From Rory McIlroy’s late arrival to the PGA Tour to revealing his big potential plans for the future, let’s take a look back at some of the stories ahead of The Players at TPC Sawgrass.
Rolup curious about PGA Tour demotion proposal
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolup delivered an impressive performance during his pre-tournament press conference, revealing a slew of new information during his 50-minute stint before departing to thunderous applause.
One key takeaway was that he mentioned promotion and relegation in English football between the Premier League and the Championship, as the PGA Tour plans to introduce a similar system among six other themes for schedule changes.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolup addressed the world’s media Wednesday ahead of The Players.
Although a final schedule for the next few years is still a long way off, the details discussed about the work involved were very encouraging that strong progress is being made.
In a plan he described as “not yet baked,” the current idea is for a new schedule of 21 to 26 events, with a signature event featuring about 120 players and an increased number of tournaments to be held in large U.S. cities.
Rolup said he wants to hold a “second track” of PGA Tour events alongside the signature event and “make every tournament count.”
There are still many things that have yet to be decided, such as the format of the playoffs and strategy for the international market, but there were also many unknowns about the future of the tour.
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Golf Channel’s Rex Hoggard and Aaron Overholser react to Rolup’s promotion and relegation fluctuations, along with players’ potential for 21-26 races.
McIlroy leaves late for players’ arrival
Preparations for the event have been dictated by Rory McIlroy’s fitness, so it was good to see him on the ground late Wednesday in preparation for a potential title defense.
While he may have only been able to hit a 6-iron during the limited distance session, McIlroy’s ability to hit the entire club is a big improvement for him after having to withdraw from Saturday’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.
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Rory McIlroy has given an update on his injury status, saying he is improving but will make a decision shortly before tee time if he is healthy enough to play.
Cameras followed McIlroy’s every move as he arrived at TPC Sawgrass around 2:20 p.m. local time on Wednesday, followed by a warm-up routine and media scrum outside the press building.
McIlroy is cautiously optimistic about his lower back injury, calling it “more of a sensitivity than a pain,” and the world No. 2 will make a “game-time decision” about whether to tee up on Thursday afternoon.
A lap around TPC Sawgrass’ nine holes with caddy Harry Diamond, wedge and putter was the extent of McIlroy’s remaining preparation, and the five-time major champion could not commit to being fit to tee it up.
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McIlroy had a limited practice session Wednesday ahead of The Players.
“All signs are pointing in the right direction,” McIlroy insisted. Until we see him on the first tee alongside Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele at 5.42pm UK/Ireland time on Thursday, we might hopefully get a clearer idea.
Penji attracts attention
An annual tradition at The Players is for all debutants to speak to the media on Wednesday mornings. The 14 first-time players sat in director-style chairs on the lawn in front of the clubhouse.
Marco Penge is also one of the first-timers, having won three times last season on the DP World Tour to earn his PGA Tour card, and the Englishman has attracted a lot of attention and has been interviewed more than many other players.
England’s Marco Penge puts on his hat after finishing on the 18th green during the third round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament.
“I’m really enjoying it,” Penge told Sky Sports about the extra attention. “When I was young, it was everything I dreamed of: the biggest stages, the best courses, playing in front of big crowds.
“It’s a fun moment when you’re trying to show off what you can do and prove to people what you can do. If it doesn’t go your way, at the end of the day it’s just a game. That sucks.”
Lowry was motivated by recent failures.
A smiling Shane Lowry didn’t seem to realize how good he was at The Players when I told him that Scheffler was the only player with a lower cumulative score in the past five years at TPC Sawgrass.
Can Shane Lowry get his first win of the season at The Players?
Lowry was undaunted by his recent near miss at the Cognizant Classic. Near the end of the hole, he had a three-stroke lead. The Irishman is keen to get back into contention here this week.
“I’ve obviously thought about it a lot over the last few weeks,” Lowry told Sky Sports. “You have to enjoy being out there.
“It’s a lot of pressure to actually push yourself, but that’s why we get up every morning and go to work.
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Highlights from the final round of the Cognizant Classic, where Lowry lost the win.
“What happened was a bit of a disaster. But there’s no greater enjoyment of being on a competitive field than on the PGA Tour. I just have to keep putting myself out there and I hope it happens at some stage.”
“Ludacris” Players Week has begun!
The par-3 17th has witnessed many iconic moments over the years, but Tuesday’s practice round produced an impressive performance of a different kind.
Thousands of fans gathered to watch Ludkaris perform
Military Appreciation Day is held every Tuesday at The Players and concludes with a concert next to the 17th hole. The lineup usually includes country singers, but this year it’s changed to Ludacris.
The rapper rattled off tracks from his long career, including many of the songs he collaborated with other artists, and proved to be a fan favorite with the crowd of thousands.
Ludacris performed ahead of The Players
Songs by Taio Cruz, DJ Khaled and Enrique Iglesias were performed during the hour-long set in the Florida sunshine, with his rendition of Justin Bieber’s song “Baby” particularly popular.
Ludacris praised the energy emanating from the crowd, saying he had never experienced a show like this before. The atmosphere was pretty great, but we’re now gearing up for a different kind of excitement and tournament.
Who will win The Players? Watch live all week on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins Thursdays and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. and weekends at 1 p.m. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
