2026 PLAYERS Championship: PGA Betting and Fantasy Preview - Key Stats, Course Breakdown, Tournament Trends, TV Times, and More

March 10, 2026

2026 PLAYERS Championship betting and fantasy golf preview with key stats, TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) course breakdown, field analysis, and TV times for this week’s PGA Tour event.

The PGA Tour travels to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., this week for THE PLAYERS Championship, the third stop of the Florida Swing. It’s the first of five events this season to award 750 FedExCup points to the winner.

THE PLAYERS Championship features a 123-player field with a cut after 36 holes. It is one of the strongest fields we will see all year, highlighted by the top-10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking all teeing it up.

For those who have followed my work in the past, you know my betting picks are usually included within this article. This year will be a little different, as my official plays will be part of our RotoBaller PGA Premium offerings. To get access to my top plays throughout the 2026 season, check out our awesome options now. If you are new here, the purpose of this preview is to provide a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about this week’s event. From course details and key statistics to historical trends and field insights, this article is designed to serve as a guide or at least a strong starting point as you build your betting card or DFS lineups. With plenty of opportunity on the board, let’s dive into the 2026 PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) and get you fully prepared for the eighth week of the PGA Tour season.

PLAYERS Championship - Tournament Information

• Dates: March 12th – March 15th, 2026
• Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, United States
• Course: TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
• Course Type: Florida
• Par:  72 (4x 3’s / 10x 4’s / 4x 5’s)
• Length: 7,352 yards
• Format: 72-hole stroke play
• Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .100”
• Fairways: Champion Fine (rye/fescue) overseed
• Rough: Champion Fine (rye/fescue) overseed 4”
• Bunkers: 94 (12 acres)
• Water Hazard(s): 18 (In-Play on 17 Holes)
• Average Green Size: 5,500 sq. ft.
• Stimpmeter: 12.5 ft.
•  Purse/ Winner: $25,000,000 /$4,500,000
• FedEx Cup Points: 750
• Field: 123 Players
• Cut: Top 65 and Ties – 36 Holes
• Playoff Format: Three Hole Aggregate (16-17-18)
• Course Scoring Average:
  • 2025: 72.39 (+0.39), Rank 13 of 50
  • 2024: 71.42 (-0.56), Rank 15 of 51
  • 2023: 72.45 (+0.45), Rank 12 of 49
• Historic Cut Line:
  • 2025: -1
  • 2024: -1
  • 2023: +2

PLAYERS Championship - Course Information

Course Architect:

• Course Architect: Pete Dye (1980)
• Renovations: Pete Dye and Steve Wenzloff (2006 and 2016)

Comparable Courses:

• PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches – RESULTS
• Harbour Town Golf Links – RBC Heritage – RESULTS
• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – Valspar Championship – RESULTS
• Sedgefield Country Club – Wyndham Championship – RESULTS

Comparable Location (Orlando, Fla.):

• PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) – Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
• Bay Hill Club & Lodge – Orlando, Florida – Arnold Palmer Invitational
• Innisbrook Resort – Palm Harbor, Fla. – Valspar Championship

Designer Link (Pete Dye Design):

• PGA WEST (Pete Dye Stadium Course) – Pete Dye (1986) – The American Express
• Harbour Town Golf Links – Pete Dye (1969) – RBC Heritage
• TPC Louisiana – Pete Dye (2004) – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
• TPC River Highlands – Pete Dye (1982) – Travelers Championship

Comparable Yardage (7,352 Yards):

• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – 7,352 Yards – Valspar Championship
• The Riviera Country Club – 7,383 Yards – The Genesis Invitational

Comparable Greens (TifEagle bermudagrass / Poa trivialis overseed .100”):

• PGA West (Stadium + Tournament Course) – Tifdwarf bermuda .110” w/ Poa overseed .115” – The American Express
• Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) – TifEagle bermuda overseeded with Poa Trivialis .120” – Valspar Championship
• Memorial Park Golf Course – MiniVerde bermudagrass .100” w/ Poa trivialis overseed .110” – Texas Children's Houston Open
• Harbour Town Golf Links – Bermuda w/ Poa trivialis overseed .115” – RBC Heritage
• TPC Louisiana – TifEagle bermuda w/ Poa trivialis overseed .100” – Zurich Classic of New Orleans
• Quail Hollow Club – Champion G12 bermudagrass overseeded with Poa trivialis .125” – Truist Championship

Comparable Average Green Size (5,500 sq. ft.):

• TPC Deere Run – 5,500 sq. ft. – John Deere Classic

PLAYERS Championship - TV Information (ET)

• Round 1: Thursday, March 12th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 2: Friday, March 13th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Golf Channel – 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 3: Saturday, March 14th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • NBC – 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Round 4: Sunday, March 15th, 2026
  • ESPN + (PGA TOUR Live) – 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM
  • NBC – 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

PLAYERS Championship - Weather

PLAYERS Championship - Course/Tournament History

Previous Tournament Venues:

Previous Tournament Names:

Tournament Records:

• Largest Margin of Victory:
  • 7 Strokes – Steve Elkington (1997)

• Most Wins at Event:
  • 3 – Jack Nicklaus (1974, 1976, 1978)

Course Records:

• 72-Hole Record (TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):
  • 264, Greg Norman (1994)

• 18-Hole Record (TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)):
  • 62, Tom Hoge (Round 3, 2023)

PLAYERS Championship - Course Guide/ Scorecard

Originally crafted by Pete Dye in 1980, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass features a classic Par 72 layout, comprising four Par 3s, ten Par 4s, and four Par 5s.

TPC Sawgrass poses a formidable challenge, ranking among the toughest courses on the Tour outside of the Majors. Over the last five editions of THE PLAYERS Championship, the scoring average has been over par in four of those tournaments. In 2025, only one hole (No. 12) boasted a scoring average under par, excluding the four Par 5s.

At 7,352 yards, PGA National isn’t excessively long, sitting near the Tour average but slightly shorter in comparison. The fairways, averaging just 31 yards in width, rank among the narrowest on Tour. When factoring in the thick 4-inch rough, accuracy off the tee becomes essential this week. The greens, averaging around 5,500 square feet, are also relatively small compared to other Tour venues, further emphasizing the need for precision on approach shots.

The course’s primary defense lies in its water hazards, which come into play on every hole. Despite its modest length, these hazards often necessitate cautious layups on specific holes. Additionally, TPC Sawgrass is highly susceptible to winds, posing a significant challenge for approach shots.

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PLAYERS Championship - Notable Par 3s

The four par 3s range from 199 to 236 yards. Last year, all of the par 3s had a scoring average over par.

Hole 13 | Par 3 | 183 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.104 (Difficulty Rank - 7)

A water hazard protects this picturesque par 3 all the way down the left side. Players must clear or maneuver around the water hazard when the pin placements are to the left.

The green has three separate tiers. The highest is the right front quarter. The right rear quarter is just slightly lower and slopes away from the tee. The entire left side of the green slopes drastically toward the water.

The green is also protected by two small and deep maintained bunkers. Spectators can get a great view from all the mounded areas on this medium-length par 3. Short to middle irons will be the choice of the majority of players.

Hole 17 | Par 3 | 141 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.111 (Difficulty Rank - 6)

In its brief history, the island hole has become one of the most renowned of its kind in the world. Each year it is the most popular among spectators.

The signature hole is a short-length par 3 with a wide green that narrows to the right side. The right side of the green is protected by a small maintained bunker, which sometimes will be a relief to players who come up short of the green.

Club selection on this hole is critically important; with the tricky winds of spring, the Championship could be won or lost here. A larger spectator mound has been created behind the green.

PLAYERS Championship - Notable Par 4s

There are ten Par 4’s at TPC Sawgrass with the majority of those holes ranging between 450 and 500 yards. No. 12 is the shortest listed at 365 yards with the longest being No. 14, playing 485 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest par 4 on the course last year was the 14th hole.

Hole 6 | Par 4 | 413 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.116 (Difficulty Rank - 5)

This hole is a perfect example of target golf and Pete Dye once called it the most beautiful on the course. The drive must avoid dense palm and pine trees on the right and two fairway bunkers and a lateral water hazard on the left.

The slightly elevated green is protected by maintained bunkers, grass bunkers and clustered palm trees. The specific landing area on this hole offers players a level lie for their approach to the two-tiered green, which slopes down from right to left and back to front.

Uneven and awkward lies, the result of shots that narrowly missed their targets, will cause higher scores on this hole. The players’ short games will be tested here on a daily basis.

Visually, players will be greeted by an expanded water hazard down the left side of the hole in 2017.

Hole 18 | Par 4 | 462 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.258 (Difficulty Rank - 2)

A fantastic dogleg left awaits the players as they prepare to finish their rounds. Constant accuracy is of the utmost importance on this hole.

Water guards the full length of the hole to the left, while large spectator mounds and trees line the right side. A collection of grass bunkers is situated in the front-right section of the green, while a lone maintained bunker stops shots hit left and long.

PLAYERS Championship - Notable Par 5s

There are four Par 5s on the course: No. 2, No. 9, No. 11, and No. 16. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2025. Hole No. 16 was the easiest hole on the course last year, with a scoring average of 0.327below par.

Hole 9 | Par 5 | 601 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.783 (Difficulty Rank - 15)

The ninth hole is considered by many to be one of the finest par 5s in the country. A large lake and bunker to the right of the fairway collect stray drives, while woods to the left hinder second shots.

The most important shot on this hole is the second. This shot will be a long iron or fairway wood directed to the right side of the fairway. To the left, a wandering fairway bunker and large oak trees crowd the small second-shot landing area.

The green is very thin and severely sloped from the front to the back right. A severely banked maintained bunker guards the left and rear of the green, along with a small maintained bunker. Another small bunker in the front causes problems for players coming up short.

Approach shots to the green will be with a middle to short iron. As this hole progresses from the tee to the green, it becomes more narrow and demanding. This hole can make or break a good outward nine holes. There is a new spectator mound behind the green.

Hole 11 | Par 5 | 573 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.78 (Difficulty Rank - 16)

This hole is a strategically designed middle-length par 5, which presents a variety of possibilities and potential disasters. Players attempting to reach this green in two shots must have a long and accurate drive down the right side.

An immense fairway bunker stops shots hit through the left of the fairway, and dense trees knock down shots hit left of the driving area. Large overhanging trees crowd the preferred right side.

Because the fairway is split by a lateral water hazard and two large bunkers, the player can elect to hit a middle iron to the fairway area on the right, which is guarded by a large oak tree. From this position, a short iron to wedge is needed for the third shot.

A more daring alternative is to approach the green from the left side of the split fairway. This alternative requires a second shot lofted high enough to clear another oak tree and the continuing bunker. The large maintained bunker runs the length of the second shot landing area and continues up and around the green.

The lateral water hazard that splits the fairway continues around the back of the green. One maintained bunker covers the front of the green. The left side of the green presents a tricky recovery from a closely-mown area.

Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 17

PLAYERS Championship - Key Statistics

As THE PLAYERS Championship returns to TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), understanding how this course compares to PGA Tour averages can help identify which players are best suited for success. Here’s how TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) stacks up statistically:

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

• Success this week will depend heavily on players positioning themselves effectively off the tee at TPC Sawgrass. While distance can be helpful on certain holes, accuracy and smart course management are far more important on the Stadium Course. Over the past five editions of THE PLAYERS Championship, four winners have ranked 16th or better in Strokes Gained Off the Tee for the week.

Good Drives Gained

• At TPC Sawgrass, Good Drives Gained can be even more valuable than traditional driving metrics because the course rewards precision rather than pure power. Tight landing areas, strategically placed water hazards, and the challenging design created by Pete Dye require players to prioritize position off the tee. Players do not need to be the longest hitters, but they must consistently find fairways or playable spots in the rough to create quality approach opportunities. Errant tee shots can quickly lead to penalty strokes or difficult recovery situations.

Strokes Gained: Approach

• Elite iron play is one of the most important indicators of success at THE PLAYERS Championship. Over the past five editions of the tournament, every winner has ranked seventh or better in Strokes Gained Approach among the field. With well-protected greens and numerous hazard locations, precise approach shots are critical for generating birdie opportunities and avoiding costly mistakes.

Strokes Gained: Around the Green

• The green complexes at TPC Sawgrass place a heavy emphasis on short game creativity. The greens are surrounded by tightly mown collection areas, deep bunkers, and challenging runoff areas that require players to execute a wide range of shots. With water hazards and shifting coastal winds often leading to missed greens, a strong short game is essential for saving par. Over the past five editions of THE PLAYERS Championship, four winners have ranked 19th or better in Strokes Gained Around the Green.

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)

• The greens at TPC Sawgrass feature TifEagle Bermudagrass with a Poa trivialis overseed. Players who have historically performed well on Bermuda surfaces often find success here, particularly when the greens become firm and fast throughout the week.

Strokes Gained: Total Pete Dye Designs

• Pete Dye’s masterpiece, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, stands as a testament to his distinctive design ethos. Known for crafting layouts that challenge and reward specific skill sets, Dye’s creation at TPC Sawgrass demands a level of prowess possessed by only a select few players.

Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards

• Five of the ten par 4 holes at TPC Sawgrass measure between 450 and 500 yards. Strong long iron play and solid driving accuracy are essential for navigating these demanding holes.

Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards

• Three of the four par 5 holes fall between 550 and 600 yards. These holes represent some of the best scoring opportunities on the course, making efficient par 5 play critical for players looking to contend.

Scrambling Gained

• Scrambling is another key factor this week. Players who can consistently get up and down from difficult spots gain a significant edge in avoiding bogeys and maintaining momentum. With smaller-than-average greens and tricky surfaces, even elite iron players will miss targets throughout the week. Strong scramblers can turn potential bogeys into par saves and gain valuable strokes on the field.

Bogey Avoidance

• TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) ranks among the most challenging courses on the PGA Tour. Patience will be key this week as players navigate the layout and capitalize on limited scoring chances. Throughout the event, players must strive to minimize any black numbers on their cards.

Proximity Gained: 100-150 Yards

• TPC Sawgrass tends to produce a higher volume of approach shots from the 100 to 150 yard range compared to the PGA TOUR average. Players who excel at controlling their wedges and mid irons from this distance often generate more birdie opportunities.

Comparable Courses and Event History

• Course history at TPC Sawgrass can be very meaningful. The Stadium Course requires a specific skill set built around precision, patience, and strong iron play. Players who have contended here in the past often repeat success. Performance at other Pete Dye courses and challenging Florida layouts with Bermuda greens can also provide a strong indicator of potential success at THE PLAYERS Championship.

PLAYERS Championship - The Field

The 2026 PLAYERS Championship features a stacked 123-player field highlighted by many of the biggest names in the sport. The tournament includes each of the top-10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, headlined by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. World No. 2 and defending champion Rory McIlroy is expected to be in the field this week, although he is dealing with lingering back issues after withdrawing mid-tournament from the Arnold Palmer Invitational last week.

Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:

• Winner - Tournament Winner in the Past Year
• Winner - Masters Tournament
• Winner - U.S. Open
• Winner - PGA Championship
• Winner - FedEx Cup
• Winner - World Golf Championships Event - Match Play
• Winner - Arnold Palmer Invitational
• Winners of the Genesis Invitational
• Top 100 on Prior Season FedExCup Fall Points List
• Top 100 (Medical)
• Top 50 - World Golf Ranking
• Below Top 10 on Current Year FedExCup Points.

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

• Rory McIlroy – 2025, 2019
• Scottie Scheffler – 2024, 2023
• Justin Thomas – 2021
• Si Woo Kim – 2017
• Jason Day – 2016
• Rickie Fowler – 2015
• Adam Scott – 2004

Debutants in the Field:

• A.J. Ewart, David Ford, Johnny Keefer, Jordan L. Smith, Kristoffer Reitan, Marco Penge, Marty Dou Zecheng, Michael Brennan, Michael Thorbjornsen, Pierceson Coody, Steven Fisk, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Takumi Kanaya, William Mouw, Zachary Bauchou

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

• IN: Patton Kizzire
• IN: Seamus Power

PLAYERS Championship - Tee Times & Groupings

PLAYERS Championship - The Odds

Here’s a breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA Tour and their last result at THE PLAYERS Championship. My top plays of the week are included in the TeeOffSports VIP+ PGA Premium package.

Recent Horses for Courses

Recent Donkeys for Courses

Previous Winners' Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament)

• Rory McIlroy (-12)
  • Price:  9-1

• 2024: Scottie Scheffler (-20)
  • Price: 11-2 (+550)

• 2023: Scottie Scheffler (-17)
  • Price: 11-1

• 2022: Cameron Smith (-13)
  • Price: 33-1

• 2021: Justin Thomas (-14)
  • Price: 20-1

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts)

• 2025: Rory McIlroy
  • T15 – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T17 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • WON – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
  • T4 – Hero Dubai Desert Classic (DPWT)
  • WON – DP World Tour Championship (DPWT)
• 2024: Scottie Scheffler
  • WON – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T10 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T3 – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T6 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
  • T17 – The American Express (PGA)
• 2023: Scottie Scheffler
  • T4 – Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA)
  • T12 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • WON – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • T11 – The American Express (PGA)
  • T7 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)
• 2022: Cameron Smith
  • T33 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T4 – PIF Saudi International (ASA)
  • MC – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)
  • WON – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)
  • T4 – The RSM Classic (PGA)
• 2021: Justin Thomas
  • T15 – WGC-Workday Championship (PGA)
  • MC – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
  • T13 – Waste Management Phoenix Open (PGA)
  • MC – Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (DPWT)
  • 3 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)

Previous Winners' Finishes at Event

2025: Rory McIlroy

2024: Scottie Scheffler

2023: Scottie Scheffler

2022: Cameron Smith

2021: Justin Thomas

Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on X @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting!

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