Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the two pre-tournament favourites to win The Players, but a star-studded field will be aiming to stop either of the world’s top two from winning at TPC Sawgrass.
Scheffler has won 20 times on the PGA Tour since the start of 2022 and claimed four majors in as many seasons, with the world No 1 looking to follow his early-season victory at The American Express by winning The Players for a third time in four years.
The American could become the first player since Jack Nicklaus to win the PGA Tour’s flagship event for a third time, with McIlroy looking to do the same and join Scheffler as the only back-to-back winners of The Players.
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Watch Rory McIlroy’s best shots from his 2025 Players Championship win as he looks to defend his title this week at TPC Sawgrass
McIlroy is defending champion after last year’s play-off win over JJ Spaun, although the Northern Irishman has seen his preparation for this year’s contest disrupted by a ‘stubborn’ back injury.
The last six winners of The Players have come from the world’s top 10, but will that run continue? Ahead of this year’s contest, Sky Sports’ pundits predicted who they think will claim the $4.5m first prize and which players could be a surprise package to impress?
Will Morikawa continue hot start to season?
Collin Morikawa heads into this week’s event top of the FedExCup standings after a strong start to the season, having followed a one-shot win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am with top-seven finishes in his last two starts.
“He [Morikawa] has shown lots of good form this year, and it’s a golf course that suits his skill set,” Paul McGinley said.
Will Collin Morikawa claim a second PGA Tour win of the season?
Nick Dougherty added: “I believe that Morikawa is going to win. His form, the make-up of his game and obviously coming here off the back of three really lovely results – including that win at Pebble Beach.
“He’s a brilliant iron player, which goes a long way here at TPC Sawgrass, and he’s pretty accurate from the tee as well, which is obviously imperative.”
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It is 25 years since Tiger Woods won his first Players Championship. On his way to winning at TPC Sawgrass he hit one of the most iconic putts in Tour history, making birdie at the par-three 17th during the third round
A historic first English winner?
No Englishman has won The Players, but will FedExCup champion Tommy Fleetwood end that run and claim a second PGA Tour title?
“His game is trending, and he’s going to wear a sensibly baggy pair of trousers for his trophy video on Sunday,” David Howell said. “You can see Tommy cruising a three-wood down that last hole with a little bit of draw to close it out – absolutely beautiful.”
Tommy Fleetwood plays alongside Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas for the first two rounds
Forty-seven of the world’s top 50 are set to feature at this week’s event, with Ludvig Åberg, Russell Henley, Xander Schauffele, Hideki Matsuyama, Cam Young, Patrick Cantlay and Matt Fitzpatrick among the others looking to take home the trophy.
“The Wyndham Championship win was a big weight off Cam Young’s shoulders,” Sky Sports’ Ewen Murray said. “After so many near misses, he’s ready for PGA Tour win number two and a step up in his career.”
Rich Beem added: “I think Cantlay is overdue for a win, so why not here? The guy is disciplined enough to play this golf course very well, so I think he has a very good chance.”
Who will win The Players? Sky Sports’ pundit predictions
- Rich Beem: Patrick Cantlay
- Andrew Coltart: Collin Morikawa
- Dame Laura Davies: Russell Henley
- Nick Dougherty: Collin Morikawa
- David Howell: Tommy Fleetwood
- Anna Jackson: Si Woo Kim
- Paul McGinley: Collin Morikawa
- Ewen Murray: Wyndham Clark
- Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Scottie Scheffler
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Todd Lewis provides an update on McIlroy’s participation at The Players and the possibility of the world No 2 going into his title defence without a practice round
A surprise package? Outsiders to impress
- Rich Beem: Chandler Phillips
- Andrew Coltart: Jake Knapp
- Dame Laura Davies: Min Woo Lee
- Nick Dougherty: Shane Lowry
- Anna Jackson: Daniel Berger
- Paul McGinley: Jake Knapp
- Ewen Murray: Ricky Castillo
- Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Akshay Bhatia
When is The Players live on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports Golf will once again be the home of The Players, with over 40 hours of live golf across the four days and a host of extra live programming available during tournament week.
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The stars of the PGA Tour will gather at TPC Sawgrass this week for The Players, with extended coverage live throughout the week on Sky Sports
‘Live from The Players’ brings you the latest news from TPC Sawgrass from 11.30am on Wednesday, ahead of live tournament coverage starting on Thursday.
Featured Groups will be available on Sky Sports+ throughout the week, along with Featured Holes, with bonus feeds to enjoy on top of the feeds available each week during PGA Tour coverage.
Coverage begins at 11.30am on Thursday and Friday before starting at 1pm over the weekend, with highlights and additional shows on Sky Sports Golf. Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract.
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