The Players Championship: When To Watch In 2023

when is the players championship

The Players Championship is an annual golf tournament that took place from March 9 to March 12, 2023, at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Scottie Scheffler won the 2023 championship, his first Players Championship win and sixth PGA Tour win. The Players Championship is considered golf's unofficial fifth major, and the winner of the tournament is considered to have beaten the very best and cemented his place in history as a champion.

Characteristics Values
Year 2025, 2026
Dates 13-16 March 2025
Location TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
Host City Jacksonville
Prize Money $25 million
Winner's Share $4 million, $4.5 million
Winner Rory McIlroy (2025)
Runner-up J. J. Spaun (2025)
Number of Players 144

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The Players Championship 2025

Rory McIlroy earned his second Players Championship title in a three-hole aggregate playoff against J. J. Spaun. Both players finished at 12-under-par 276, and the playoff was the tournament's first since 2015. McIlroy took a three-shot lead into the final hole, while Spaun hit his tee shot over the island green into the water hazard, resulting in a triple bogey. McIlroy's victory marked his second PGA TOUR title before April, solidifying his place as one of the greatest players of his generation.

The tournament began on Thursday, March 13, with first-round coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. and included a special ESPN BET stream with live betting data, insights, and analysis. The second round of competition took place on Friday, with coverage also beginning at 7:30 a.m. On Saturday, the third round began at 8:00 a.m., and the final round on Sunday commenced at the same time.

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Rory McIlroy wins 2025 tournament

Rory McIlroy has done it again! The Northern Irish golfer has won the 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, claiming his 28th PGA Tour title and becoming the eighth man to win multiple Players Championships. McIlroy, a former world number one, has now joined an elite group of golfers who have conquered one of the most challenging and recognisable holes in golf—the 17th Island Green.

This victory marks McIlroy's second win of the season and the first time he has won multiple PGA Tour titles before April. It is a remarkable addition to his already impressive resume, which includes a modern career grand slam and over 100 weeks spent as the world number one. McIlroy's success is a testament to his dedication and the sacrifices made by his parents, who worked tirelessly to support his golfing ambitions.

The Players Championship is one of the biggest events in golf, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and featuring the top 50 golfers in the world. The tournament is known for its challenging course, which tests every aspect of a player's game with long, medium, and short holes, all playing in different directions. The 17th hole, in particular, strikes fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned golfers.

McIlroy's performance at the 2025 tournament was exceptional, and he emerged victorious against tough competition. His win cements his place in history as a champion and further establishes him as one of the greatest players of his generation. With this latest victory, McIlroy continues to build his legacy and inspire golfers worldwide.

The Players Championship is not just a showcase of athletic excellence but also a celebration of sports entertainment. The tournament offers a range of experiences for spectators, from comfortable seating to a Mediterranean-style clubhouse and premier dining options. Outside the tournament, attendees can explore Jacksonville's vibrant craft beer scene and exciting festivals, making the event a memorable experience for all who attend.

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TPC Sawgrass course

The Players Championship is an annual golf tournament held at the TPC Sawgrass course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The course is located just southeast of Jacksonville and a short drive from Jacksonville International Airport.

TPC Sawgrass features two championship courses: the Stadium Course and the Valley Course, both designed by renowned golf course architect Pete Dye. The Stadium Course, known as one of the most difficult golf courses in the world, is the permanent home of The Players Championship. It was built in 1980 to challenge tour professionals and enhance the overall on-site fan experience. The course design favours no particular style of play, resulting in a truly balanced layout. It features a mix of long, medium, and short holes, with no two consecutive holes playing in the same direction.

The signature hole of the Stadium Course is the 17th, known as the "Island Green." This hole, technically a peninsula, is completely surrounded by water, with only a small path leading to the green. It measures 137 yards (125 meters) from tee to green and consists of a 78-foot (24-meter) long green with a tiny bunker in front of it. The Island Green design came about by accident when the soil surrounding the 17th, which consisted of sand, was dug up, leaving a large crater. Alice Dye, Pete Dye's wife, then suggested the Island Green concept, creating one of golf's most recognisable holes.

The Valley Course, on the other hand, offers a perfectly balanced golf experience, winding through North Florida's naturally compelling landscape.

TPC Sawgrass also features a Mediterranean-style clubhouse that provides TOUR-standard hospitality. The course is known for its excellent visibility for spectators, who can walk the course comfortably and enjoy covered bleachers overlooking holes 10, 12, 13, and 16.

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$25 million prize money

THE PLAYERS Championship is an annual golf tournament held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. It is one of the biggest events in golf, attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators and a high-calibre field of competitors. The 2025 championship took place in March and offered a total prize purse of $25 million, the largest of any tournament on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy claimed the winner's share of $4.5 million, making him the PGA Tour's second $100 million man. This was McIlroy's second Players Championship title and his 28th PGA Tour title overall. He defeated J.J. Spaun, who took home $2,725,000, a career-best payout.

The Players Championship is not classified as a major or one of the PGA Tour's "signature events", yet its purse rivals those of the most prestigious tournaments. The winner's share of $4.5 million is the single highest payout in golf, exceeding the prizes for any of the four major championships.

The 2025 tournament saw McIlroy and Spaun go head-to-head in a three-hole aggregate playoff on Monday, after the initial 72 holes failed to produce a champion. McIlroy clinched the title by two strokes, birding the first hole and maintaining his lead through challenging weather conditions.

The Players Championship was first held in 1974 and has since become a prestigious event on the golf calendar. The tournament features a field of 144 players, including the top 50 golfers as ranked by World Golf, current FedEx point leaders, and past winners. The course at TPC Sawgrass, designed by Pete Dye, is renowned for its challenging layout, with holes playing in different directions and the iconic 17th Island Green.

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Hole 18 upgrade

The Players Championship is an annual golf tournament held in March. The 2026 edition will take place in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, at TPC Sawgrass, which has hosted the tournament for over 40 years. The course was designed by Pete Dye and consists of 144 players who qualify based on their ranking by World Golf, current FedEx point leaders, and past winners.

The Hole 18 Upgrade is part of the tournament's commitment to creating a challenging course for players and a unique experience for spectators. The upgrade complements the natural beauty and grandeur of the course, which features tree-lined fairways, undulating greens, thick rough, and deep bunkers.

The Players Championship is renowned for its challenging holes, with the 17th hole being famous for its island green. This hole has produced dramatic moments and is considered one of the most challenging and recognizable in golf. The 18th hole, with its new upgrade, now offers a similar level of excitement and immersion for fans, elevating the overall spectator experience.

In addition to the Hole 18 Upgrade, The Players Championship offers a variety of attractions for attendees, including a diverse food scene, military appreciation festivities, and the PGA TOUR Fan Shop, providing a well-rounded and memorable experience for golf enthusiasts and visitors alike.

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Frequently asked questions

The Players Championship is held annually. The 2025 Players Championship was held from March 13 to March 16. The next one will be in 2026, in March.

The Players Championship is held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Rory McIlroy earned his second Players Championship title.

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