PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA Golf has long been a sport defined by its paradoxes—moments of brilliance followed by stretches of frustration, triumphs that feel fleeting and struggles that seem eternal. For players like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas, the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass epitomizes this duality. The Stadium Course, a masterclass in complexity, demands precision and adaptability, rewarding those who navigate its winding layout with mastery. Yet even the game’s elite faces challenges that test their resolve and technique. Scheffler, widely regarded as the world’s top player, faced a difficult round on Thursday, marked by inconsistencies that contrasted with his usual dominance. The 72 he posted was a far cry from his recent form, as he struggled to find rhythm with his driver, often sending shots into the short grass. The Stadium Course, designed by Pete Dye, is a puzzle of curving holes that require players to adjust their approach constantly. For instance, the first hole demands a fade off the tee and a draw into the green, while the second hole reverses that pattern. This demands a level of adaptability that Scheffler seemed to lack, leaving him scrambling for pars rather than playing with confidence. His difficulties were evident in his tee shots, which frequently veered right, forcing him to contend with rough and water hazards. Despite moments of brilliance—such as a 2-foot approach at the sixth hole and a wedge shot setting up a closing birdie on the ninth—his round felt disjointed. Scheffler’s frustration was palpable, particularly after a late three-putt on the 18th hole at Bay Hill, where he tossed his ball into the water in a moment of exasperation.#scottie_scheffler #players_championship #tpc_sawgrass #pete_dye #justin_thomas
Rory McIlroy Reveals Menu for Masters Club Dinner Rory McIlroy has shared the menu for the Masters Club dinner, a tradition hosted annually at the Augusta National Golf Club ahead of the tournament. The menu, inspired by McIlroy’s upbringing, Georgia cuisine, and global favorites, reflects personal memories and regional influences. The event, attended by past champions, features a curated selection of dishes and wines, with McIlroy taking the lead in choosing the offerings for the 2024 dinner. The menu includes four appetizers: bacon-wrapped dates, grilled elk sliders, rock shrimp tempura, and peach and ricotta flatbread. McIlroy explained that the dates were a nod to his mother, who often prepared them during his childhood. The elk sliders were inspired by his experience eating large quantities of elk before last year’s Masters, while the peach and ricotta flatbread highlights local Georgia flavors. For the first course, McIlroy selected yellowfin tuna carpaccio, a dish he has consistently ordered at his favorite New York City restaurant, Le Bernardin. He described it as a simple yet essential choice, noting that the club worked with chefs at the restaurant to replicate the dish for the event. The main course offers two options: wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon. Sides include traditional Irish champ, a dish McIlroy recalled eating as a child, along with brussels sprouts, glazed carrots, and vidalia onion rings. Dessert features sticky toffee pudding, a “crowd-pleaser” chosen for its universal appeal. McIlroy also curated a wine list featuring selections from the Augusta National wine cellar.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #augusta_national_golf_club #masters_club_dinner #le_bernardin
Ludvig Aberg's Odds to Win 2026 British Open Ludvig Aberg is currently listed at +2200 odds to win the 2026 British Open, according to BetMGM. The odds for other top contenders include Scottie Scheffler at +400, Rory McIlroy at +800, Jon Rahm at +1200, Tommy Fleetwood at +1400, Bryson DeChambeau at +1600, and Xander Schauffele at +1800. Other notable players such as Tyrrell Hatton, Robert MacIntyre, Viktor Hovland, and Collin Morikawa are also in the mix, with odds ranging from +2500 to +3300. The list extends to include a wide range of golfers, with Justin Thomas at +4000 and several others at +5000 and higher. Aberg has competed in two editions of The Open Championship throughout his career. Despite his strong performances in major tournaments, he has yet to secure a victory in the prestigious event. His best results in major championships have come at The Masters, where he finished in second place in 2024 and seventh in 2025. These finishes highlight his consistent ability to compete at the highest level but fall short of claiming a major title. The odds provided reflect the current perception of Aberg's chances in the 2026 British Open, which is set to be one of the most anticipated events in the golf calendar. While his +2200 odds place him among the longer shots compared to other contenders, his track record and recent form suggest he remains a viable contender. The betting market for the tournament includes a diverse range of players, with a mix of established stars and emerging talents vying for the title. The information presented here is intended to provide insight into the current betting landscape for the 2026 British Open. It is important to note that odds can fluctuate based on player form, course conditions, and other factors.#betmgm #rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #british_open #ludvig_aberg
Collin Morikawa’s odds to win the 2026 British Open are listed at +3300, making him one of the top contenders in the field. The odds for other notable players include Scottie Scheffler at +400, Rory McIlroy at +800, Jon Rahm at +1200, and Tommy Fleetwood at +1400. Bryson DeChambeau is at +1600, while Xander Schauffele and Ludvig Aberg are priced at +1800 and +2200 respectively. Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre are at +2500 and +2800, with Viktor Hovland also at +2800. Other players such as Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Shane Lowry share the +3300 line, while Justin Thomas is at +4000. The list continues with higher odds for players like Chris Gotterup, Brooks Koepka, and Hideki Matsuyama, all at +4500 and +5000. Morikawa has a strong history in The Open Championship, with five career appearances. His most notable achievement came in 2021 when he won the tournament at Royal St. George’s. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as a top-tier golfer. In addition to his Open Championship success, Morikawa has also claimed the 2020 PGA Championship and finished third at the 2024 Masters, further highlighting his competitive edge on the global stage. The article also notes that Morikawa’s performance in the 2026 British Open will be closely watched, given his track record and current odds. Fans and bettors are encouraged to follow the latest updates and developments as the tournament approaches. BetMGM, the sportsbook mentioned, offers live betting opportunities for golf enthusiasts, including detailed odds for the British Open. New users are invited to check their eligibility for a welcome offer, while the platform emphasizes responsible gambling practices. The content provided is intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #jon_rahm #collin_morikawa #british_open
Justin Thomas Odds To Win British Open 2026 Justin Thomas is currently listed at +4000 odds to win the 2026 British Open, according to recent betting updates. The odds for other top golfers include Scottie Scheffler at +400, Rory McIlroy at +800, Jon Rahm at +1200, and Tommy Fleetwood at +1400. Other notable players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Aberg are also included in the list, with varying degrees of favoritism. The full list of odds spans from +4000 for Thomas to +10000 for players like Cameron Smith and Jake Knapp. Thomas has participated in eight career appearances in The Open Championship, though he has not yet secured a victory in the tournament. Despite this, he has achieved two major championship titles, including the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2022. His performance in the Open has been consistent, but the 2026 edition presents a new opportunity for him to add to his major titles. The odds reflect the current perception of each player's chances, with the top contenders having the lowest payouts. Players like Viktor Hovland and Collin Morikawa are also in the mix, with odds around +2800 and +3300 respectively. The list includes a wide range of golfers, from established names like Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay to emerging talents such as Sam Burns and Adam Scott. The betting market for the 2026 British Open is highly competitive, with a diverse group of players vying for the title. While Thomas’s odds place him in the longer shot category, his experience and past success in major tournaments suggest he remains a strong contender. The final outcome will depend on form, course conditions, and the performance of other top players throughout the event.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #jon_rahm #justin_thomas #british_open_2026
TPC Sawgrass’ 12th Hole Set for New Challenges at THE PLAYERS Championship PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The 12th hole at TPC Sawgrass, a pivotal risk-reward challenge on the Stadium Course, is undergoing subtle but significant changes for this year’s THE PLAYERS Championship. The course, a masterpiece designed by Pete Dye, has long been a test of precision and strategy, but this year’s setup aims to amplify its difficulty while maintaining its iconic character. Under the guidance of Director of Agronomy Lucas Andrews, the course has been meticulously prepared to host a championship-level event. Ideal weather conditions in Northeast Florida have allowed the team to achieve their goals ahead of the tournament. Players have noted firmer fairways and greens compared to recent years, with Scottie Scheffler commenting that the surfaces “are definitely a little bit firmer than they have been the last couple years.” Andrews emphasized that the adjustments were not intentional to challenge professionals but rather a natural outcome of the course’s maintenance and environmental factors. One of the most notable changes is the lengthening of the rough on the left side of the 12th hole. While the fairway remains a priority for players, the thicker rough has created new challenges. Justin Rose noted the rough is approximately 4.5 inches, a decision aimed at encouraging players to focus on accuracy rather than power. This shift aligns with Dye’s original vision for the course, which prioritized strategic play over aggressive driving. The 12th hole, a short par-4 measuring 365 yards from the tips, has historically been a reachable target for top players. However, recent modifications have increased its difficulty.#scottie_scheffler #tpc_sawgrass #the_players_championship #pete_dye #lucas_andrews
2026 Players Championship Odds and Predictions: Model Simulations Highlight Key Contenders The 2026 Players Championship is set to begin at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on Thursday at 7:40 a.m. ET. Known as the unofficial fifth major of the PGA Tour, the event features a high-caliber field and a $25 million purse, surpassing the prize money of other Signature Events. FanDuel Sportsbook’s latest odds list Scottie Scheffler as the +480 favorite, with Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa following at +1600. Other notable contenders include Si Woo Kim at +2000, Ludvig Aberg at +2200, Russell Henley at +2500, Tommy Fleetwood at +2500, and Xander Schauffele at +2700. SportsLine’s proprietary model, developed by DFS pro Mike McClure, simulated the tournament 10,000 times and produced surprising insights. The model’s predictions, which have historically been profitable, include a notable call to fade Schauffele, who is projected to barely crack the top 10. The 32-year-old has only one top-10 finish this season and struggled at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, posting scores of 73 and 74 over the weekend. Meanwhile, Aberg is highlighted as a top value pick after a recent resurgence, with improved finishes in his past four events and a T3 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. The model also identifies four other golfers with +3000 or higher odds who could challenge for the top of the leaderboard. These include Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young, Hideki Matsuyama, Min Woo Lee, Viktor Hovland, and Sepp Straka. The odds list includes additional players such as Jake Knapp, Akshay Bhatia, Chris Gotterup, Daniel Berger, Robert MacIntyre, Shane Lowry, Rickie Fowler, Maverick McNealy, Harris English, Patrick Cantlay, and Jacob Bridgeman, among others.#florida #scottie_scheffler #players_championship #tpc_sawgrass #ponte_vedra_beach
Previewing the Players Championship: Can Koepka contend, who are some sleepers? PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The 2026 PGA Players Championship has arrived, bringing with it a mix of high-stakes competition and intriguing storylines. Defending champion Rory McIlroy and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler are both aiming for their third title at TPC Sawgrass, while Brooks Koepka, returning to the event after a two-year absence, faces the challenge of proving himself against the sport’s elite. The course, known for its demanding layout and unpredictable conditions, is expected to test even the most seasoned players. Scheffler, a two-time previous winner of the event, is widely regarded as the favorite despite recent struggles. His performance at Bay Hill last week, where he appeared frustrated with his play, highlights the pressure he faces. While his iron play has dipped this season—ranking 88th in strokes gained: approach—he has the experience and talent to overcome such slumps. The tournament’s format, which rewards precision and consistency, suits his strengths, making him a strong contender. However, his slow starts this year, with a scoring average of 70.4 in the first three rounds compared to 67.0 in the final three, remain a concern. Koepka, meanwhile, is making his first appearance at the Players since 2022. The 35-year-old has never finished in the top 10 at TPC Sawgrass in seven starts, including a missed cut in 2022. His struggles on the 17th hole, a par-3 that has cost him dearly over the years, could be a critical factor. Despite this, Koepka has shown flashes of his former dominance, including a 65 at PGA National last month. This week’s event will serve as a true test of his ability to compete with the Tour’s best.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #brooks_koepka #xander_schauffele #jon_rahm
Scottie Scheffler Adheres to Unwritten Tradition at Masters Champions Dinner Scottie Scheffler has made it clear he will not sit near the seats occupied by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods during the Masters Champions Dinner, a tradition that has persisted even as the event has evolved over the years. The 2022 Green Jacket winner, now ranked No. 1 in the world, has attended the exclusive gathering twice as a host and has always respected the unspoken protocol surrounding seating arrangements. While the exact details of the tradition remain informal, Scheffler described it as a subtle yet significant aspect of the event. Scheffler explained that the dinner’s seating is divided into informal sections, with players naturally gravitating toward areas that align with their status and history within the sport. However, he emphasized that he would never attempt to sit in the vicinity of Nicklaus and Woods, even as the evening progresses. “There’s kind of spots where you kind of feel you’ll naturally flow into,” he said, adding that the tradition reflects a deep respect for the game’s icons. The event, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, has long been a highlight of the Masters week, offering a rare opportunity for past champions to reunite. Scheffler, who has already established himself as a future legend of the sport, admitted the experience was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. Hosting the dinner for the first time, he described the moment as a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. “I had no idea what it was going to be like,” he said, noting that the only certainty was where he would sit—next to the club’s chairman, Fred Ridley, and former president, Billy Crenshaw. To ease his nerves, Scheffler enlisted his wife, Meredith, to preview the setup before the event began.#scottie_scheffler #augusta_national_golf_club #tiger_woods #fred_ridley #jack_nicklaus
Scottie Scheffler on Masters Champions Dinner, seating chart and more Scottie Scheffler was unprepared for the experience of hosting the Masters Champions Dinner for the first time. The event, held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, is a private gathering of all past Masters champions, celebrating the previous year’s winner. Known as the most exclusive dinner in golf, the evening features a menu curated by the host and is served in honor of their victory. Despite the prestige, Scheffler admitted he felt nervous ahead of his debut in 2023. “The only thing I really knew is where I was going to sit,” Scheffler said. “That’s basically the only thing I knew, sitting next to Mr. Crenshaw and the chairman. So, yeah, I was definitely nervous. I’m not really a super social guy to begin with.” He revealed he arrived early to familiarize himself with the setup and invited his wife, Meredith, to preview the event. “I got there early, checked everything out, kind of snuck Meredith up there, let her see because she kind of helped me plan out a lot of the food and all that stuff. Obviously, I wanted her to see it, so I kind of snuck her up the back, showed her everything before it got started.” This year marks Scheffler’s fourth Masters Champions Dinner, having hosted two of the past three years. Rory McIlroy will take over as host after completing his Grand Slam in 2025. Scheffler shared insights about the seating arrangements, explaining that while there is a subtle protocol, the placement isn’t strictly assigned. “There’s a little protocol,” he said. “Guys kind of have like, I would say, sections where they sit. But you move around a little bit. There’s not necessarily assigned seats, but I’m definitely not going to go sit in the area where Tiger and Jack sit.#rory_mcilroy #scottie_scheffler #jon_rahm #augusta_national_golf_club #masters_champions_dinner
Where to sit at Masters Champions Dinner? Scottie Scheffler talks ‘protocol’ Scottie Scheffler has attended three Champions Dinners. If you get anxious about where to sit at Thanksgiving, imagine how you might feel as a still new-ish Masters winner approaching the table at the fabled Champions Dinner and deciding where to pull up a chair. There are no place cards or seating charts—just assorted legends and multiple-time major winners peering up from their vodka-sodas and dinner rolls and saying with their eyes, “Really, kid, you’re going to sit here?” “It’s not assigned seating, but a lot of people sit in the same chairs,” Adam Scott, the 2013 champion, said in 2023. “I like that, to be perfectly honest. I like the fact that you kind of feel like that’s your spot.” Well, yeah, once you’ve established that spot. The first year is easy, because as the defending champion and host, you’re seated by default at the head of the table, flanked by the dinner’s resident host, two-time champion Ben Crenshaw, and Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley. Year 2 gets trickier. Scott navigated his sophomore dinner appearance by fast-walking to an open spot next to his junior-golf pal Trevor Immelman, a pocket of the table where Nick Faldo also is a regular. Other players have formed their own table cliques: Zach Johnson shoulders up with Jordan Spieth, with the likes of Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed and old-timers Larry Mize and Bernhard Langer also in the region. Three legends—Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Tom Watson—gravitate toward seats just to the left of the head. The late Fuzzy Zoeller used to favor the far end of the table, which is a little like sitting at the back of the school bus. And so it goes. Call them comfort zones.#scottie_scheffler #adam_scott #ben_crenshaw #fred_ridley #trevor_immelman
How to bet the Arnold Palmer Invitational: Best bets, DFS tips and more Bay Hill is a long, demanding course with thick rough that tests players’ long iron accuracy and control. The par 3s are challenging, often exceeding 200 yards, and birdies are rare. Success hinges on consistent tee shots, strong iron play, and the ability to survive missed greens. The focus is on players who can manage the course’s hazards and maintain composure over four rounds. Key factors for success include balanced tee-to-green performance, reliable long iron numbers, and enough short game stability to avoid costly mistakes. Here’s a breakdown of players who fit that profile for the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Nicolai Højgaard is a strong contender. His recent form shows marked improvement, with neutral or positive strokes gained across all areas. Last season, his struggles around the green were a major weakness, but over his last seven rounds, he’s been more consistent. His ball-striking has improved, with gains on approach shots and solid off-the-tee numbers. Højgaard is second in par 3 scoring and fourth on long par 3s, which aligns well with Bay Hill’s setup. Enhanced scrambling ability and a positive Bermuda putting split further solidify his position. If his current form holds, he’s a live contender for a top leaderboard finish. Ryo Hisatsune offers value for a top 30 finish. His all-around ball-striking—gaining strokes off the tee, on approach, and around the green—makes him a strong fit for Bay Hill. His performance on par 3s is particularly relevant, as he’s Top 20 in both overall par 3 scoring and long par 3s. However, his scrambling weakness could be exposed in heavy conditions, though his greens-in-regulation (GIR) rate limits the number of pressure situations.#arnold_palmer_invitational #jordan_spieth #scottie_scheffler #nicolai_hojgaard #ryo_hisatsune
2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational prediction: PGA Tour odds, picks, best bets The Florida Swing, a stretch of tournaments known for its unpredictable nature, delivered a dramatic twist during the final rounds of the Cognizant Classic. Shane Lowry, who entered the final day with a three-stroke lead, appeared poised for victory. The Irish golfer had executed consistent play throughout the event, navigating the challenging course with precision. However, a critical error on the 16th hole set off a chain reaction of setbacks. Two double-bogeys and a par later, Lowry’s tournament came to an abrupt end, marking what could be the most significant collapse of the 2026 season. The collapse was a harsh reality for bettors who had backed Lowry at 19/1 odds, but it provided a windfall for those who had taken a chance on Nico Echavarria at 40/1. The incident underscored the volatile nature of golf betting, particularly during this phase of the season. As the focus shifts to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, one of the season’s most prestigious non-major events, the stakes remain high. Bay Hill, the iconic course hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational, is renowned for its difficulty. In 2025, it ranked eighth among PGA Tour courses, and in 2024, it placed tenth. The layout demands precision, with hazards and tight fairways testing even the most seasoned players. Scottie Scheffler, who has claimed two titles at Bay Hill in his last four appearances (2022 and 2024), is the favorite at +320 odds. Rory McIlroy, with a single-digit line at +950, is the only other golfer carrying short odds, given his strong historical performance at the event. While the top contenders pose formidable challenges, there are long shots worth considering. Viktor Hovland, who missed the cut at Bay Hill last year, is now available at 40/1.#arnold_palmer_invitational #bay_hill #scottie_scheffler #shane_lowry #nico_echavarria
