The Players Championship is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, often referred to as the “fifth major.” Held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, the tournament is known for its challenging course designed by Hall of Fame architect Pete Dye. The course features narrow fairways, thick rough, and smaller Bermudagrass greens, making it a tough test for the players. With 17 of the 18 holes featuring water hazards, every type of player has a chance to win at TPC Sawgrass.
The 2025 edition of the Players Championship will stretch to roughly 7,350 yards, with a par of 72. The course requires players to be strategic and accurate, as missing the fairways or greens can lead to trouble and high scores. The closing stretch from holes 16-18 is considered one of the best in the game, with the famous island green on the 17th hole adding to the challenge. With the course demanding a variety of skills, predicting the winner can be difficult, as players need to excel in all aspects of their game.
When handicapping the Players Championship, it is essential to focus on certain skill sets such as ball striking, off the tee performance, fairways gained, approach shots, scrambling, putting on Bermudagrass greens, and scoring on both par 5s and par 4s. Course history may not play a significant role in predicting the outcome, as past winners have often missed multiple cuts at TPC Sawgrass. Correlated courses like TPC River Highlands, Harbour Town, Sedgefield Country Club, and others can provide clues to players who perform well at similar venues.
Some players to watch at the 2025 Players Championship include Collin Morikawa, Sepp Straka, Aaron Rai, Daniel Berger, J.T. Poston, J.J. Spaun, and Joel Dahmen. Morikawa, coming off two runner-up finishes, has the current form and skills to contend at TPC Sawgrass. Straka, ranked 13th in the world, has shown success on Pete Dye designs and has the game to compete. Rai’s accuracy and ball striking ability make him a strong contender, while Berger’s affinity for Bermudagrass greens and past success in Florida make him a viable pick.
Poston, Spaun, and Dahmen are considered live longshots for the tournament, with each player showcasing strong ball striking and solid recent performances. As the Players Championship is known for its unpredictability, having some under-the-radar picks can provide value. With the tournament being a key lead-up to the Masters, players will be looking to fine-tune their games and build momentum heading into the first major of the year. Stay tuned for updates on Chirp Golf users’ picks and make your predictions to win prizes during the tournament.
