The Players Championship: Ben Silverman's High-Stakes Practice Session
Join Ben Silverman as he faces a do-or-die moment at The Players Championship, focusing on one crucial shot to stay in the game.
Ben Silverman was in a do-or-die situation at The Players Championship, needing to make one miracle shot to stay in the competition. In the fading Florida light on Friday, the Canadian golfer stood over his ball, knowing he had to send it 109 yards straight into the cup on his final hole to make the cut at the PGA Tour's flagship event.
Just at that moment, play was stopped because it was getting dark at TPC Sawgrass. Instead of trying to make his eagle shot in the fading light, Silverman decided to mark his ball and come back the next day with his playing partner Ryo Hisatsune, who was also still playing.
This decision gave him the opportunity for a unique practice session on Saturday morning.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Adam Hadwin of Canada walks to the fourth green during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 14, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
Adam Hadwin from Canada is seen strolling towards the fourth green at THE PLAYERS Championship held at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on March 14, 2024. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
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Adam Hadwin, at the Players Championship, got so frustrated that he threw his club into the water. Surprisingly, his wife found humor in the situation.
Before dawn broke, the 36-year-old was already on the driving range, practicing with his wedge. He was determined to perfect his shots for the upcoming crucial competition.
"His caddie encouraged him with a smile, saying, 'Let's go make it happen,' as they left the range. The moment was captured in a video shared by the PGA Tour on X.
It was going to be quite a challenge. With a score of one-over par when he reached the par-five ninth tee, Silverman, who began his round from the 10th hole, needed to sink his third shot from the fairway to advance to the third round."
Silverman, ranked 117th in the world, was unable to achieve the perfection he sought during his round. His shot went wide over the green and landed in a bunker. Despite his efforts, he ended the round with a two-over 74 and finished two-over par overall. This left him three shots shy of the one-under par cut line.
Yet there were no regrets from Silverman, a 14-year professional who has won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour, the PGA Tour’s developmental circuit.
Silverman, who was making his Players Championship debut, reflected on the pressure he was feeling. He decided to just do the best he could without putting too much stress on himself.
He mentioned that the ball didn't go in, but he felt satisfied knowing that he had tried his best throughout the week. If it had gone in, that would have been great, but he was happy with his effort regardless.
Silverman got his first taste of the iconic 17th hole at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course.
Silverman got his first taste of the iconic 17th hole at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course.
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There was no joy for playing partner and fellow debutant Hisatsune either.
Scottie Scheffler was seen checking for an injury before teeing off at the 14th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 15, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 15: Scottie Scheffler is looked for an injury before playing the 14th hole during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 15, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
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Players Championship: Scottie Scheffler is dealing with a neck injury, while Rory McIlroy has a frog encounter. Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark has surged into the lead.
The Japanese golfer started Saturday morning at even-par overall. Unfortunately, his crucial 34-foot birdie putt fell just short, leaving him one shot below the cut line.
Big-name casualties in the tournament's second round included Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, both multiple-major champions. Thomas finished one-over, while Spieth finished two-over and failed to advance to the third round.
Thomas, the winner of the event in 2021, had never missed the cut in his eight previous appearances at the tournament.
Wyndham Clark took a four stroke lead into the third round after shooting his second consecutive 65, with Xander Schauffele and Nick Taylor leading the chasing pack.
Editor's P/S:
Ben Silverman's resilience and determination in the face of a do-or-die situation at The Players Championship is truly inspiring. Despite facing immense pressure, he remained composed and focused on giving his best shot. His decision to practice diligently before the crucial competition demonstrates his commitment to excellence. Although he ultimately missed the cut, Silverman's positive attitude and willingness to learn from the experience are commendable.
The article also highlights the competitive nature of the PGA Tour, where even top-ranked golfers can face unexpected setbacks. The absence of major champions like Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth from the third round is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport. However, the emergence of Wyndham Clark as a frontrunner signifies the depth of talent and the constant pursuit of success among tour professionals. captivate golf enthusiasts with its unpredictable twists and turns, showcasing the extraordinary skills and unwavering determination of the players involved.
