For the sixth consecutive year, the Players Championship was won by a player ranked in the world’s top 10.
The PGA Tour’s main event once again had an exciting conclusion, with Rory McIlroy defeating J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff on Monday. This victory sets the stage for an interesting golf season, with the Masters and other major championships approaching.
Here are four key lessons from this year’s Players Championship.
McIlroy’s Strong Start Is Promising for Augusta and Beyond
We’ve seen McIlroy start seasons well before, only to struggle at the Masters. However, this season’s start is unique. For the first time in his career, McIlroy has won two Tour events before May. This is also the first time he has multiple worldwide wins in the four months leading up to the Masters.
What does this mean? Historically, it might not guarantee anything. McIlroy’s performance at Augusta has been inconsistent, even when he’s been in good form. His recent Masters results include a missed cut, a second-place finish, another missed cut, and a tie for 22nd. There’s no clear pattern.
Yet, over the last three seasons, McIlroy has been one of the most consistent performers in major championships. In his past 12 major appearances, he has finished in the top 10 eight times. His ability to consistently compete at the highest level in major events is unmatched. It’s surprising he hasn’t won more recently. This is the central question.
McIlroy is arguably playing some of his best golf, and certainly better than most players worldwide. The confidence from two comeback wins in significant tournaments is substantial. While it’s tempting to say this is the momentum he needs after ten years without a major, it might just add more pressure. He has experienced three heartbreaking major losses in the past three years.
‘People say pressure is a privilege, and it truly is,’ McIlroy said after his Players victory. ‘You want to feel that pressure on the course. That’s why I practice and work on my game, to put myself in these positions and see what I can do.’
Akshay Bhatia Is Nearing His Breakthrough
At just 23, Bhatia has steadily progressed in professional golf since turning pro at 19, bypassing college. He’s now playing at an elite level. Bhatia has already won two PGA Tour events (the 2024 Valero Open and 2023 Barracuda Championship). While he seems to have arrived, his performance at the Players, finishing just two shots behind McIlroy, shows he still has room to grow.
Bhatia, who was tied for the lead on Saturday, struggled with his putting, particularly his short putts. He lost strokes on the greens and bogeyed the 18th after missing a short putt. On Sunday, he missed three birdie putts within 12 feet on the final holes that could have forced a playoff with McIlroy and Spaun.
‘I hit many good putts, but the feeling changes when you’re in contention more often. You learn about your tendencies,’ Bhatia commented. Despite his disappointment, he recognized the week as a significant step forward. ‘Being 23 and competing with Rory McIlroy, someone I’ve admired for years, is pretty amazing.’
Last season was Bhatia’s first time playing in all four majors. He missed the cut in two, with his best finish being a T-16 at the U.S. Open. It’s still early in his career, making his current success impressive, but his potential is even greater.
According to Data Golf, Bhatia is gaining strokes in all areas except his short game this season. While no single part of his game is truly elite yet, improving his putting and short game could see him contending for a major soon, possibly even next month.
Could Frustration Motivate or Hinder Scottie Scheffler?
While McIlroy is celebrating wins and gaining confidence, the world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, is experiencing frustration, something unfamiliar from last season. At TPC Sawgrass, Scheffler appeared frustrated, showing disbelief, throwing clubs, and trying to laugh off difficult moments.
His top-20 finish still demonstrates his talent. Scheffler had a slow start to the year after missing events due to a hand injury. This might have affected his rhythm, along with his ball-striking not being as dominant as last season, at least not yet.
Scheffler ranks seventh in strokes gained: approach (+1.06), compared to first last season (+1.5). He’s likely to regain his top form with more play, but his performance around and on the greens is more concerning. Last season, Scheffler was top-five in strokes gained: around the green and had slightly above-average putting.
This season, Scheffler has declined in both areas, evident in his missed short putts and struggles to recover around the greens. Despite these issues, Scheffler remains patient. While his on-course demeanor suggests frustration, he emphasizes patience and sees it as potential motivation.
‘I’m leaving this week feeling close. I need to work on some things at home, but I feel close,’ Scheffler said. ‘I’m competitive and felt I could have played better this week. I finished 4 under par, feeling I played better than that. But overall, I don’t feel far off.’
The Players’ Unique Identity
There’s no compelling reason to officially call the Players Championship golf’s fifth major, and after this week, perhaps it shouldn’t aim to be. The Players has found its niche as a premier tournament at an exceptional course, forging a distinct and growing identity.
It starts with the course, a demanding test for top golfers. TPC Sawgrass requires tee accuracy and creativity when fairways are missed, making it as compelling as any major venue. McIlroy’s win, despite hitting only 28 fairways, exemplifies this.
While the field might not be the absolute strongest due to LIV Golf, it still attracts top talent. In recent years, it has produced excellent winners and compelling matchups, like McIlroy versus Spaun.
The Players has successfully blended elements of the Waste Management Open’s atmosphere (in a more controlled way) with a top-tier course and elite players, creating a marquee event. It has a major-like feel without the official title.
Some might see this as a drawback, but others see it as a strength. Players consistently praise the Players Championship.
While a PGA Tour-PIF deal is still pending, once it happens and tours unite, the Players Championship is uniquely positioned to benefit more than any other event.
