THE PLAYERS Championship FAQs

The Players Championship is widely regarded as the strongest field in professional golf and is often described as the tournament that feels most like a “fifth major”. Held annually at TPC Sawgrass, it brings together the very best players from the PGA Tour for four days of drama, precision, and unforgettable moments.

Below, we’ve answered the most common questions fans ask about The Players Championship – from its history and format to when it’s played, where to watch, and how you can experience it live.

The Players Championship is the flagship event of the PGA Tour and features one of the strongest and deepest fields in golf. First played in 1974, it was created to give the Tour its own premier tournament, owned and operated by the players themselves.

What makes The Players Championship so significant is its inclusivity and competitiveness. Unlike the majors, qualification is not restricted by nationality or past major wins alone. Instead, the field is made up of the top players from the PGA Tour, ensuring that almost every competitor arrives in strong form.

Its iconic venue, TPC Sawgrass, and especially the famous par-3 17th hole, add to the tournament’s reputation for producing dramatic, high-pressure moments year after year.

The Players Championship is held annually and is traditionally staged in March as part of the PGA Tour’s Florida Swing. Its position in the calendar makes it one of the key early-season events, often setting the tone for the rest of the golfing year.

The next Players Championship will take place in March 2026.

Dates: Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th March 2026 Venue: TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA

As always, the tournament is expected to attract a world-class field and huge global viewing figures.

Watching The Players Championship in person offers a completely different perspective compared to TV coverage. The ability to follow groups, see shot-shaping up close, and feel the tension around key holes makes it a bucket-list event for golf fans.

Golfbreaks’ Players Championship packages typically include tournament tickets, premium accommodation, and optional flights, making it easy to enjoy a seamless golf travel experience in Florida while watching the world’s best compete at TPC Sawgrass.

The Players Championship is permanently hosted at TPC Sawgrass, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The Stadium Course was purpose-built for tournament golf and is designed to challenge the world’s best players while offering incredible spectator viewing.

The course is famous for its risk-reward layout, water hazards on 17 holes, and the iconic island-green 17th, one of the most recognisable holes in all of golf.

TPC Sawgrass is not about raw power alone. Precision, course management, and nerve are essential to succeed.

Narrow fairways, strategically placed water hazards, and demanding approach shots mean even the smallest mistake can be punished. The closing stretch, particularly holes 16, 17, and 18, consistently produces dramatic leaderboard swings and unforgettable finishes.

The Players Championship field consists of 144 players, making it one of the largest elite fields in professional golf.

Unlike invitation-only events, qualification is earned through a wide range of criteria, including tournament wins, FedEx Cup standings, world rankings, and recent performance on the PGA Tour.

Because of the depth of the field, predicting a winner is notoriously difficult. Past champions include major winners, world number ones, and first-time PGA Tour champions.

Players known for strong iron play, controlled ball flight, and calm temperament often thrive at TPC Sawgrass. Recent editions have shown that both established stars and emerging talents are capable of lifting the trophy.

The most recent Players Championship delivered another dramatic finish, with a tightly packed leaderboard heading into the final round. As always, the closing holes at TPC Sawgrass played a decisive role, with water hazards and shifting winds placing enormous pressure on those in contention.

The turning point came at the iconic par-3 17th, where J.J. Spaun, firmly in the hunt, found the water in a costly moment that effectively ended his challenge. In contrast, Scottie Scheffler showed remarkable composure under intense pressure, safely negotiating the island green before closing out victory on the 18th. His calm execution over the final holes sealed a memorable win at one of the PGA Tour’s most prestigious events.

The Players Championship has an impressive roll of honour, featuring some of the greatest names in golf. Past winners include:

• Tiger Woods
• Rory McIlroy
• Jack Nicklaus
• Scottie Scheffler
• Justin Thomas

Notably, only a handful of players have won the tournament more than once, underlining just how difficult it is to dominate at TPC Sawgrass.

Officially, The Players Championship is not a major championship. However, many players, fans, and analysts refer to it as the “fifth major” due to the strength of the field, prestige of the trophy, and level of competition.

In terms of FedEx Cup points, prize fund, and world ranking points, it rivals – and in some cases surpasses – the major championships.

Tournament play runs from Thursday to Sunday, with tee times typically starting in the morning and continuing through the afternoon. A cut is made after 36 holes, with the top 65 players and ties progressing to the weekend.

The Players Championship is broadcast globally, with comprehensive live coverage across multiple platforms:

United States – Live coverage on NBC and the Golf Channel, with streaming available via Peacock United Kingdom & Ireland – Live coverage on Sky Sports Golf throughout the week Europe – Coverage via leading sports broadcasters, including Canal+, Movistar+, and DAZN Rest of the World – Broadcast partners vary by region, with live and delayed coverage widely available

The official PGA Tour app and website also provide live scoring, highlights, and featured group coverage.

With the strongest field in golf, a purpose-built stadium course, and guaranteed drama every year, The Players Championship offers a unique blend of prestige and excitement.

Whether you’re watching from home or planning a golf trip to Florida, few tournaments deliver the same combination of world-class golf, iconic holes, and unforgettable moments as The Players Championship.