Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are two of the pre-tournament favorites to win The Players, but the star-studded field will be looking to prevent either of the world’s top two from winning at TPC Sawgrass.
Scheffler has won 20 times on the PGA Tour since the start of 2022 and has won four majors in the same season, with the world No. 1 chef seeking his third win at The Players in four years following an early-season win at American Express.
The American could become the first player since Jack Nicklaus to win the PGA Tour’s flagship event for the third time, and McIlroy is aiming to do the same, joining Scheffler as the only back-to-back winners of The Players.
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Check out Rory McIlroy’s best shots from winning the 2025 Players Championship as he defends his title this week at TPC Sawgrass.
McIlroy is the defending champion after defeating JJ Spahn in a play-off last year, but the Northern Irishman’s preparations for this year’s contest were interrupted by a “stubborn” back injury.
The past six winners of The Players have come from the top 10 in the world, but will that momentum continue? Ahead of this year’s competition, Sky Sports pundits have predicted who they think will win the $4.5 million first prize and which players could be the surprise surprise package.
Will Morikawa continue his strong start this season?
Collin Morikawa is off to a strong start to the season with a one-shot win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and top-seven finishes in his past two starts, moving him to the top of the FedExCup standings going into this week’s event.
“He (Morikawa) has shown a lot of good form this year and it’s a golf course that suits his skill set,” said Paul McGinley.
Can Collin Morikawa claim his second PGA Tour win of the season?
Nick Doherty added: “I believe Morikawa will win. It’s clear that he’s here on the back of his form, the way he’s structured the match and three really good results, including the win at Pebble Beach.”
“He’s a great iron player, he’s been great here at TPC Sawgrass, and he’s very accurate off the tee, which is obviously essential.”
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It’s been 25 years since Tiger Woods won his first Players Championship. En route to victory at TPC Sawgrass, he made one of the most iconic putts in tour history for birdie on the par-3 17th in the third round.
Who was the first English winner?
No British player has ever won The Players, but will FedEx Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood end his run and win his second PGA Tour title?
“His game is trending and he’s going to be wearing really baggy pants in Sunday’s trophy video,” David Howell said. “You can see Tommy hitting a 3-wood on the last hole and drawing a little bit to close out the hole. It’s really beautiful.”
Tommy Fleetwood will play alongside Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas in the first two rounds
This week’s event will feature 47 of the top 50 players in the world, with the likes of Ludwig Oberg, Russell Henry, Xander Schauffele, Hideki Matsuyama, Cam Young, Patrick Cantlay and Matt Fitzpatrick aiming to take home the trophy.
Sky Sports’ Ewen Murray said: “Winning the Wyndham Championship is a big weight off Cam Young’s shoulders.” “After a number of near misses, he earned his second win on the PGA Tour and is ready to step up in his career.”
Rich Beam added, “I think Cantlay is long overdue for a win, so why not come here? He’s disciplined enough to play very well on this golf course, so I think he has a very good chance.”
Who will win The Players? Sky Sports experts’ predictions
Rich Beam: Patrick Cantlay Andrew Coltart: Colin Morikawa Dame Laura Davis: Russell Henry Nick Doherty: Colin Morikawa David Howell: Tommy Fleetwood Anna Jackson: Shi Woo Kim Paul McGinley: Colin Morikawa Yuwen Murray: Cam Young Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Scottie Scheffler
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Todd Lewis provides update on McIlroy’s participation in The Players and the possibility of the world No. 2 defending his title without a practice round
Surprise package? an impressed outsider
Rich Beam: Chandler PhillipsAndrew Coltart: Jake KnappDame Laura Davis: Minu LeeNick Doherty: Shane RowleyAnna Jackson: Daniel BergerPaul McGinley: Jake KnappEwen Murray: Ricky CastilloJowayne ‘Radar’ Riley: Akshay Bhatia
When will The Players be broadcast live on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports Golf will once again be home to The Players, broadcasting over 40 hours of live golf over four days, with plenty of additional live programming during tournament week.
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This week, the stars of the PGA Tour will gather at TPC Sawgrass for The Players, which will be broadcast extensively live on Sky Sports throughout the week.
Live from The Players will bring you the latest news from TPC Sawgrass on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m., ahead of live tournament coverage starting Thursday.
Featured Groups, along with Featured Holes, will be available on Sky Sports+ throughout the week, and you’ll enjoy a bonus feed on top of the feed available each week during PGA Tour coverage.
Coverage begins at 11.30am on Thursdays and Fridays and at 1pm on weekends with Sky Sports Golf highlights and extra shows. Get and stream Sky Sports without a contract.
