#the_players_championship

Large-Field GPP Breakdown: Valspar Championship Last week marked a modest but satisfying return to positive results in the golf DFS landscape, with several players securing cash payouts and a handful of Discord members achieving notable success. The focus remained on classic and R4 formats, as the golf community continued its push toward The Masters, which looms on the horizon. Despite the excitement surrounding Augusta National, there are still three major events left on the schedule before the tournament begins. The upcoming Florida swing will feature one more tournament before two events in Texas, which some have questioned as being somewhat out of place. However, as one Discord member aptly noted, the primary goal remains securing $200,000 for first place, and that’s a tournament worth chasing. The Players Championship provided a solid foundation for the week, with the author managing to secure Main Event tickets for The Masters while also cashing in the top 15 of the Driver category. While the results weren’t a dominant win, the ability to generate value was a welcome relief. The tournament’s dynamics were influenced by Rory McIlroy’s injury, which left him largely unowned in most contests due to the perceived risk of investing in an injured player. This shift in ownership led to increased demand for Collin Morikawa, who faced his own setback early in the week when a back issue forced him to withdraw from the event. Despite this, Morikawa still managed to finish in the top 40%, a performance that highlighted the unpredictability of the sport. The week’s events also underscored the growing role of casual players in major tournaments like The Players Championship, the four majors, and other high-profile events.#rory_mcilroy #collin_morikawa #the_players_championship #ludvig_aberg #valspar_championship

Matt Fitzpatrick Seeks Third PGA Tour Victory at Valspar Championship Matt Fitzpatrick is aiming for his third PGA Tour title at the Valspar Championship, with the tournament entering its final round. The English golfer, who has been in strong form this season, is currently tied for fourth at -8 heading into his Sunday afternoon tee time. Fitzpatrick’s performance has been notable, as he recently advanced to the 18th hole at The Players Championship before falling to Cameron Young. This week, he looks to secure a win that would solidify his position as one of the top contenders in the 2026 season. So far, Fitzpatrick has participated in six events, made six cuts, and recorded three top-15 finishes, showcasing his consistency and ability to compete at the highest level. Adrien Dumont de Chassart, referred to as Chassart in the tracking report, faces a more challenging path to victory. Starting five shots behind the leader at -6, Chassart would need an exceptional Sunday to make a late surge. The French golfer, who has struggled with consistency in 2026, has finished T26 or better in three events but missed two cuts in his six tournaments. For a player who primarily competed on the Korn Ferry Tour last year, a strong performance this week could mark a significant step forward in his PGA Tour career. The tournament’s final round has seen dramatic swings in both players’ fortunes. Fitzpatrick, who has been playing with a steady rhythm, has managed to stay within striking distance of the lead. His early rounds have been marked by strategic decisions and clutch putting, particularly on par-5 holes where he has capitalized on opportunities to extend his lead.#the_players_championship #valspar_championship #matt_fitzpatrick #adrien_dumont_de_chassart #korn_ferry_tour

Six Canadians set to compete at THE PLAYERS Championship for 2026 PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Six Canadian golfers will compete in the PGA TOUR’s THE PLAYERS Championship, which returns to the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass from March 10 to 15. The event features 123 players, including Corey Conners of Listowel, Ont., Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont., Taylor Pendrith of Richmond Hill, Ont., Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., A.J. Ewart of Coquitlam, B.C., and Sudarshan Yellamaraju of Mississauga, Ont. The field includes 47 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking and competitors from 24 countries. Conners, Canada’s highest-ranked player in the field, is known for his consistency on the PGA TOUR. A two-time winner on the tour, he has established himself as a regular contender in major events and aims to build on a strong start to the season. Pendrith, who claimed his first PGA TOUR title in 2024, returns to TPC Sawgrass after a successful campaign. As one of the longest hitters on the tour, he has climbed the FedExCup standings and remains a frequent top performer. Taylor, the first Canadian to win the RBC Canadian Open since 1954, is back in the field after his 2023 victory. A five-time PGA TOUR winner, he has been a reliable force for Canada in recent years. Hughes, a two-time PGA TOUR champion, returns to THE PLAYERS after a strong start to the season. Known for his putting skills, the Dundas native has consistently contended in high-stakes events and will aim to navigate the challenging Stadium Course. Two Canadians will make their THE PLAYERS debuts this week. Ewart, a PGA TOUR rookie and former standout at Barry University, earned his spot as part of his first full season on the tour. Yellamaraju, another rookie, will also compete for the first time after securing PGA TOUR status.#canada #tpc_sawgrass #the_players_championship #corey_conners #mackenzie_hughes

Canadians Tracker: Mackenzie Hughes, Taylor Pendrith Have Early Tee Times at The Players Championship The Players Championship began at TPC Sawgrass with six Canadian golfers competing for their first career victory in the $25 million event. Mackenzie Hughes, Taylor Pendrith, Nick Taylor, Corey Conners, Sudarshan Yellamaraju, and A.J. Ewart all started their rounds, with Hughes and Pendrith teeing off early in the morning. Both players managed to stay under par initially before finishing at 2-over for the day. Hughes opened with a bogey on the first hole but rebounded with an eagle on the par-5 11th. He returned to even after the front nine with a birdie on the 1st hole, though bogeys on holes 3, 4, and 18 left him at 1-over. Pendrith had a more steady start, birdying the first and 12th holes to sit at 2-under. A triple-bogey on the 15th disrupted his rhythm, followed by two more bogeys on the back nine, ending his round at 3-over. Taylor, who played in the afternoon group, struggled early with a double-bogey on the first hole. He recovered with a birdie on the 11th but faced setbacks with a bogey on the 14th and a double-bogey on the final hole, finishing at 3-over. Conners, who teed off shortly after Taylor, started strong with a birdie on the 10th and maintained a solid pace, finishing at 3-under. Sudarshan Yellamaraju and A.J. Ewart began their rounds in the final group, with play suspended due to darkness. Yellamaraju posted a par on the opening hole and remained steady until a double-bogey on the 5th, though he recovered with a birdie on the 14th. Ewart started with a par but fell to 5-over after 17 holes. The tournament’s leaderboard showed Corey Conners in the top 10 after his 3-under performance, while five players were tied at -5.#tpc_sawgrass #the_players_championship #corey_conners #mackenzie_hughes #taylor_pendrith

Canada's Conners in the mix after opening round of The Players Championship Corey Conners of Canada found himself in contention after a solid opening round at The Players Championship on Thursday, finishing tied for 10th at three under par. The tournament, held at TPC Sawgrass, saw five golfers share the early lead after shooting five under par, with Conners’ performance reflecting his consistent form throughout the season. Conners, known for his strong ball-striking, carded a 3-under 69 in the first round. The course, which he described as one of his favorites on the PGA Tour, presented challenges, particularly with the greens. Despite a bogey on the island-green par-3 17th hole, Conners managed to birdie his opening hole, the par-4 10th, and added birdies on holes 1, 2, and 7. His round was a microcosm of his season, with his iron play excelling but his putting struggling. The first round was delayed for 21 minutes due to a passing storm that made the course unplayable, affecting several players. Conners’ tee time was delayed by 30 minutes, but he remained focused, finishing the day with a score that left him two strokes behind the early leaders. The co-leaders, including Austin Smotherman, were still completing their rounds when the session was suspended. Maverick McNealy, Lee Hodges, Sepp Straka, and Sahith Theegala all shot 5-under 67s, setting the tone for a competitive leaderboard. Conners’ performance highlighted his strengths and weaknesses: he finished third in strokes gained on tee-to-green and sixth in approach shots, but his putting was a concern. He missed seven putts of less than 15 feet, including two within eight feet, which could have moved him closer to the lead if converted.#tpc_sawgrass #the_players_championship #corey_conners #austin_smotherman #maverick_mcnealy

Justin Thomas Discusses Form, Fashion Choices and Weather App Obsession Justin Thomas addressed the media Monday at The Players Championship, where he shared insights about his current form, his approach to clothing choices, and the reason behind his reliance on six weather apps. The 33-year-old golfer, who began his tournament with three consecutive birdies, emphasized the importance of mental preparation and physical readiness as he aims to contend in the event. Thomas spoke at length about his recent performance, noting that his confidence has been bolstered by consistent play in recent weeks. He acknowledged the challenges of competing at The Players Championship, particularly on the demanding No. 17 hole, which is known for its water hazard and tricky green. Despite the difficulties, Thomas expressed optimism about his ability to navigate the course effectively. When asked about his fashion choices, Thomas revealed a preference for practical yet stylish attire, often opting for breathable fabrics and colors that help him stay cool during long rounds. He also mentioned that his clothing decisions are influenced by both personal comfort and the need to maintain a professional appearance on the course. The golfer’s fascination with weather apps was a standout topic. Thomas explained that he uses multiple apps to track real-time conditions, including temperature, wind speed, and precipitation, which he believes are critical for adjusting his strategy during a round. He admitted that having six apps allows him to cross-reference data and make informed decisions, particularly in unpredictable weather scenarios.#tpc_sawgrass #golf #the_players_championship #justin_thomas #weather_apps

XTRATUF Equips TPC Sawgrass Agronomy Team for The Players Championship XTRATUF has extended its partnership with The Players Championship for a third consecutive year by providing durable footwear to the entire TPC Sawgrass agronomy team. The company’s Ankle Deck Boot will be used by the 220-person team responsible for maintaining the course to championship standards. This collaboration underscores the reliability of XTRATUF’s products in demanding environments. Lucas Andrews, director of golf course maintenance operations, emphasized the importance of consistent performance despite unpredictable weather conditions. “With XTRATUF, our team is ready for anything,” he said. “We can move confidently across the greens without worrying about damage or discomfort, even during long prep days.” The boots are designed to withstand rigorous use while ensuring the course remains in peak condition for the tournament. The Ankle Deck Boot features a non-marking Chevron outsole and slip-resistant construction, making it suitable for wet conditions. Its lightweight and flexible design has earned it a reputation among professionals in various fields, including commercial fishermen in Alaska, harbor workers, and now agronomy teams. Mike Roundhouse, general manager and vice president at XTRATUF, highlighted the trust placed in their gear. “These are professionals who depend on gear they can count on,” he said. “We’re proud to support them as they prepare one of golf’s most iconic courses.” The partnership reflects the growing demand for durable, functional footwear in high-stakes environments. XTRATUF’s commitment to quality aligns with the needs of the TPC Sawgrass team, which faces the challenge of maintaining a world-class course under intense scrutiny.#tpc_sawgrass #the_players_championship #lucas_andrews #xtratuf #mike_roundhouse

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