Unveiling the Prestige of Golf's 'Fifth Major' - The Players Championship
Delve into the allure of The Players Championship, a highlight on the golf calendar, and explore the reasons behind its renowned status as golf's 'fifth major' tournament.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is aiming to do something unprecedented this week – retain The Players Championship title.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 03: Scottie Sheffler and his family visit TPC Sawgrass prior to THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 3, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Condon/PGA TOUR)
Scottie Sheffler and his family were spotted visiting TPC Sawgrass before THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course on March 3, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The photo was captured by Chris Condon from PGA TOUR.
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The American won the championship in 2023 and will compete against top players in the PGA Tour's prestigious event known as golf's 'fifth major.'
The Players Championship is a highlight of the Tour calendar, but why is it sometimes called an 'unofficial major'?
The Players Championship is a yearly tournament on the PGA Tour. It started in 1974 and has been hosted at The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida since 1982. The event is typically held in mid-March, along with other golf tournaments in Florida.
The tournament will begin on Thursday, March 14, 2024, and this edition is special because it celebrates the 50th anniversary of the event.
Jack Nicklaus was the first winner of the competition, and Scheffler is the reigning champion after his impressive five-shot victory last year.
Scheffler hoists the trophy in 2023.
Scheffler hoists the trophy in 2023.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
What are the four majors and why are they different to The Players?
Men's golf has four major tournaments - The Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and the Open Championship, which are held in April, May, June, and July respectively this year.
These four majors have a rich history, with The Open being the oldest golf tournament in the world, founded in 1860.
The majors not only have a rich history but also offer substantial prize money. In addition, the winner receives 100 world ranking points, more than any other competition.
Each major tournament is run by independent organizations, separate from the PGA Tour, yet still acknowledged as part of the Tour calendar, similar to tennis' grand slams. On the other hand, The Players is a PGA Tour event and is promoted as its premier showcase.
The Players Championship may not be an official major, but it is highly significant for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that it attracts a top-tier field of players. Additionally, it offers the largest prize money of any regular PGA Tour event, even surpassing some major championships. Last year, the total purse was a whopping $25 million, with the winner taking home a share of $4.5 million.
Eighty ranking points are up for grabs for the winner, the highest amount for any non-major tournament. In addition, the champion will receive a three-year invitation to The Masters and three-year exemptions for the other three majors. This means they do not have to go through the qualifying process or earn a PGA Tour card for these prestigious events.
The course at TPC Sawgrass is notoriously challenging.
The course at TPC Sawgrass is notoriously challenging.
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
"I believe every player dreams of winning The Players," stated Adam Scott, the 2004 champion. "When you think about the legends of the game and major champions, winning The Players adds to those great victories.
"The players have a strong connection to the event and take pride in it. Despite the changes in the game, the venue has remained impressive over the years. It provides a challenging test for the players and is a fantastic location for the tournament."
The Players is well-known for its signature 137-yard, par-three 17th hole. This iconic ‘island green’ is surrounded by water and attracts the most spectators of any hole on the course. The 17th is a high-risk hole that can have a significant impact on the outcome of the tournament.
The 17th hole is one of the most popular on the PGA Tour.
The 17th hole is one of the most popular on the PGA Tour.
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images
The 2024 edition of the field consists of 144 participants, including top players like Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Thomas.
Players who have signed with the Saudi-backed rival LIV Golf League are not allowed to participate in The Players and other PGA Tour events. This rule sparked controversy last year when Australian Cameron Smith, the 2022 champion, could not defend his title after joining LIV Golf.
Editor's P/S:
The Players Championship holds a unique position in the world of golf, attracting the top players and offering substantial rewards. While it may not be officially recognized as a major, its significance is undeniable. The tournament's rich history and challenging course, coupled with its high prize money and exemptions for future majors, make it a coveted victory for any golfer.
Scottie Scheffler's quest to retain the Players Championship title is a testament to the event's prestige and his own exceptional form. His victory last year was a dominant performance, and his aim to repeat that success underscores his status as the world's top-ranked player. With a stellar field assembled for the 2024 edition, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, Scheffler faces a daunting challenge. However, his determination and recent form suggest that he is well-equipped to make history and etch his name even further into the annals of golf.'s best players. Scheffler's return to TPC Sawgrass is sure to be highly anticipated, and it will be fascinating to see if he can become the first player to win consecutive Players Championships since Tiger Woods in 2001.
