For the sixth consecutive year, the Players Championship was won by a player ranked in the world’s top 10.
This year’s PGA Tour flagship event concluded with a thrilling finish, as Rory McIlroy edged out J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff on Monday. This exciting tournament has set the stage for a compelling golf season ahead, with the Masters and other major championships on the horizon.
Here are four key insights from the recent Players Championship.
McIlroy’s Strong Start: A Good Sign for Augusta?
While past early-season successes haven’t always translated to Masters victories for McIlroy, this season’s start is unprecedented. He has achieved two Tour wins before May for the first time in his career, marking his first multiple worldwide wins in the four months leading up to the Masters.
Historically, this might not guarantee Masters success. McIlroy’s Augusta performance has been inconsistent, with his last four appearances including missed cuts, a second-place finish, and a tie for 22nd. No clear trend is evident.
However, over the last three seasons, McIlroy has shown remarkable consistency in major championships, securing eight top-10 finishes in his past 12 starts. His ability to consistently contend at major events is unmatched, yet a major win still eludes him. This is the central question.
McIlroy is currently playing some of the best golf in the world. The confidence gained from two comeback wins in significant events is substantial. While this momentum is positive heading into his quest for a first major in 11 years, it also adds pressure to an already high-stakes situation. He has experienced three heartbreaking major losses in recent years.
“Pressure is a privilege,” McIlroy stated after his Players victory. “You want to feel that pressure on the course. That’s why I dedicate my time to practice and refine my skills, to be in these positions and test my capabilities.”
Akshay Bhatia’s Rising Star
At just 23, Bhatia has steadily progressed in professional golf since turning pro at 19, bypassing college. He has already claimed two PGA Tour victories (the 2024 Valero Open and 2023 Barracuda Championship), signaling his arrival on the scene. His performance at the Players, finishing just two strokes behind McIlroy, highlighted both his potential and areas for growth.
Sharing the lead on Saturday, Bhatia’s putting, typically improved by his broomstick putter, faltered. A missed short birdie putt on the second hole set a negative tone for the day. He lost strokes on the greens and bogeyed the 18th after another short missed putt. On Sunday, he missed three birdie putts within 12 feet on the final four holes, which could have forced a playoff.
“I hit many good putts, and the feeling changes when you’re in contention more often. You learn about your tendencies,” Bhatia reflected. Despite his disappointment, he recognized the week’s significance. “Competing with Rory McIlroy, someone I’ve admired for years, at 23 is pretty cool.”
Last season marked Bhatia’s first appearance in all four majors, with two missed cuts and a best finish of T-16 at the U.S. Open. His early career success is impressive, and his potential is even more exciting.
Data Golf indicates Bhatia is gaining strokes in all areas except his short game this season. While no single aspect of his game is yet truly elite, improving his putting and short game could position him to contend for a major, potentially as soon as next month.
Scheffler’s Frustration: Fuel or Hindrance?
In contrast to McIlroy’s victories, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler experienced frustration at TPC Sawgrass, an emotion less familiar from his dominant previous season. He displayed visible exasperation, showing disbelief, club throws, and attempts to laugh off difficult moments.
His top-20 finish still highlights his skill. Scheffler’s season started slowly due to a hand injury, hindering his rhythm. His ball-striking isn’t as dominant as last season, at least not yet.
Scheffler ranks seventh in strokes gained: approach (+1.06), down from first last season (+1.5). While he is expected to regain his top form with more play, his performance around and on the greens is more concerning. Last season, he excelled in strokes gained: around the green and had slightly above-average putting.
This season, Scheffler has regressed in both areas, evident in missed short putts and struggles with up-and-downs.
Despite his apparent on-course frustration, Scheffler remains patient. For a typically composed and competitive player, this frustration might serve as motivation.
“I feel close after this week. I need to work on some things at home, but I’m not far off,” Scheffler said. “I’m competitive and felt I could have played better than 4 under par. But overall, I don’t feel distant from my best game.”
Players Championship: Defining Its Unique Identity
While the Players Championship isn’t officially the fifth major, there’s no compelling reason why it should aspire to be.
The tournament has embraced its unique identity as a premier event at an exceptional course, continuously enhancing its standing.
The course itself is a demanding test for top golfers. TPC Sawgrass requires tee-shot accuracy and rewards creativity when fairways are missed, making it as challenging as any major venue. McIlroy’s victory, despite hitting only 28 fairways, exemplifies this.
Despite the rise of LIV Golf and a slightly altered field strength, the Players still attracts elite players and has consistently delivered outstanding winners and compelling player matchups, like McIlroy vs. Spaun.
The Players successfully blends elements of the Waste Management Open’s atmosphere (in a more controlled manner) with a top-tier course and elite players, creating a marquee event. It possesses the energy of a major, without the official title.
While some might see this lack of “major” status as a drawback, others view it as a strength. Players consistently praise the Players Championship.
Although a PGA Tour-PIF agreement is pending, once finalized and tours unite, the Players Championship is uniquely positioned to benefit significantly.
