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The Players Championship: Expert Picks

Standing on the edge of 17.

By Mark Abell
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The PLAYERS Championship - Round One Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Tournament Information:

The Players Championship
Date: March 10th – 13th
Course: TPC Sawgrass
Purse: $20mm ($3.6mm to winner)
2021 Winner: Justin Thomas (-14)

Course: TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course

Built in 1980 by Pete and Alice Dye, it stands as one of the more difficult courses in the United States. Sitting at 7,190 yards, this par 72 course is a ‘jack of all trades’ course forcing players to use the entirety of their skills to pass its illustrious tests. The notorious Hole 17 will stand out in infamy to most as the green stands alone surrounded by water. The great joy of this course is watching the players lean after their shot on 17, trying to use their mental capacity to direct the ball mid-flight.

THE PLAYERS Championship - Previews Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

My Starting 4

Abraham Ancer (second selection this year) – Abraham was among the top 25 each of the last two years here. He is among the top 25 in Official World Golf Ranking and has one of the most accurate drives on tour right now.

Adam Scott (first selection this year) — Adam has been arguably one of the best golfers here recently, that is until last year when he finished 48th. He’s top 30 in strokes gained total and has made the cut in every tournament he has entered this year.

Brooks Koepka (second selection this year) — Brooks had back-to-back top 20 finishes here in 2017 and 2018. He’s been volatile as of late with two missed cuts and two top 20 finishes across his last four tournaments.

Webb Simpson (third selection this year) — Webb was among the top 20 each year from 2017-2019. In 2021 he missed the cut, but now he enters with a top 30 total strokes gained to his name and three top 15 finishes across his last four PGA tournaments.

My Bench 2

Charles Howell III (first selection this year) — Charles was top 35 each year here from 2018 to now. He has six top 40 finishes in his last eight tournaments. His short game around the green is among the best on tour right now but his putting is holding him back.

Corey Conners (first selection this year) — Corey was 41st in 2019 and then improved to 7th last year. He is currently top 100 in strokes gained off the tee, approaching the green, around the green, putting, and tee to green. He has five top 25 finishes this season.

2021-2022 Stats

Start: Average Finish 48th (37th percentile)
Bench: Average Finish 51st (40th percent)

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