Every March, the golf world turns its attention to one tournament that sits in a category of its own: THE PLAYERS Championship.
Often called “the fifth major,” The Players Championship features one of the strongest fields in professional golf, one of the most recognizable courses in the world, and one of the most dramatic finishing stretches in the sport.
Unlike the four major championships, The Players Championship is run by the PGA Tour itself and is widely considered the Tour’s flagship event. The tournament was created to showcase the very best players on the PGA Tour and determine who can conquer one of the most demanding venues in professional golf.
In this guide we’ll cover:
Whether you're a serious golfer or a casual fan, understanding the legacy of The Players Championship helps explain why this event holds such a unique place in the game.
The Players Championship began in 1974, when the PGA Tour wanted to establish a premier tournament that would highlight the Tour’s best players and elevate the profile of the Tour itself.
The inaugural event was held at Atlanta Country Club, and the first champion was Jack Nicklaus, already one of the biggest names in the game. His victory immediately gave the tournament credibility.
During its early years, the event rotated among several venues before finding its permanent home in 1982 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
That move transformed the tournament.
TPC Sawgrass was designed by legendary architect Pete Dye, who built a course that rewards precision, strategy, and mental toughness rather than simply rewarding raw distance.
Since arriving at TPC Sawgrass, The Players Championship has grown into one of the most prestigious and anticipated tournaments on the PGA Tour calendar.
Although it is not officially one of golf’s four major championships, The Players Championship has earned a reputation as the most prestigious non-major event in professional golf.
Several factors contribute to that reputation.
The Players Championship regularly features one of the deepest fields in the sport. Nearly every top-ranked PGA Tour player qualifies to compete, which means the tournament often includes most of the best players in the world.
Unlike the majors, which include amateurs and sectional qualifiers, the Players field is almost entirely composed of elite professional golfers.
The tournament consistently offers one of the largest prize funds in professional golf.
The 2025 Players Championship purse was $25 million, with Rory McIlroy earning $4.5 million for his victory. The 2026 purse is expected to remain at $25 million, keeping it among the richest tournaments in golf.
TPC Sawgrass demands excellence in every part of the game.
Players must combine:
For that reason, many players and fans believe winning The Players Championship requires one of the most complete performances in professional golf.
The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most recognizable golf courses in the world.
Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1980, the course was built with spectators in mind. Many holes were shaped like natural amphitheaters so fans could watch the action from multiple angles.
The course emphasizes:
While the entire course presents challenges, the final stretch from holes 16 through 18 is one of the most famous finishing sequences in golf.
The 16th hole at TPC Sawgrass is a classic risk–reward par 5 that frequently plays a pivotal role late in the tournament.
Long hitters can attempt to reach the green in two shots, creating legitimate eagle opportunities that can quickly change the leaderboard.
However, water and hazards surrounding the green make the aggressive approach dangerous. A slightly mishit second shot can easily find the water, turning a potential eagle into a bogey or worse.
Statistically, hole 16 produces some of the biggest swings in scoring during the final round. Players must decide whether to attack for eagle or lay up and rely on wedge play for birdie.
That strategic decision often sets up the drama that follows on the famous island green at the next hole.
The par-3 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most famous holes in golf.
The green is completely surrounded by water, creating one of the most intimidating tee shots on the PGA Tour.
Despite measuring only about 130–140 yards depending on the setup, the hole has decided numerous championships.
Even the best players in the world feel the pressure when standing on the 17th tee.
During the 2026 tournament, the 17th hole continued its reputation for drama. While the annual average typically sits between 45 and 60 balls during tournament play, 2026 saw early round nerves on Thursday when three players in a single group (Woodland, Davis, and Yu) all found the water.
On paper, the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass looks easy. It usually plays between 130 and 140 yards, which for PGA Tour players is typically a comfortable wedge shot.
But the challenge has nothing to do with distance.
The entire green is surrounded by water, leaving zero margin for error. A shot that is only a few yards off line, slightly heavy, or caught by a gust of wind will almost certainly end up in the lake.
Wind is one of the biggest factors. Because the hole sits in an open area near the Atlantic coast, the wind can swirl unpredictably, making club selection difficult.
Then there is the pressure. By the time players reach the 17th hole on Sunday afternoon, they know the tournament can be won or lost with a single swing.
For that reason, the short par-3 has become one of the most intimidating shots in golf—even for the best players in the world.
The finishing hole at TPC Sawgrass features water running along the entire left side of the hole.
Under the pressure of Sunday afternoon, even a small mistake can cost a player the tournament.
The hole regularly ranks as one of the most difficult finishing holes on the PGA Tour.
The Players Championship has produced many unforgettable moments.
Jack Nicklaus won the inaugural tournament in 1974 and went on to win the event three times (1974, 1976, and 1978). His success helped establish the prestige of the championship during its early years.
One of the most famous moments in golf occurred during the 2001 Players Championship.
Tiger Woods made an incredible birdie putt that traveled across nearly the entire 17th green.
As the ball rolled toward the hole, NBC broadcaster Gary Koch delivered the now legendary call:
“Better than most… better than most!”
The moment remains one of the most replayed highlights in golf history.
In 2015, Rickie Fowler birdied holes 15, 16, 17, and 18 to force a playoff.
He eventually won the tournament after a dramatic playoff, completing one of the most exciting finishes in Players Championship history.
The 2025 Players Championship produced another dramatic finish.
Rory McIlroy defeated J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff, capturing his second Players Championship title (his first came in 2019).
The victory earned McIlroy $4.5 million and added another major milestone to his already remarkable career.
Cameron Young secured his first Players title with a bogey-free back nine on Sunday. The defining moment was his 375-yard drive on the 18th hole - the longest drive recorded at that hole in the ShotLink era which set up the par needed to seal a one-shot victory.
Equipment plays an important role at TPC Sawgrass, where controlling spin and trajectory is essential.
Recent Players Championship winners have relied on several different tour-level golf balls.
Recent champions include:
Cameron Young — 2026 — Titleist Pro V1x (Prototype)
Rory McIlroy — 2025 — TaylorMade TP5
Scottie Scheffler — 2024 — Titleist Pro V1
Scottie Scheffler — 2023 — Titleist Pro V1
Cameron Smith — 2022 — Titleist Pro V1x
Justin Thomas — 2021 — Titleist Pro V1x
2020 — Tournament canceled (COVID-19 pandemic). The event was suspended after Round 1 was completed.
Click here for the full list of past champions...
In the 2025 playoff, runner-up J.J. Spaun played a Srixon Z-Star Diamond.
Titleist golf balls—particularly the Pro V1 and Pro V1x—have historically dominated the winner’s circle at TPC Sawgrass, though TaylorMade and other brands have also captured victories.
That’s not surprising given the course demands:
Other popular tour balls played on the PGA Tour include:
TPC Sawgrass is not a typical power course.
Instead, it rewards players who can control trajectory and spin, particularly with mid-irons and wedges.
Key golf ball performance traits that matter at Sawgrass include:
That combination is why many PGA Tour professionals rely on tour-caliber golf balls designed for elite performance.
One of the most common questions about The Players Championship is how many golf balls end up in the water at the famous island green.
The number varies each year depending on wind conditions and course setup.
However, some interesting statistics have emerged over the years.
Professional divers recover roughly 100,000 golf balls from the lake surrounding the 17th green each year.
This includes balls from everyday play at TPC Sawgrass as well as tournament week.
During the Players Championship itself, dozens of balls typically find the water.
One of the most famous records came in 2007, when 50 balls were hit into the water during a single round, the most ever recorded in tournament play.
For a hole that is usually less than 140 yards, that statistic highlights just how intimidating the island green can be.
While the specific model varies, the majority of PGA Tour players rely on a relatively small group of premium golf ball brands.
The most commonly played balls on tour include:
Many amateur golfers choose these same balls because they offer the same combination of distance, spin control, and short-game feel that professional players rely on.
Watching The Players Championship can be educational for golfers at any level.
Several lessons stand out every year.
TPC Sawgrass punishes overly aggressive play. Players who succeed often choose smart targets and avoid unnecessary risks.
Precise approach shots are essential on courses with smaller greens and tight landing areas.
Even the best players miss greens. Those who scramble effectively often move up the leaderboard.
The 2026 Players Championship (held March 10–15) lived up to its reputation as the most volatile and exciting week on the PGA Tour. While the tournament began with historic storylines, it ended with a new name etched into the legacy of TPC Sawgrass.
This year’s event featured a significant structural change: for the first time, the field was reduced from 144 players to 123. This move was designed to ensure faster pace of play and guaranteed finishes before sunset, and it resulted in one of the most competitive leaderboards in the tournament's 52-year history.
Heading into the week, all eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Both players were chasing a historic third Players Championship title—a feat only Jack Nicklaus has achieved (though never three times at TPC Sawgrass specifically).
While both stars remained in contention through Saturday, the "Stadium Course" proved once again that it does not play favorites. Neither could overcome the Sunday charge of Cameron Young, who claimed his first Players title with a clinical display of power and precision.
As always, the 17th hole was the ultimate judge. The 2026 tournament saw a spike in "water balls" during the opening round on Thursday due to tricky coastal winds, reminding fans and players alike that a 137-yard shot can be the most intimidating swing in golf.
Ultimately, the 17th didn't just provide highlights—it decided the momentum. Young’s confident par on Sunday afternoon at the 17th paved the way for his one-shot victory on the 18th, cementing the 2026 tournament as a classic.
It’s never too early to look ahead. The golf world will return to Ponte Vedra Beach for the 53rd edition of the tournament next year.
As we look toward 2027, the big question remains: Can a powerhouse like Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy finally join Jack Nicklaus as a three-time winner? Or will a new face conquer the island green?
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The Players Championship stands as one of the most compelling events in golf.
With its elite field, legendary venue, and dramatic finishing stretch, the tournament consistently delivers unforgettable moments for golf fans.
Each year the world’s best golfers attempt to conquer TPC Sawgrass and survive one of the most intimidating shots in the sport—the island green at the 17th hole.
Whether you're watching the pros take on Sawgrass or heading out for your own round, The Players Championship highlights the precision, strategy, and mental toughness that make golf such a fascinating game.
The Players Championship is the PGA Tour’s flagship tournament, held annually at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. First played in 1974, the tournament features one of the strongest fields in professional golf and is often referred to as the “fifth major.”
The Players Championship is typically held in March each year. The tournament moved from May to March beginning in 2019 as part of the PGA Tour’s schedule restructuring.
The tournament is played at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The course has hosted the tournament every year since 1982.
The Players Championship is often called the “fifth major” because it consistently features one of the strongest fields in golf, a massive purse, and one of the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour schedule.
Jack Nicklaus holds the record with three Players Championship victories (1974, 1976, and 1978). However, those wins occurred at different venues before the tournament permanently moved to TPC Sawgrass.
Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Players Championship, defeating J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff. The victory marked McIlroy’s second Players Championship title after his first win in 2019.
Cameron Young won the 2026 Players Championship with a score of -13. He used a Titleist Pro V1x Prototype ball and sealed his victory with a record-breaking drive on the 18th hole.
The 2025 Players Championship purse was $25 million, with the winner receiving $4.5 million. The 2026 purse is expected to remain the same.
The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is the famous island green par-3. The green is completely surrounded by water and is one of the most recognizable holes in golf. Despite being only 137 yards long, it has decided many Players Championships.
Divers recover around 100,000 golf balls from the lake surrounding the 17th green each year at TPC Sawgrass. During the Players Championship itself, dozens of balls typically find the water.
The record for the most balls hit into the water during a single round of the tournament is 50 balls in 2007.
Many Players Championship winners use premium tour-level golf balls such as:
• Titleist Pro V1
• Titleist Pro V1x
• TaylorMade TP5
• TaylorMade TP5x
• Callaway Chrome Soft
For example, Rory McIlroy used a TaylorMade TP5 when he won the 2025 Players Championship, while Scottie Scheffler used a Titleist Pro V1 for his wins in 2023 and 2024.
The 2020 Players Championship was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament was suspended after Round 1 was completed and no champion was declared. It remains the only year in the tournament's history without an official winner.
