The Players Championship is a powerhouse on the PGA Tour, regularly attracting the world's top 50 golfers. Unlike Major championships, it's owned by the PGA Tour itself, solidifying its importance. The tournament boasts a hefty purse, reaching a peak of $25 million in 2023. Winners here achieve exceptional feats, with the average winning score sitting at 11.78 under par.
The iconic 17th hole with its island green has witnessed triumphs and tribulations – Tom Lehman's record low of 11 under cumulative score and Bob Tway's highest ever at 30 over. Jhonattan Vegas even aced a 69-foot putt on 17 in the final round of 2019. Scottie Scheffler emerged victorious in the 2023 Players Championship and successfully defending his title in 2024 as well.
The Players Championship Qualification Criteria
The tournament comprises 144 players who meet various criteria. This includes players who have won tournaments on the PGA Tour since the last Players Championship, recent major championship and The Players winners, as well as top players in the current and past FedEx Cup standings.
Here are the criteria shared:
Winners of all the PGA Tour events since the 2023 Players Championship
Top 125 from all the previous season's FedEx Cup Fall Playoffs and Eligibility Points List
Recent winners of the Masters Tournament between 2019 and 2023
Recent winners of The Players Championship (2018–2023)
Recent winners of The Open Championship (2018–2023)
Recent winners of the U.S. Open (2018–2023)
Recent winners of the PGA Championship (2018–2023)
Recent winners of the FedEx Cup (2019–2023)
The player who earned the most points in the Korn Ferry Tour during the previous year.
The leading player who earned a PGA Tour card based on the previous year's Race to Dubai ranking.
The winner of the Kaulig Companies Championship from the previous year.
The winners of the WGC Match Play from 2021 to 2023.
The winner of the WGC Invitational in 2021.
The winners of the Genesis Invitational from 2022 to 2024.
The winners of the Arnold Palmer Invitational from 2022 to 2024.
The winners of the Memorial Tournament from 2021 to 2023.
The top 50 players from the Official World Golf Ranking following the Cognizant Classic.
The top 10 players in the current season's FedEx Cup points standings after the Cognizant Classic.
The remaining positions and alternates will be filled through the current year's FedEx Cup standings after the Cognizant Classic (rank in parentheses).
Who won The Players Championship this year?
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, overcame a five-shot deficit by shooting a bogey-free 64 (-8) and became the first player in the history of The Players Championship to win back-to-back tournaments.
| Place | Player | Score | To Par | Money ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scottie Scheffler (c) | 67-69-68-64 | -20 | 4,500,000 |
| T2 | Wyndham Clark | 65-65-70-69 | -19 | 1,918,916.67 |
| T2 | Brian Harman | 72-65-64-68 | -19 | 1,918,916.67 |
| T4 | Xander Schauffele | 65-69-65-70 | -19 | 1,610,250.00 |
| 5 | Matt Fitzpatrick | 66-69-68-69 | -16 | 1,478,125.00 |
| T6 | Kim Si-woo (c) | 70-71-68-64 | -15 | 1,370,625.00 |
| T6 | Hideki Matsuyama | 69-69-68-67 | -15 | 1,370,625.00 |
| 8 | Ludvig Åberg | 67-73-67-67 | -14 | 1,275,000.00 |
| T9 | Maverick McNealy | 67-68-68-72 | -13 | 1,187,500.00 |
| T9 | Sahith Theegala | 70-67-67-71 | -13 | 1,187,500.00 |
FAQ's On The Players Championship
A. The Players boasts one of the strongest fields in golf, attracting the top 50 players in the world. Unlike major championships, it's solely owned by the PGA Tour, further amplifying its significance. It also offers a hefty purse, reaching a peak of $25 million in 2023.
A. Since 1983, eagles have triggered donations of over 1,770 books to children in need. The tournament has also generated $100 million for Northeast Florida charities, demonstrating its positive community impact.
A. The average winning score at The Players Championship is low, sitting at 11.78 under par.
