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The Players Championship: The Ultimate Guide to Winning at TPC Sawgrass
Introduction
What is the secret to winning on TPC Sawgrass? We’ve analyzed the data to draw up the profile of the future winner of the Players Championship. Unsurprisingly, the ideal candidate is someone whose profile closely resembles that of the double title holder, Scottie Scheffler.
The Course: TPC Sawgrass
| Course Designer | Description |
|---|---|
| Pete Dye | Famous for its tricky layout, TPC Sawgrass is the host of the Players Championship, often referred to as “the 5th major.” The course has been the venue since 1982 and is known for its strategic challenges. |
Notable Winners
| Player | Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Nicklaus | 3 | Won on a different course |
| Tiger Woods | 2 | Consistent performer |
| Scottie Scheffler | 2 | Double title holder |
| Phil Mickelson | 1 | Multiple major winner |
| Greg Norman | 1 | Multiple major winner |
| Rory McIlroy | 1 | Multiple major winner |
Famous Hole 17
| Hole | Description |
|---|---|
| 17 | An iconic peninsula, often considered the most famous 3 in the world. Many Grand Slam winners have conquered this hole, including Cameron Smith, Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson, Jason Day, Martin Kaymer, and Sergio Garcia. |
Secrets to Winning at TPC Sawgrass
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Great Player | Being a top-tier golfer is essential. Four of the last five winners finished at the top of the Stroke Gained Tee to Green: McIlroy (2019), Thomas (2021), and Scheffler in the past two years. |
| Precision | Precision is key. Players like Fred Funk (2005), Tim Clark (2010), and KJ Choi (2011) were known for their accuracy and game strategy, not just power. |
| Experience | Experience is crucial. Fifteen of the last 16 winners had finished among the top 23 the year before their victory. Adam Scott’s win in 2004 is a notable exception. |
| Form | The last eight winners had finished at least in the top 33 in the preceding tournament. |
Expert Insights
| Expert | Insight |
|---|---|
| Brandel Chamblee | “This course poses a real strategic problem. It’s a route where you have to make your brain work.” |
| Brandel Chamblee | Tiger Woods, despite his multiple wins, only has 2 victories at TPC Sawgrass out of 19 participations. |
Ideal Profile: Scottie Scheffler
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Performance | Scheffler achieved a performance last year that only Tiger Woods had accomplished: winning the tournament by finishing first in average drive length and drive precision. |
| Current Form | Scheffler has had a delayed start to the 2025 season due to an injury but remains a top contender. |
| Rankings | He is currently preceded by Collin Morikawa in the Stroke Gained Tee to Green rankings. |
Course Changes for 2025
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | The course is 70 meters longer, with lengthened pars 5 on holes 2, 11, and 16. |
| Weather | The weather is expected to be mild for the first two rounds, with a receptive course. Wind and sun should dry it out for the weekend. |
| Prediction | A fierce battle is expected. A winner at -20, as in 2024, seems unlikely, but the name of the winner could be the same. |
Conclusion
The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass is a test of skill, strategy, and endurance. With its unique layout and challenging conditions, it demands the best from the world’s top golfers. Scottie Scheffler, with his precision and experience, is the favorite to continue his dominance.
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