Previewing The Players Championship

Published: 9^th May 12 8:41 pm

by Carl Conrad

1 Rant »

Allan Henry-US PRESSWIRE

The Players Championship, the PGA Tour’s unofficial “fifth major” kicks off this week at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Seeing as the tournament is one of the most prestigious on the PGA Tour, and is arguably the most prestigious non-major of the year, the field is packed with stars year in and year out. The most elite golfers in the world do not only show up to challenge one another, but also to take on what might be the most recognizable par 3 in the world, 17^th hole, simply known as “the island green”. The signature hole at TPC Sawgrass is a short par 3 with a wide green that becomes narrower as you reach its right side. Shifting winds make club selection on this hole of paramount importance and add to its mystique.

Every year there are a few notable exceptions to the powerhouse field The Players Championship draws, and this year is no exception. Bubba Watson has pulled out of the tournament in order to spend time with his newly adopted son, while Dustin Johnson is the only one of the 6 players in the top 50 that will be absent due to injury.

While big hitters are usually at an extreme advantage on the PGA Tour, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass rewards shot makers with excessive feel and the ability to shape shots as opposed to those that can simply “grip it and rip it”. This course is a true equalizer among the field, making it incredibly difficult to save errant shots. Players that are struggling with consistency coming into this week (see: Tiger Woods) are likely to be frustrated early and often, leading to difficulty making par.

Defending champion K.J Choi is looking to become the first player to ever win The Players in consecutive years. The only people to ever repeat as champions have been Jack Nicklaus (’74, ’76, ’78), Fred Couples (’84 & ’86), Steve Elkington (’91 & ’97), Davis Love III (’92 & ’03) and Hal Sutton (’83 & ’00). Most odds makers have Rory McIlroy as the favorite to win, followed closely by Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker. Rickie Fowler is looking to win back to back tournaments after his impressive victory last week at the Wells Fargo Championship.