The Unofficial ‘Fifth Major’
Introduction
The Players Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments in professional golf, often referred to as the “Fifth Major” due to its rich history, elite field, and massive prize purse. Hosted annually at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, this flagship PGA Tour event is known for its legendary Island Green (17th hole), thrilling finishes, and defining moments in golf history.
With a $25 million purse (as of 2024), The Players attracts the strongest field in golf, featuring the top-ranked players from around the world. This article explores the history, format, iconic course, past champions, and the tournament’s impact on professional golf.
A Storied Legacy: The History of The Players Championship
Origins and Evolution
The Players Championship was established in 1974 by then-PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beman, with the goal of creating a flagship event controlled by the PGA Tour.
Key Milestones
- 1974 – The inaugural tournament was played at Atlanta Country Club, with Jack Nicklaus winning the first-ever Players Championship.
- 1977 – Moved permanently to Florida.
- 1982 – TPC Sawgrass became the tournament’s permanent venue, featuring the now-iconic Stadium Course.
- 2007 – The tournament shifted from March to May to create better balance in the PGA Tour schedule.
- 2019 – Returned to March, aligning with The Masters to kick off the major golf season.
Understanding the Format of The Players Championship
Competition Format
- Stroke play over 72 holes (four rounds).
- 144-player field, with qualification based on PGA Tour rankings.
- 36-hole cut, reducing the field to top 65 players and ties.
- No amateurs, ensuring an elite professional-only competition.
- $25 million purse, making it the richest non-major tournament in golf.
Pathway to The Players
Players qualify through:
- Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).
- FedExCup Standings.
- Top PGA Tour finishes and exemptions.
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The Legendary Course: TPC Sawgrass
A Stadium Built for Drama
Designed by Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course was built to be the ultimate test of golf, featuring:
- Narrow fairways, demanding precision off the tee.
- Deep bunkers and water hazards, challenging even the best.
- Firm, fast greens, testing putting under pressure.
- Strategic hole locations, requiring risk-reward decision-making.
Signature Hole: The Infamous 17th Island Green
- Measuring just 137 yards, this par-3 is one of the most famous holes in golf.
- Over 120,000 golf balls are estimated to have been hit into the water each year.
- Memorable moments include:
- Rickie Fowler (2015) – Birdied it three times on Sunday to win.
- Tiger Woods’ “Better Than Most” putt (2001) – One of golf’s most replayed highlights.
- Sergio Garcia (2013) – Found the water twice in a playoff against Tiger Woods.
🏆 Recent Champions
2024: Scottie Scheffler
- Score: 268 (-20)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke
- Key Highlights: Became the first back-to-back champion in tournament history, overcoming a five-shot deficit with a bogey-free final round 64 to secure a one-stroke victory.
2023 : Scottie Scheffler
- Score: 271 (-17)
- Winning Margin: 5 strokes
- Key Highlights: Dominated the weekend with a bogey-free final round.
2022: Cameron Smith
- Score: 273 (-13)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke
- Key Highlights: Incredible putting performance, including birdies on 13 of 18 holes on Sunday.
2021: Justin Thomas
- Score: 274 (-14)
- Winning Margin: 1 stroke
- Key Highlights: Brilliant ball-striking, including a 66-68 weekend to edge out the competition.
Golfing Icons & Their Triumphs at The Players
Most Wins at The Players Championship
- Jack Nicklaus (3 titles) – 1974, 1976, 1978.
- Tiger Woods (2 titles) – 2001, 2013.
- Fred Couples (2 titles) – 1984, 1996.
- Davis Love III (2 titles) – 1992, 2003.
Memorable Moments
- Tiger Woods’ “Better Than Most” Putt (2001) – Legendary call by NBC’s Gary Koch on Woods’ 60-foot putt at the 17th.
- Rickie Fowler’s 2015 Playoff Win – Regarded as one of the best finishes ever, birdied 17th three times in four holes.
- Hal Sutton (2000) “Be the Right Club Today” – Famous final-hole shot to secure victory over Tiger Woods.
Record-Breaking Performances & Interesting Facts
- Lowest 18-hole Score: 63 (shared by multiple players, including Greg Norman and Webb Simpson).
- Lowest 72-hole Score: 264 (-24) – Greg Norman (1994).
- Oldest Winner: Fred Funk (48 years old, 2005).
- Youngest Winner: Steve Elkington (23 years old, 1991).
- Largest Winning Margin: 7 strokes – Steve Elkington (1997).
Why The Players Championship Matters in Golf
Beyond a Regular PGA Tour Event
- Strongest field in golf – No amateurs, no sponsor exemptions, only top-ranked players.
- Enormous prize money – One of the richest purses in golf.
- Global recognition – Winning The Players is often compared to winning a major.
- Iconic venue – TPC Sawgrass is one of the most famous courses worldwide.
Debate: Is The Players a “Fifth Major”?
Many argue that The Players should be considered a fifth major due to:
- The strongest field in golf.
- Historic moments and legendary champions.
- A massive global audience and prestige.
However, traditionalists maintain that majors are defined by history, and The Players, despite its elite status, does not match The Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, or The Open Championship in legacy.
Final Thoughts
The Players Championship stands as one of the biggest, most prestigious tournaments in golf, shaping careers and providing unforgettable moments each year. With its iconic TPC Sawgrass venue, legendary 17th hole, and elite competition, it remains a must-watch event on the golf calendar.
