Players Championship 2023

PREVIEW PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP 

TPC SAWGRASS PONTE VEDRA BEACH FL

MAR 9-12,2023 PURSE $25M +10M 40% par 72

This is the 41st anniversary for the tournament being played at Sawgrass, a private club, but it is open to the public with greens fees plus $600.  There are 144 golfers in the field made up of 49 of the top 50 in FedX points, 43 of the top 50 OGWS, and other criteria.  Cameron Smith won last year and Justin Thomas in 2021.  On the Sunday before last years tournament, Bryson DeChambeau withdrew saying he was only 90% healed from an injury and Phil Mickelson did not play to take time off due to the negative reaction to his comments about the PGA and Saudi League (now LIV).  Neither would play another PGA event, as they joined LIV.  4 of the top 6 last year and 5 of the top 6 in 2021 are now with LIV. 

MY SENTIMENTAL FAVORITES

#1 Jordan Spieth 35/1 Should have won last week if putter had not failed at the last 4 holes.

#2 Max Homa 22/1 He is always a threat.

#3 Corry Conners 55/1 If he could put 4 good rounds together he should win.

#4 Ricky Fowler 50/1 He won event in 2015 and has been playing well, but not enough to win.

#5 Harry Higgs 400/1 When he is playing he will always be a sentimental #5.

  ODDSMAKERS FAVORITES

1,2 & 3 will be grouped together for the first 2 rounds.  GREAT TV!!!

#1 Jon Rahm 7/1 Will be fired up after +4 rounds 2 & 3 last week.  

#2 Rory McIlroy 10/1 Last week made strong comeback, almost tied for a playoff.

#3 Scottie Scheffler 12/1 These 3 will be battling for World #1 all year. 

#4 Justin Thomas 16/1 Been inconsistent, but won here in 2021.

#5 Xander Schauffele 18/1 Almost always in the top 10. 

The 17th par 3 137’ Island green is one of the most recognizable par 3’s on Tour.  Surrounded by water except for a small path which gives access to the green.  On a windy day during the first round in 2007 a record 50 balls found the water.  Due to its popularity, Golf channel devotes 11 cameras to cover this hole.