For the sixth consecutive year, the Players Championship was won by a player ranked among the world’s top 10.
This year’s PGA Tour flagship event once again provided a thrilling conclusion, with Rory McIlroy edging out J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff on Monday. The tournament has set the stage for an exciting golf season ahead, as anticipation builds for the Masters and other major championships.
Here are four key takeaways from this year’s Players Championship.
McIlroy’s Strong Start: A Good Sign for Augusta and Beyond
While past early-season successes haven’t always translated to Masters victories for McIlroy, his current form is unprecedented. He has achieved two Tour wins before May for the first time in his career, marking his first instance of multiple worldwide wins in the four months leading up to the Masters.
Historically, this early success might not guarantee Masters success. McIlroy’s Augusta record is inconsistent, with his last four appearances including missed cuts, a runner-up finish, another missed cut, and a tie for 22nd. A clear trend is absent.
However, over the last three seasons, McIlroy has demonstrated unparalleled consistency in major championships, achieving eight top-10 finishes in his past 12 starts. His consistent presence at the top of major leaderboards is remarkable, making his major win drought all the more puzzling. This is the central question surrounding his game.
McIlroy is arguably playing some of the best golf in the world right now. The confidence boost from two comeback wins in prestigious tournaments is significant. Although it’s tempting to see this as the momentum he needs to end his decade-long major drought, it might simply intensify the pressure. He has experienced three heartbreaking major losses in recent years.
‘Pressure is a privilege,’ McIlroy acknowledged after his Players victory. ‘It’s what you aim for on the course. That’s why I dedicate so much time to practice and honing my skills, to put myself in these high-pressure situations and test my capabilities.’
Akshay Bhatia: Nearing the Spotlight
At just 23, Bhatia has progressed steadily through professional golf since turning pro at 19, bypassing college. He has already secured two PGA Tour victories (the 2024 Valero Open and 2023 Barracuda Championship). While he seems to have arrived as a top player, his performance at the Players, finishing just two strokes behind McIlroy, highlighted areas for further development.
Despite being tied for the lead on Saturday, Bhatia’s putting, usually improved by his long putter, faltered. A missed short birdie putt on the second hole set a negative trend for the day, costing him strokes on the greens and leading to a bogey on the 18th after another short miss. On Sunday, he missed crucial birdie putts on the final holes that could have forced a playoff.
‘As you get into contention more, you learn about your tendencies,’ Bhatia reflected. Despite his disappointment, he recognized the week as a valuable step forward. ‘Battling with Rory McIlroy, someone I’ve admired for years, at 23 years old is pretty amazing.’
Last season marked Bhatia’s first appearances in all four majors. He missed the cut in two, with his best finish being T-16 at the U.S. Open. His early career success is already impressive, and his potential is even more exciting.
Data Golf indicates that Bhatia is gaining strokes in every category this season except for his short game. While no single aspect of his game is yet truly elite, improving his putting and short game could make him a major contender, perhaps as soon as this year or next month.
Scottie Scheffler’s Frustration: Fuel or Hindrance?
In contrast to McIlroy’s celebrations, the world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, experienced frustration at TPC Sawgrass, an emotion less familiar to him from last season. He displayed visible exasperation, dropping his hands in disbelief, tossing clubs, and attempting to laugh off difficult moments.
His top-20 finish still demonstrates his high level of skill. Scheffler’s year began with a setback due to a hand injury, which disrupted his rhythm. Additionally, his ball-striking, while still excellent, isn’t as dominant as last season.
Scheffler is currently seventh in strokes gained: approach (+1.06), compared to leading the category last season (+1.5). While he is expected to regain his peak ball-striking form with more play, his performance around and on the greens is more concerning. Last season, he excelled in strokes gained: around the green and had slightly above-average putting.
This season, Scheffler has regressed in both areas, evident in missed short putts and struggles with up-and-downs.
Despite these concerns, Scheffler remains patient. While appearing visibly frustrated, he emphasizes the need for patience and sees potential in his current game. For a player known for his composure, channeling frustration constructively could be beneficial.
‘I feel close after this week,’ Scheffler said. ‘There are things to work on at home, but I don’t feel far off. I’m competitive and wanted to play better this week. I finished 4 under, feeling like I could have scored better. But overall, I’m not far from where I want to be.’
The Players’ Identity: A Premier Event, Not Necessarily a “Fifth Major”
There’s no compelling reason to officially designate the Players Championship as golf’s fifth major, and after experiencing the tournament in Ponte Vedra, there’s no need for it to aspire to be.
The Players has embraced its unique identity as a premier tournament at an exceptional course, charting a course of continuous improvement.
The course itself, TPC Sawgrass, is a demanding test for top golfers. Its requirement for tee-shot accuracy and the subsequent need for creative play from less-than-ideal positions make it as compelling as any major venue. McIlroy’s victory, achieved despite hitting only 28 fairways, exemplifies this perfectly.
While the field might not be the absolute strongest in golf due to the emergence of LIV Golf, it still attracts elite players. In recent years, the Players has consistently delivered outstanding champions and compelling contests between players of different statures, like McIlroy and Spaun.
The Players has successfully blended elements of the Waste Management Open’s lively atmosphere (in a more controlled manner) with a top-tier course and world-class players, creating a marquee event that possesses the excitement of a major without explicitly being labeled as one.
While some might see this as a drawback, others view it as a strength. Player testimonials consistently praise the Players Championship.
Although a PGA Tour-PIF agreement is still pending, once it materializes and the tours eventually unify, the Players Championship is uniquely positioned to benefit more than any other event.
