Often regarded as the fifth major, the 2026 Players Championship, taking place March 12-15, is quickly approaching. Here are some details you won’t want to miss.
The Players Championship is known for its elite field. The 120-player field is made up entirely of PGA Tour professionals. No amateurs, Monday qualifiers or sponsor exemptions. The top 50 players in the world rankings are always invited, and 48 of them played in 2025.
This year, several players will attract the attention of spectators, most notably Scottie Scheffler. As the current world No. 1, Scheffler has been the betting favorite to win almost every tournament that he enters. Scheffler holds two Players Championship titles, and in 2024, he became the first player in the tournament’s history to win back-to-back. Fans will also be keeping a close eye on world No. 2 Rory McIlroy. McIlroy will defend his title this year while also preparing to defend his Masters title in mid-April.
The Players Championship draws a large crowd for reasons other than just the tournament field. The tournament is also played at a prestigious venue: The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The course is a sought-after location for any fan of the game, with a greens fee exceeding $700 the week it opens to the public.
If there’s one thing fans will be talking about, it’s the 17th hole. The 17th hole features a breathtaking island green. By PGA Tour standards, it should be an easy hole, usually played between 120 and 140 yards with a large landing area. However, the stakes are so high that players frequently make large numbers on their score cards. In 2005, PGA Tour player Bob Tway recorded a 12 on the 17th after hitting his ball in the water four times. Every year, over 100,000 golf balls are hit into the waters surrounding the island.
Another unique characteristic of The Players Championship is the massive purse. In 2025, McIlroy took home a check for $4.5 million out of the $25 million purse. For reference, in 2025 McIlroy only took $4.2 million from a $21 million purse. Even though the difference is not significant, it is important to note that The Players Championship isn’t a major tournament.
Players also want to be exempt from the field because, in addition to the massive prize purse, there are even more benefits for the winner. The benefits include a five-year exemption on the PGA tour, a three-year invitation to the Masters and a three-year invitation to the other three major tournaments.
The Players Championship also provides an immersive fan experience. The Stadium Course isn’t called a stadium for no reason. The land was artificially built with mounds and embankments to provide vantage points for spectators to watch comfortably.
With elite talent, a legendary venue and one of golf’s most dramatic finishing stretches, the 2026 Players Championship promises another unforgettable week at Sawgrass.
