndham Clark faltered under pressure, with Clark's heartbreaking lipped-out birdie attempt on the 18th sealing Scheffler's victory.

This year, the stage is set for another thrilling contest, with 48 of the world's top 50 players vying for the coveted title. Anticipation is already building for the PGA Tour Players Championship 2025, with fans eager to see if Scheffler can achieve a historic three-peat. Notably, former LIV golfer Laurie Canter joins the field, marking a unique moment in Players Championship history. However, the absence of two-time champion Tiger Woods will be keenly felt.

Top 50 pga golfers 2025

Players championship 2025 players list

1. Scottie Scheffler: Scottie Scheffler, the undisputed king of the golf world, sets his sights on an unprecedented achievement at The Players Championship: a three-peat. Having already etched his name in the record books with back-to-back wins, Scheffler now aims to become the first to win three straight. His recent performance at Bay Hill showcased his exceptional ball-striking, leading the field in strokes gained off the tee. However, a glaring weakness emerged on the greens, where he lost over five strokes. The question looms: can Scheffler rectify his putting woes and cement his legacy with a historic victory? If so, it would be the first three-peat on the PGA tour in 14 years, since Steve Stricker's John Deere Classic run.

Best Finish: WON (2023, 2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +400

2. Rory McIlroy: Coming off dominant driving performances at Pebble Beach and the Genesis Invitational, Rory McIlroy's decision to change equipment before the Arnold Palmer Invitational raised eyebrows. The gamble proved costly, forcing him to revert to his "old stuff" for Sunday's round. While his driving prowess remains a formidable weapon, McIlroy's success at The Players will hinge on improved putting. If he can find his touch on the greens, he'll be a serious threat.  

Best Finish: WON (2019)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +1100

3. Collin Morikawa: Collin Morikawa, still reeling from a heartbreaking finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, seeks redemption at The Players Championship. An 18-month winless streak looms, despite a string of near-victories—four runner-up finishes in his last nine starts. His ball-striking remains impeccable, consistently placing him among the tour's elite. However, the weight of those close calls appears to be taking its toll, suggesting a mental game that needs to match his physical prowess.

Best Finish: T-13 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +1200

4. Ludvig Åberg: Ludvig Åberg's dominant win at Torrey Pines showcased his potential to contend in major tournaments. Yet, the Arnold Palmer Invitational revealed a different side of his game. Saturday's 5-over 77, particularly the disastrous 8th hole where he uncharacteristically found water multiple times, was a stark reminder of golf's unpredictability. While this lapse was surprising, Åberg's proven iron prowess and the strategic advantage of his 7-wood should serve him well at TPC Sawgrass, where precision is paramount.

Best Finish: 8 (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +1600

5. Hideki Matsuyama: Hideki Matsuyama, following his stunning victory at The Sentry, has yet to recapture that top-tier form, failing to secure another top-10 finish. A key factor has been his struggles off the tee, where his driving accuracy has plummeted to 166th on tour, hitting just 51.76% of fairways. However, his overall game remains a masterclass, placing him sixth in strokes gained. Adding to his pedigree is his impressive history at TPC Sawgrass; four top-10 finishes in ten appearances, and leading after the first round in 2020 before the tournament's cancellation, speak volumes. Should Matsuyama regain his tee-to-green precision, particularly his fairway finding, he possesses the skill and experience to challenge for the title

Best Finish: 5 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +3300

6. Xander Schauffele: Following a two-month absence, Xander Schauffele's final-round 69 at Bay Hill offered a glimpse of his potential. Though acknowledging some rust, his strong finish provided a positive sign as he prepares for The Players. The former Champion Golfer of the Year will need to quickly sharpen his game to contend at the demanding TPC Sawgrass.

Best Finish: T-2 (2018, 2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +2500

7. Russell Henley: Russell Henley's recent surge is impossible to ignore. His triumph at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a victory that saw him claim the coveted red cardigan, marks a significant milestone in his career. Coupled with three other top-10 finishes this season, Henley's consistency is remarkable. He hasn't missed a cut since last year's Players Championship, demonstrating a level of steadiness that will be crucial at TPC Sawgrass. Can he carry this momentum and challenge for another title?

Best Finish: T-13 (2022)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +3500

8. Tommy Fleetwood: The question of when, not if, Tommy Fleetwood will break through on the PGA Tour continues to baffle golf fans. With 13 consecutive top-25 finishes globally, his consistency is a testament to his undeniable talent. However, a recurring theme of sluggish starts is holding him back. His opening 75s at both the Genesis and Arnold Palmer forced him to play catch-up, ultimately resulting in T5 and T11 finishes. One wonders if a mental hurdle or a tactical adjustment is needed to ignite his rounds from the outset. At TPC Sawgrass, where precision is paramount, a strong start could be the key to unlocking his maiden PGA Tour victory.

Best Finish: T-5 (2019)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +3000

9. Justin Thomas: Justin Thomas's ball-striking prowess is undeniable, placing him among the tour's elite. His ability to manipulate shot shapes, a hallmark of his 'old-school' approach, has fueled three top-10 finishes this year. Ranked seventh in strokes gained overall, Thomas's game is firing on all cylinders. However, a disappointing T-36 at Bay Hill, largely due to a weekend putting slump, serves as a reminder of golf's fickle nature. If Thomas can recapture his putting touch on the demanding greens of TPC Sawgrass, where he's a past champion, he'll be a formidable contender.

Best Finish: WON (2021)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +2000

10. Shane Lowry: Shane Lowry's bid for victory at Bay Hill faltered on Saturday, despite holding the halfway lead. A disappointing 4-over 76, marred by persistent struggles with his driver, saw him drop down the leaderboard, eventually finishing solo seventh. While his ball-striking and short game remain formidable, Lowry's success at The Players will hinge on finding consistency and accuracy from the tee box.

Best Finish: 8 (2021)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +4000

11. Sepp Straka: Sepp Straka's recent surge solidifies his case for a Ryder Cup spot, showcasing a blend of power and precision. After a minor blip at Torrey Pines, he's strung together an impressive run, highlighted by a victory and three top-20s. His T-5 at Bay Hill, despite a challenging opening 77, underscores his resilience and potential. Known for his reliable ball-striking and ability to find fairways, Straka's game is well-suited for TPC Sawgrass. His past performances, including a T-16 last year and a T-9 in 2022, suggest he's poised for another strong showing.

Best Finish: T-9 (2022)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +4500

12. Corey Conners: Corey Conners is a picture of consistency, consistently knocking on the door of victory. His solo third at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, marred by a cold putter on Sunday, underscores a recurring theme this season. However, his strong Sawgrass track record, including a T-7 in 2021 and a T-13 last year, proves he can navigate this challenging course. If Conners can find a spark on the greens, he has the potential to break through and claim a coveted Players Championship title.

Best Finish: 7 (2021)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6000

13. Keegan Bradley: Is Keegan Bradley poised for a breakthrough at The Players? The potential Ryder Cup captain certainly turned heads with a blistering 7-under 29 on Bay Hill's notoriously challenging front nine – a testament to his current form. He's been a model of consistency, avoiding missed cuts all season and establishing himself as one of America's most reliable players. However, TPC Sawgrass has been a different story, with Bradley struggling to replicate his 2022 solo fifth-place finish. His exceptional tee-to-green game, though, offers a tantalizing prospect: could this be the week he finally conquers Sawgrass?

Best Finish: 5 (2022)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +5000

14. Michael Kim: Few players on the PGA Tour have enjoyed a month as impressive as Michael Kim's. Five straight top-15 finishes, dating back to Phoenix, underscore his exceptional form. But it's not just his physical game that's clicking. Kim's mental fortitude, evident in his tour-leading bogey avoidance (9.33%), and his stellar tee-to-green play (fifth in strokes gained) are fueled by a palpable surge in confidence. This combination has made his early 2025 season a captivating narrative.

Best Finish: T-60 (2017)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +8000

15. Patrick Cantlay: Patrick Cantlay, a FedEx Cup champion, arrives at TPC Sawgrass with a burning desire for a signature victory, and The Players Championship would certainly fit that bill. However, his history at this demanding course tells a different story. Three missed cuts and a best finish of only T-19 highlight his struggles. It's a perplexing paradox, especially considering his renowned iron play and a career-low round of just 4-under 68 here. Yet, with two top-five finishes already this season and a stellar greens in regulation percentage, Cantlay may finally be poised to rewrite his Sawgrass narrative.

Best Finish: T-19 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +4000

16. Sungjae Im: Sungjae Im demonstrated his resilience at Bay Hill, responding to Keegan Bradley's record-breaking front nine with a stellar back-nine 31. This surge, culminating in a top-20 finish, was a much-needed boost after a string of disappointing performances, including back-to-back missed cuts. Now, Im faces the challenge of translating this newfound momentum into success at TPC Sawgrass, a course where consistency and mental fortitude are paramount.

Best Finish: T-6 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +5500

17. Tony Finau: A promising Sunday start quickly turned into a nightmare for Tony Finau at Bay Hill, as an 8-over 80 derailed his chances. Though Bay Hill is notorious for its penal water hazards and lurking trouble, Finau faces a similar challenge at TPC Sawgrass. His Players Championship record is less than stellar, with a tie for 19th two years ago marking his best showing. This week, he'll need to find a way to navigate Sawgrass's perils and reverse his fortunes.

Best Finish: T-19 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +7000

18. Aaron Rai: Precision is paramount at TPC Sawgrass, and Aaron Rai delivers in spades. His reputation for accuracy precedes him, but his short game tells a different story. Currently 154th in strokes gained around the green, it's a clear weakness. Yet, Rai's recent surge—a T-4 in Mexico and 11th at Bay Hill—proves his ball-striking is elite. Can he navigate Sawgrass's treacherous greens with his exceptional tee-to-green game, or will his short game deficiencies ultimately prove his undoing?

Best Finish: T-19 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6000

19. Robert MacIntyre: Robert MacIntyre's season is a tale of two halves. 'Big Shot Bob' excels with his long game, ranking among the PGA Tour's elite in tee-to-green and off-the-tee performance. Yet, his short game has been his Achilles' heel. While his putting and around-the-green statistics paint a picture of struggle, his recent performance at Bay Hill, where he gained strokes on the greens, showcases his potential. Should MacIntyre find consistency with his short game at TPC Sawgrass, he has the ball-striking prowess to make a run at the Players Championship title.

Best Finish: CUT (2021, 2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6500

20. Denny McCarthy: Denny McCarthy, widely regarded as the PGA Tour's premier putter, arrives at TPC Sawgrass with a season of consistent performance. He's made every cut in seven starts, including a notable T-5 at the Genesis Invitational. While his Bay Hill performance started with three steady rounds of 73, it was a Sunday putting clinic – a blistering 5-under 67 – that propelled him to a solo 18th. If McCarthy's flatstick magic translates to Sawgrass, he'll be a serious threat

Best Finish: T-13 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +8000

21. Sam Burns: Sam Burns arrives at The Players seeking to elevate his season from consistent to compelling. He's been reliable, avoiding missed cuts, but hasn't threatened victory since a T-8 at The Sentry. With strong iron play and a great short game, he has the tools to succeed at TPC Sawgrass, especially given his green-finding ability. However, his best Players finish is only T-26. This week offers a chance to change that narrative.

Best Finish: T-26 (2022)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +7500

22. Maverick McNealy: Despite a jarring second-round 80 that cut his Bay Hill appearance short, Maverick McNealy's season remains a testament to his resilience. Three top-10 finishes, including a near-victory at Torrey Pines where he narrowly missed out to Ludvig Åberg, underscore his consistent quality. Currently ranking 14th in strokes gained overall, McNealy's strength lies in his exceptional approach play and putting. Notably, he demonstrated his capability at TPC Sawgrass last year, securing a commendable tie for ninth.

Best Finish: T-9 (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +7000

23. Jason Day: Jason Day's week at Bay Hill was a rollercoaster of brilliance and frustration. A cruel mud ball on the 70th hole dashed his victory hopes, yet he still salvaged a commendable tie for eighth. His electrifying 64 and 69 on Friday and Saturday showcased his major-winning pedigree, a stark contrast to his lackluster 76 on Thursday. This season's inconsistency is evident, but Day's past triumph at The Players offers a compelling reminder of his potential. If he can maintain the form he displayed mid-tournament, another victory at TPC Sawgrass is certainly within reach.

Best Finish: WON (2016)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6000

24. Daniel Berger: Daniel Berger's resurgence feels inevitable. His recent tie for second at the WM Phoenix Open and a resilient T-15 at Bay Hill, where he battled back from an opening 6-over 78 with a stellar 3-under 69, underscore his determination. Notably, Berger demonstrates a complete game, gaining strokes across all six key metrics. With his 2021 Ryder Cup pedigree and unwavering resolve, the former Florida State standout is poised to make a significant impact at TPC Sawgrass.

Best Finish: T-9 (2016, 2021)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6000

25. Max Greyserman: Max Greyserman, in just his second year on the PGA Tour, is quickly establishing himself as a model of consistency. His impressive rookie campaign saw him narrowly miss out on victory three times, securing runner-up finishes and a spot within the FedEx Cup's top 50. That form has carried into 2025, where he's yet to miss a cut, including a recent T-22 at Bay Hill, a testament to his reliable short game. With such steady play, Greyserman is poised to make a significant impact at The Players

Best Finish: ROOKIE

FanDuel Odds to Win: +12000

26. Si Woo Kim: At 21, Si Woo Kim etched his name into Players Championship history, becoming the youngest victor at TPC Sawgrass in 2017. Now, at 29, he returns with a renewed sense of purpose. His solo 12th at Pebble Beach ignited a streak of four consecutive top-25 finishes, including a T-19 at Bay Hill. Kim's aggressive style, evidenced by his sixth-place ranking in total birdies this season, makes him a constant threat. If he can temper that aggression with strategic precision, he'll undoubtedly be in contention come Sunday.

Best Finish: WON (2017)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6000

27. Adam Scott: Adam Scott, at 45, arrives at TPC Sawgrass with a clear challenge: rediscover his putting touch. While his ball-striking remains a hallmark of his game, his flat stick has faltered, ranking him a distant 149th in strokes gained putting—a stark contrast to his impressive 27th last year. With only five starts this season, his best a T-15 at The Sentry, Scott needs a spark. Can he recapture the magic of his 2004 Players Championship victory and reignite his putting on familiar greens?

Best Finish: WON (2004)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +10000

28. Ben Griffin: "Ben Griffin's early-season form has been nothing short of impressive. Despite a recent T-45 at Bay Hill, the former North Carolina Tar Heel demonstrated his consistency with back-to-back top-five finishes in Mexico and at PGA National, and a strong T-7 at The American Express. Known for his prolific birdie-making and a solid 40th ranking in strokes gained tee-to-green, Griffin possesses the tools to excel. If he can navigate the hazards of TPC Sawgrass, he's poised to make a significant impact this week.

Best Finish: T-35 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +11000

29. Christiaan Bezuidenhout: Christiaan Bezuidenhout's putting prowess is undeniable, ranking third on the PGA Tour in strokes gained putting and leading in putts within 10 feet. However, his ball-striking lags, placing him 143rd in strokes gained tee-to-green and 78th in greens in regulation. Despite this disparity, he managed a strong T-19 at Bay Hill, his second-best finish of the year, showcasing his ability to score even with limited opportunities.

Best Finish: T-13 (2023, 2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +11000

30. J.J. Spaun: J.J. Spaun has been a model of quiet consistency this season. Narrowly missing out on victory at the Sony Open and the Cognizant Classic with a third and second-place finish, respectively, he's demonstrated a knack for contending. His worst result, a T-34 at the challenging Genesis Invitational, underscores his solid play. Despite a brief setback due to illness at the WM Phoenix Open, Spaun's overall form has been impressive. Notably, he quietly boasts a ninth-place ranking in strokes gained approach, making him a compelling dark horse candidate for TPC Sawgrass

Best Finish: T-64 (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +11000

31. Tom Kim: Once touted as a future top-10 player, Tom Kim's form has plummeted. A promising start at Pebble Beach, where he tied for seventh, has been overshadowed by a series of disappointing results. Back-to-back T-44 finishes at the WM Phoenix Open and Genesis Invitational were followed by a particularly alarming missed cut at Bay Hill, where he found himself near the bottom of the leaderboard. The culprit? A short game that has deserted him at the worst possible time.

Best Finish: T-51 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +8000

32. Will Zalatoris: Will Zalatoris enters The Players Championship with a notable streak of made cuts, dating back to last August's Wyndham Championship. His consistent play, evidenced by six top-25 finishes, underscores his solid form. While he's yet to crack the top-10, his ability to gain strokes in every event this season suggests a strong potential for contention. Despite a missed cut at TPC Sawgrass last year, Zalatoris' current trajectory indicates a potential breakthrough.

Best Finish: 21 (2021)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +7500

33. Wyndham Clark: Wyndham Clark's season has been a story of fleeting brilliance. Despite twice holding the first-round lead, he's yet to crack the top-10. A Saturday stumble at Bay Hill, punctuated by a 4-over 76, exemplifies his struggles. His driving accuracy (53%) and greens in regulation (95th) have been persistent issues, explaining his inability to maintain momentum.

Best Finish: T-2 (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6000

34. Viktor Hovland: Viktor Hovland's ranking reflects his current struggles. The 2023 FedEx Cup champion is a shadow of his former self, missing consecutive cuts, including at Bay Hill, and managing only three sub-70 rounds this season. His short game woes, a recurring issue, are again proving costly. A potential reunion with coach Joe Mayo looms as a possible solution.

Best Finish: T3 (2013)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +7500

35. Rasmus Højgaard: Rasmus Højgaard, rested after missing the Arnold Palmer Invitational, brings a mixed bag of recent results to TPC Sawgrass. While a tie for 34th in Mexico and a missed cut at Torrey Pines – marred by an opening 82 – highlight some inconsistencies, his overall form since last September has been strong. Victories like his win over Rory McIlroy at Royal County Down, coupled with a solo second at the DP World Tour Championship and a T-12 at the WM Phoenix Open, demonstrate his potential.

Best Finish: CUT (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +15000

36. Tom Hoge: Tom Hoge's closing triple bogey at Bay Hill, a direct result of his ongoing struggles off the tee, underscored a key weakness. Despite his renowned ball-striking prowess, Hoge's 172nd ranking in strokes gained off the tee and 87th in driving accuracy hinder his potential. To contend at TPC Sawgrass, he must find fairways consistently, allowing his exceptional iron play to shine.

Best Finish: T-3 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +35000

37. Akshay Bhatia: Akshay Bhatia's missed cut at Bay Hill, a result of a tough early draw and a disastrous 7-over 79, shouldn't overshadow his strong season. Despite the setback, which included an opening double bogey and a triple on the 6th, Bhatia's prior form—two consecutive ninth-place finishes—speaks volumes. While his putting is stellar, ranking 12th in strokes gained, his approach play needs refinement. He must improve his proximity to the hole to capitalize on his putting prowess

Best Finish: CUT (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +11000

38. Byeong Hun An: A dramatic turnaround defined Byeong Hun An's Bay Hill performance. After a disastrous opening 76 threatened another missed cut, he stormed back with three straight under-par rounds, ultimately securing a tie for eighth. Despite his booming drives, the South Korean's inconsistencies across the rest of his game raise questions about his prospects at the demanding TPC Sawgrass.

Best Finish: T-26 (2019)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +12000

39. Lucas Glover: At 45, Lucas Glover brings a wealth of experience to TPC Sawgrass, but his 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. A brilliant T-3 at Pebble Beach stands out against a backdrop of missed cuts and putting struggles, most recently at Bay Hill where he lost over four strokes on the greens. Despite this, Glover's resilience is undeniable, and his past Players Championship results—including two top-six finishes—suggest he can still contend. The question remains: can he overcome his putting woes and rediscover his Sawgrass magic?

Best Finish: 3 (2010)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +15000

40. Min Woo Lee: Min Woo Lee, the Aussie dynamo with a game brimming with electrifying flair, possesses the artistry to light up any course. Yet, his season has been a battle against inconsistency. While his short game wizardry and power are undeniable, accuracy has proven elusive, with a mere 53% fairway hit rate and a 100th ranking in greens in regulation. Despite this, two top-12 finishes showcase his potential, though a recent missed cut at Bay Hill, exacerbated by tough early conditions, casts a shadow. Can he harness his brilliance and tame his wildness at TPC Sawgrass?

Best Finish: T-6 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +9000

41. Justin Rose: Justin Rose's season is a study in contrasts. He's flashed brilliance with two top-10 finishes, yet also stumbled to two missed cuts, highlighting a feast-or-famine pattern. His short game is undeniably sharp, ranking among the tour's elite in putting and around-the-green play. However, at TPC Sawgrass, a true test of ball-striking, Rose's fate hinges on his iron play. When his approaches are dialed in, as evidenced by his T-8 at Bay Hill, he contends. But when they falter, he struggles to create opportunities. For Rose to conquer this demanding course, a week of precision from the fairway is non-negotiable

Best Finish: T-4 (2014)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +12000

42. Sahith Theegala: Sahith Theegala's game is a captivating blend of artistry and audacity. He possesses a rare ability to shape shots with breathtaking creativity. However, this penchant for risk has led to frequent trouble, reflected in his season without a top-10 finish. His bogey percentage and subpar bounce-back rate paint a picture of inconsistency. At TPC Sawgrass, a course teeming with hazards, Theegala's adventurous approach could be his undoing. Yet, his impressive T-9 finish here last year proves he has the potential to tame this challenging layout – if he can rein in the wilder aspects of his game.

Best Finish: T-9 (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +10000

43. Patrick Rodgers: Patrick Rodgers' season is a tale of peaks and valleys. Following a disappointing missed cut at the WM Phoenix Open, he rebounded spectacularly at the Genesis Invitational, seizing the 54-hole lead. However, Sunday's pressure proved challenging, as a 1-under 71 allowed Ludvig Åberg to surge past him. Still, a tie for third showcased Rodgers' potent combination of driving and putting, the very tools he'll need to contend at TPC Sawgrass. His subsequent consistent finishes, with three consecutive top-23s, indicate he's carrying that momentum forward.

Best Finish: T-65 (2021)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +17000

44. Nick Taylor: Nick Taylor, dubbed 'Mr. Playoff' after his Sony Open victory, arrives at TPC Sawgrass in stellar form, having finished no worse than T-33 since his Hawaiian triumph. His approach play has been exceptional, ranking fourth on tour in strokes gained approach, complemented by impressive accuracy off the tee (13th in driving accuracy). While not a long hitter, Taylor's clutch play, combined with his pinpoint iron game, positions him as a serious contender to become the second Canadian to win The Players.

Best Finish: T-16 (2019)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +12000

45. Thomas Detry: A late double-bogey at Bay Hill ended Thomas Detry's streak of made cuts, but his season remains impressive. With a maiden PGA Tour victory at TPC Scottsdale and two additional top-15 finishes, Detry has solidified his position. His exceptional putting, ranking within the top 15 on tour, strengthens his case for a spot on the European Ryder Cup team.

Best Finish: T-62 (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +12000

46. J.T. Poston: J.T. Poston has rebounded strongly from an early missed cut at the Sony Open, stringing together five consecutive made cuts, including impressive finishes at The American Express and Phoenix. While his putting from inside 10 feet and three-putt avoidance have been areas of concern, his strong short game and overall strokes gained numbers suggest he could be a dark horse at TPC Sawgrass."

Best Finish: T-22 (2019, 2021)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +11000

47. Taylor Pendrith: Taylor Pendrith's Florida Swing has been a stark contrast to his earlier success. While he boasts two top-10 finishes from California, his putting has deserted him, evidenced by a 159th ranking in strokes gained putting. Yet, his tee-to-green game remains exceptional, ranking eighth on tour. If Pendrith can rediscover his putting touch, his powerful driving and precision iron play could propel him back into contention.

Best Finish: T-13 (2022)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +10000

48. Matt Fitzpatrick: Matt Fitzpatrick's season has been a struggle, but a resilient rally at the Arnold Palmer Invitational offered a glimmer of hope. After an opening 6-over 78, he battled back to finish T-22, his best result of the year. While his putting, a longtime strength, remained sharp (leading the field in strokes gained putting), the Englishman has yet to recapture the form that propelled him to the 2022 U.S. Open title. Currently outside the world's top 50 and facing Ryder Cup selection concerns, his solo fifth at last year's Players Championship suggests TPC Sawgrass could be the venue for a much-needed turnaround.

Best Finish: 5 (2024)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +11000

49. Davis Thompson: Davis Thompson's form has plummeted since his 36-hole lead at the Genesis Invitational. His average score has ballooned to 72.5, with only one round under 70 and two missed cuts. Despite strong driving, his iron play has faltered significantly, ranking 146th in strokes gained approach, and his putting woes continue.

Best Finish: 68 (2023)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +12000

50. Jordan Spieth: Snubbed from last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, Jordan Spieth arrives at TPC Sawgrass with a palpable hunger, determined to capture his elusive first Players Championship title. While glimpses of his trademark brilliance have punctuated his 2025 season – think that clutch par save at TPC Scottsdale and a strong showing at the Cognizant Classic – consistency remains his Achilles' heel. With his wrist seemingly healed, timing is crucial as the majors loom. However, his uneven form mirrors his Sawgrass history: just four cuts made in eleven starts. Can Spieth channel his frustration into a breakthrough performance?

Best Finish: T-4 (2014)

FanDuel Odds to Win: +6500

The Players Championship: A Tradition of Excellence

The Players Championship, often referred to as the 'fifth major,' is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour. Founded in 1974, it has a rich history, with Jack Nicklaus winning the inaugural event. Since 1982, the tournament has been held at the iconic Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. This year's event is highly anticipated, with top players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele set to compete.

A Look Back at Past Champions

Sergio García is the only Spanish golfer to have won The Players Championship, achieving victory in 2008. He has also had a couple of runner-up finishes. García is one of only two European players to have won at TPC Sawgrass, the other being Sandy Lyle. Last year, Scottie Scheffler made history by becoming the first player to successfully defend his title. This year, he'll be looking to make it three in a row.

The Iconic 17th Hole

The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most famous and challenging holes in golf. Since 2003, over 1,000 balls have found their way into the water surrounding the green. The record for most balls in the water in a single round is 50, set in 2007. Bernhard Langer holds the record for most birdies on the hole, with 26. To improve performance and understanding of this hole, a strokes gained approach 2025 will be implemented to analyze player data.

Prize Money and Records

The Players Championship boasts the largest purse on the PGA Tour, with a total of $25 million up for grabs. The winner will take home $4.5 million. Scottie Scheffler is the all-time money leader at The Players Championship, with over $9 million in earnings. Sergio García holds the record for most rounds under 70, with 29. Jack Nicklaus has won the tournament a record three times.