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


Rory McIlroy - PGA DFS Picks, Golf Betting Picks

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

 

PLAYERS Championship - Course Information

Course Architect:

Comparable Courses:

Comparable Location (Orlando, Fla.):

Designer Link (Pete Dye Design):

Comparable Yardage (7,352 Yards):

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

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

 

PLAYERS Championship - TV Information (ET)

 

PLAYERS Championship - Weather

 

PLAYERS Championship - Course/Tournament History

THE PLAYERS Championship, often referred to as golf’s “fifth major,” is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA TOUR. First played in 1974, the event has grown in stature thanks to its elite field, massive purse, and iconic host course, the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, which has hosted the tournament since 1982. Designed by Pete Dye, the course is famous for its signature par 3 17th hole, the Island Green, one of the most recognizable and nerve-racking holes in golf. Over the years, the tournament has produced a legendary list of champions, including Jack Nicklaus, who won the inaugural event, and Tiger Woods, a two-time champion. The tournament was traditionally played in March before moving to May in 2007, then returned to its March date in 2019 as part of a broader PGA TOUR schedule restructure.

TPC Sawgrass, home of the Stadium Course, remains one of the most iconic and challenging venues in professional golf. Designed by Pete Dye and opened in 1980, the course was the first true Stadium Course, built to provide an exceptional viewing experience for spectators while still testing every part of a golfer’s game. The layout is known for its balance, as no two consecutive holes play in the same direction. Its most famous hole remains the par 3 17th, the Island Green. Measuring just 137 yards, the hole has become one of the most recognizable in the sport and is capable of dramatically shifting the leaderboard with a single swing. TPC Sawgrass places a premium on precision over power, with water hazards, deep bunkers, and undulating greens challenging even the best players in the world. The course has undergone several renovations over the years, including a major update in 2016 that improved the greens, bunkers, and clubhouse while enhancing both playability and the fan experience.

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Courses designed by Pete Dye are widely known for their strategic complexity and demanding layouts. His designs often feature visual deception, using angled fairways, pot bunkers, and mounding to challenge players’ depth perception and decision-making. Risk and reward opportunities are a defining characteristic, forcing golfers to carefully balance aggression with caution. Dye courses typically include smaller, undulating greens that require precise iron play and strong short game performance. Penal hazards such as water, deep bunkers, railroad ties, and expansive waste areas are placed strategically to punish errant shots and quickly turn small mistakes into big numbers. Accuracy and ball placement off the tee are critical, as Dye preferred tighter fairways with strategic angles rather than wide-open driving areas. Another distinctive element of his designs is the way holes change direction frequently, preventing players from settling into a rhythm, especially when the wind becomes a factor. At TPC Sawgrass, these elements combine to create a true test of skill that rewards precision, patience, and smart course management.

The Stadium Course has undergone numerous renovations over the years to enhance both playability and the spectator experience. A major renovation in 2006 led by Pete Dye included several hole redesigns along with improved drainage and irrigation systems. More recently, in 2024, several enhancements were introduced. A new tournament tee on the second hole added 15 yards. The iconic tree on the sixth hole, which was lost in 2014, was reestablished, and the hole was lengthened by another 15 yards. A new tee complex on the eleventh hole also added 15 yards, while the right rough on the fourteenth hole was reshaped with deeper and more dramatic moguls highlighted by palms, oaks, and native grasses. These changes increased the total yardage to 7,352 yards, up from 7,275 yards previously.

Unlike most PGA TOUR events, the tournament uses a unique three-hole aggregate playoff format that was introduced in 2014. Since its implementation, there has been only one playoff, which occurred in 2015 when Rickie Fowler captured a dramatic victory.

Previous Tournament Venues:

Duration: Course: Location:
1982-Present TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
1977-1981 Sawgrass Country Club Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
1976 Inverrary Country Club (East Course) Lauderhill, Florida
1975 Colonial Country Club Fort Worth, Texas
1974 Atlanta Country Club Marietta, Georgia

Previous Tournament Names:

Duration: Tournament Name:
1988-Present THE PLAYERS Championship
1974-1987 Tournament Players Championship

Tournament Records:

Course Records:

 

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)

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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:

Statistics PGA Tour Average TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
Driving Distance (Yards) 291.9 284.6
Driving Accuracy 60.5% 59.5%
GIR Percentage 66.1% 63.1%
Avg GIR Prox to Hole (Feet) 37.2 38.9
Scrambling Percentage 58.9% 55.1%
3 Putt Avoidance Percentage 2.83% 3.34%

Strokes Gained: Off the Tee

Good Drives Gained

Strokes Gained: Approach

Strokes Gained: Around the Green

Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermudagrass)

Strokes Gained: Total Pete Dye Designs

Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards

Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards

Scrambling Gained

Bogey Avoidance

Proximity Gained: 100-150 Yards

Comparable Courses and Event History

 

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:

Previous Winners in the Field (Event):

Debutants in the Field:

Notable Withdraws/ Changes:

 

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.

Golfer Odds Last 5 Finishes on the PGA TOUR/ DPWT*
(Recent -> Past)
Last 5 Finishes at THE PLAYERS Championship
(Recent -> Past)
Scottie Scheffler +425 T24-T12-T4-T3-WON T20-WON-WON-T55-MC
Rory McIlroy +1400 WD-T2-T24-T33*-T3* WON-T19-MC-T33-MC
Collin Morikawa +2050 5-T7-WON-T54-MC T10-T45-T13-MC-T41
Si Woo Kim +2400 T13-T34-T45-T3-T2 T38-T6-T27-WD-T9
Tommy Fleetwood +2500 49-T7-T4-T41*-25* T14-T35-T27-T22-MC
Russell Henley +2600 T6-MC-T19-T8-T19 T30-MC-T19-T13-MC
Ludvig Aberg +2700 T3-T20-T37-MC-WD MC-8
Xander Schauffele +2900 T24-T7-T19-T41-MC 72-T2-T19-MC-MC
Cameron Young +3100 T3-T7-T55-T41-T22 T61-T54-T51-MC
Viktor Hovland +3700 T13-T41-T58-T10-T14* MC-T62-T3-T9-MC

 

Recent Horses for Courses

THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
Golfer 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
Scottie Scheffler T20 WON WON T55 MC
Corey Conners T6 T13 MC T26 7
Tommy Fleetwood T14 T35 T27 T22 MC
Tom Hoge T3 T54 T3 T33 T22
Si Woo Kim T38 T6 T27 W/D T9
Daniel Berger T20 - - T13 T9
Aaron Rai T14 T35 T19 - -

 

Recent Donkeys for Courses

THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
Golfer 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
Patrick Rodgers MC MC MC MC T65
Andrew Putnam MC 53 MC MC MC
Mackenzie Hughes MC T26 MC MC MC
Adam Schenk MC T19 MC MC MC
Nicolas Echavarria MC MC MC - -
Andrew Novak MC MC MC - -
Davis Riley 38 MC MC - -
Benjamin Griffin MC MC T35 - -
Eric Cole MC MC T27 - -
Chad Ramey MC MC T27 - -
Erik Van Rooyen MC MC - T13 -
Ryo Hisatsune MC MC - - -
Kevin Yu MC MC - - -
Nicolai Hojgaard MC MC - - -
Samuel Stevens MC MC - - -
Harry Hall MC MC - - -
Michael Kim MC MC - - -
Seonghyeon Kim MC MC - - -

 

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

SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
16th 8th 5th 50th 10th
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
1st 1st 7th 6th 37th
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
5th 1st 4th 4th 48th
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
68th 35th 5th 19th 1st
SG: Off the Tee SG: Tee to Green SG: Approach SG: Around the Green SG: Putting
10th 1st 5th 12th 42nd

 

Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts)

 

Previous Winners' Finishes at Event

2025: Rory McIlroy

THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship
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(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
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TPC Sawgrass
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2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2009
T19 MC T33 MC WON MC T35 T12 T8 T6 T8 MC MC MC

2024: Scottie Scheffler

THE PLAYERS Championship
THE PLAYERS Championship
THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass
(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
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(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
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(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
2023 2022 2021
WON T55 MC

2023: Scottie Scheffler

THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass
(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
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(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
2022 2021
T55 MC

2022: Cameron Smith

THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship
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(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
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(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
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(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
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2021 2019 2018 2017
T17 T56 MC MC

2021: Justin Thomas

THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass
(THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
TPC Sawgrass
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2019 2018 2017 2016 2015
T35 T11 T75 T3 T24

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

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