The 5th Major
Established in 1974, the Players Championship is often considered the “fifth Major”. The Florida tournament is a tournament belonging entirely to the PGA Tour and which, like the other Majors, has an expanded field of players of 144 players (except for the Masters: 156 players) including the 50 best players in the world (except those having joined the LIV Golf). The endowment is also greater than the other tournaments of the American circuit with 25 million dollars, including 4.5 million for the winner. A total of 41 players will have over $100,000.
The emblematic course
The TPC at Sawgrass was designated in 1976 to be the host golf course for the tournament, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. In 1982, the “Stadium” course, created from the idea of the former commissioner of the PGA Tour, Deane R. Beman, was designated as the permanent location of the tournament. A course designed to accommodate fans and allow them to see several holes at once.
The 17, signature hole
The 17th hole is the most famous amphitheater on the “Stadium” course. Nicknamed “The Island Hole”, it has become one of the most famous holes in the world. This iconic hole is a par 3 of 125 meters surrounded by water, in full view of all spectators. The tournament can be won or lost here.
An absent title holder
For this 2023 edition, defending champion Cameron Smith will be absent due to his participation in the LIV Golf tournaments. In a video, the Australian is talking about him by suggesting that he could go there to watch the tournament, living near the course: “I will surely watch it on TV, because it is a superb event. Throughout my youth, I watched this tournament. I would love to be there, even if I have no idea how it would be, how I would be welcomed. It would be funny if I wandered out there in the audience. »
Jack Nicklaus, the most successful
Jack Nicklaus is the most successful player in the Players Championship with his three victories in 1974, 1976 and 1978. Behind him with two victories are the Americans Fred Couples (1984, 1996), Hal Sutton (1983, 2000), Davis Love III (1992, 2003) and Tiger Woods (2001, 2013) as well as Australian Steve Elkington (1991, 1997).
