What We Learned at the Players Championship

For the sixth consecutive year, the Players Championship was won by a player ranked in the world’s top 10.

This prestigious PGA Tour event once again provided a thrilling conclusion, with Rory McIlroy defeating J.J. Spaun in a three-hole playoff on Monday. This victory sets the stage for an exciting golf season ahead, as we approach the Masters and other major championships.

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 truly unique. For the first time in his career, McIlroy has secured two Tour wins before May. This also marks the first time he’s had multiple worldwide victories in the four months leading up to the Masters.

What does this mean for Augusta? Historically, early success hasn’t guaranteed Masters victory for McIlroy. His Augusta record is inconsistent, with his last four appearances including missed cuts, a second-place finish, and a tie for 22nd. There’s no clear trend.

Yet, over the past three seasons, McIlroy has been remarkably consistent in major championships. He’s achieved eight top-10 finishes in his last 12 major starts. His ability to consistently contend at the highest level is unmatched, making it surprising he hasn’t won more recently. This is the central question.

McIlroy is arguably playing some of the best golf of his career, and certainly among the best in the world right now. The confidence from two comeback wins in significant events is invaluable. While it’s tempting to see this as the momentum he needs to end his major drought, it might simply add more pressure. He has experienced heartbreaking major losses in the past three years.

‘People say pressure is a privilege, and it truly is,’ McIlroy stated after his Players victory. ‘You want to feel that pressure on the course. That’s why I dedicate so much time to practice and refining my skills, to put myself in these situations and see what I’m capable of.’

Akshay Bhatia Is Nearing His Breakthrough

At just 23, Bhatia has steadily progressed through professional golf, turning pro at 19 instead of attending college, and is now competing at the highest level. He has already won two PGA Tour events (the 2024 Valero Open and 2023 Barracuda Championship). While he’s made a name for himself, his performance at the Players, finishing just two shots behind McIlroy, highlighted that he still has areas to improve.

Starting Saturday tied for the lead, Bhatia’s putting, usually improved by his broomstick putter, faltered. A missed short birdie putt on the second hole set the tone for a day where he lost strokes on the greens and bogeyed the 18th after another short miss. On Sunday, he missed crucial birdie putts on the final holes that could have forced a playoff with McIlroy and Spaun.

‘I hit many good putts, and it’s a different sensation when you’re in serious contention. You learn about your tendencies,’ Bhatia reflected. Despite his disappointment, he acknowledged the week’s significance. ‘To be 23 and competing with Rory McIlroy, someone I’ve admired for years, is pretty amazing.’

Last season, Bhatia played in all four majors for the first time, missing two cuts and achieving his best finish at the U.S. Open (T-16). It’s still early in his career, making his current success impressive, and his potential even more exciting.

According to Data Golf, Bhatia is gaining strokes in every area this season except for his short game. While no single aspect of his game is truly elite yet, if he can refine his putting and short game, he could contend for a major championship soon, perhaps even this year.

Could Frustration Motivate or Hinder Scottie Scheffler?

While McIlroy celebrates victories and builds confidence, the world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, is experiencing a less familiar feeling: frustration. At TPC Sawgrass, Scheffler appeared visibly 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 due to a hand injury, which disrupted his rhythm. Additionally, his ball-striking isn’t as dominant as last season, at least not yet.

Scheffler is currently seventh in strokes gained: approach (+1.06), compared to leading the category last season (+1.5). While he’s likely to regain his top form, his performance around and on the greens is more concerning. Last season, Scheffler excelled in strokes gained: around the green and had slightly above-average putting.

This season, he has regressed in both areas, evident in missed short putts and struggles to recover around the greens.

Despite these concerns, Scheffler remains patient. Though his frustration is visible, he’s using it as motivation. For Scheffler, a typically composed competitor, this frustration might be a positive driving force.

‘I’m leaving this week feeling close. I know what I need to work on at home, but I feel very close,’ Scheffler said. ‘I’m competitive, and I felt I could have played better this week. I finished 4 under par, and I felt my golf was better than that. Overall, I don’t feel far off.’

The Players’ Unique Identity

While the Players Championship isn’t officially a fifth major, there’s no reason it should aspire to be. After this week in Ponte Vedra, it’s clear it has its own distinct appeal.

Whether intentionally or organically, the Players has embraced its identity as a premier tournament at an exceptional course, forging a unique and growing stature in golf.

The course itself is a significant factor. TPC Sawgrass demands precision off the tee and creativity when fairways are missed, making it as compelling as any major venue. McIlroy’s victory, despite hitting only 28 fairways, highlighted this perfectly.

Despite the emergence of LIV Golf affecting field strength, the Players still attracts top talent and consistently produces compelling winners and matchups, like McIlroy vs. Spaun.

The Players has successfully blended elements of the Waste Management Open’s atmosphere (in a more controlled manner) with a top-tier course and elite players, creating a marquee event. It possesses the energy of a major without needing the official title.

Some might see this as a drawback, but many view it as a strength. Players consistently praise the Players Championship.

While a PGA Tour-PIF agreement is still pending, once it materializes and tours unify, the Players Championship is uniquely positioned to benefit more than any other event.