Improve your Players Championship picks with expert analysis.

Hello, Daily Duffer readers! Sarah Chen here, your Golf Instruction Editor. As a PGA-certified instructor with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with golfers at every level, from aspiring tour pros to dedicated weekend warriors. My core belief? Anyone can improve their game with the right guidance, clear understanding, and consistent practice.

This week, I’ve been diving into some fascinating insights from Brady Kannon’s breakdown of TPC Sawgrass for the Players Championship. What struck me, beyond the betting tips, was the detailed analysis of what it truly takes to excel on a course known for its relentless challenge. It’s a fantastic reminder that the fundamentals always shine through, especially under pressure.

TPC Sawgrass is a course that demands absolute precision and control. As Brady Kannon aptly points out, it’s

“an intense examination of precision, nerve, and stamina.”

This isn’t just about tour pros; these are the very qualities we all strive for in our own game, regardless of our handicap.

So, what can we, as everyday golfers, learn from the pros tackling such a demanding layout? It boils down to a few key areas that are crucial for any golfer looking to shave strokes and play more confidently.

Mastering Ball-Striking: Your Key to Consistency

The single most highlighted factor for success at TPC Sawgrass is ball-striking, particularly iron play and approach shots. Kannon emphasizes this, stating

“Ball-striking is A, No. 1. Iron play, approach shots — if the ball-striking is not spot on, it is not going to be your week.”

This holds true for all of us. Consistent contact and control over where your ball lands are paramount, especially when greens are smaller than average, as they are at TPC Sawgrass.

Why is ball-striking so important? Because it’s the foundation of accuracy. When you hit the ball cleanly and consistently, you control distance and direction far better. This means fewer errant shots, more greens in regulation, and ultimately, lower scores.

Try this: The Towel Drill for Crisp Contact

To improve your iron contact, place a small hand towel about two inches behind your ball at the range. Your goal is to swing and hit the ball first, without making contact with the towel. If you hit the towel, it means you’re hitting behind the ball (“fat” shots). This drill encourages a descending blow, which is essential for crisp iron shots and proper turf interaction. Start with a short iron (7-iron or 8-iron) and gradually move to longer irons as your contact improves.

Accuracy Over Distance (Sometimes): Strategic Driving

We often hear “grip it and rip it,” but at courses like TPC Sawgrass, accuracy off the tee is preferred over sheer distance. The fairways are relatively narrow, bordered by thick rough. This preference for accuracy is a fantastic lesson for all of us. While bombing it 300+ yards sounds appealing, if it means consistently finding the rough or worse, you’re just making the next shot harder.

Think about Russell Henley, who finished sixth at Bay Hill. He was 13th in SG: Off the Tee and importantly,

“He does everything very well, he is one of the most accurate off the tee in the game.”

This precision is a major asset!

You don’t need to be the longest hitter, but you do need to consistently hit your ball where you’re aiming. This often means choosing a club that keeps you in play, even if it’s not your driver. I tell my students all the time: a 3-wood in the fairway is always better than a driver in the trees!

Here’s a drill: Fairway Splits

At the driving range, pick out a specific target in the distance – perhaps two range flags or a specific area of the net. Instead of just hitting blindly, imagine that the fairway is half its normal width. Your goal is to hit 10 drives within that narrower “fairway.” Track how many you hit successfully. This forces you to focus on control rather than just power. Once you can consistently hit 7 out of 10, try picking an even narrower target.

Scrambling: Getting Out of Trouble

Even the pros hit bad shots. What separates the good from the great is their ability to minimize damage. This is where scrambling comes in – successfully getting yourself out of trouble. At TPC Sawgrass, water comes into play on all but one hole, and the rough is thick. This means that if your ball-striking isn’t perfect, you need a sharp short game.

Consider Sahith Theegala, who consistently performs well in scrambling. Or Rickie Fowler, who was second in scrambling at Bay Hill. These players know how to save par (or bogey) when a birdie isn’t on the cards. This skill isn’t just for championship courses; it’s vital for your local track too!

Try this: The “Up-and-Down” Challenge

On the practice green, drop three balls in various difficult positions around the green: deep rough, a greenside bunker, or a tight lie. Your goal for each ball is to hit it onto the green and then make the putt. Keep score of how many “up-and-downs” you make out of ten attempts. This drill not only sharpens your chipping and pitching but also builds confidence in your ability to recover from less-than-perfect shots. Vary your club choices – don’t always grab your lob wedge! Sometimes a 7-iron chip or a hybrid bump-and-run is the smarter play.

The Mindset of a Champion

Beyond the technical skills, there’s an element of resilience. As Kannon mentions,

“The results over the years at The Players are wild. Just about everyone that has done well here has also missed multiple cuts.”

This tells us that even the best in the world have off days, stumble, and recover. It’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence and maintaining a positive attitude through challenges.

No matter your skill level, embracing these core principles – excellent ball-striking, strategic accuracy off the tee, and a sharp short game – will undoubtedly lead to a more enjoyable and lower-scoring golf experience. Your journey to improvement starts with understanding, practicing, and believing in your ability to get better. Happy golfing!