Who is playing in the 2024 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass? Field and top players

The prestigious TPC Sawgrass hosts the PGA Tour on its iconic Stadium Course, renowned for its difficulty due to water hazards and treacherous bunkers. The course spans over 7,000 yards, has a par 72, and features four enticing par fives. Its meticulously crafted greens demand precision and finesse from competitors.

TPC Sawgrass is a high-tech course with complete sub-air systems. Winning scores are typically 14 to 17 under par, but unpredictable weather conditions have occasionally tested players’ resilience and adaptability.

Over the past four years, Strokes Gained statistics have shed light on the performance of top contenders like Scheffler, Smith, Thomas, and Mcllroy, revealing their strengths and weaknesses. A well-rounded game, particularly in the short-game arena, is crucial at TPC Sawgrass, where precision and finesse are essential. Players must excel in all aspects of their game, including off-the-tee skills and delicate touches around the greens. Traditional metrics like driving distance and accuracy take a backseat, with proximity to the hole and scrambling proficiency ultimately separating the contenders from the pretenders.

2024 Players Championship: Field and top picks

Then, who are the favorites for the upcoming PGA Tour championship? Although some rankings may seem unusual and overlook the absence of top players, the top contenders are easily identifiable. Scotty Sheffer holds a promising position at number two, followed by Cam Smith at number ten, Justin Thomas at number three, and Rory McIlroy at number six. These elite players have been dominating the winner’s circle for the past four years, leaving little room for surprise winners.

Expert predictions suggest that Scotty Scheffler is the player to watch, backed by a strong track record on Bermuda grass greens similar to those at TPC Sawgrass. With an impressive victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Scheffler’s form is undeniable, making him a formidable force at odds of 6 to 1.

Hideki Matsuyama is another compelling choice, with his consistent performance across various tournaments and an impressive record at TPC Sawgrass. Priced at 28 to 1, Matsuyama’s history of multiple wins within short spans underscores his potential to shine again on the grand stage.

Shane Lowry, a seasoned competitor with a talent for excelling on Bermuda grass greens, presents an intriguing option at 33 to 1. With a solid performance last year and a notable improvement in his putting game, Lowry is poised to make his mark in this year’s championship.

Brian Harmon, the reigning Open Champion, enters the fray with odds of 66 to 1. Despite being underrated in some circles, Harmon’s prowess on Bermuda grass and his recent strong showings make him a dark horse worth considering.

Finally, Eric Van Rooyen rounds out the expert picks, displaying impressive form in recent tournaments and boasting favorable odds of 125 to 1. With a History of solid performances in Florida and a promising track record at TPC Sawgrass, Van Rooyen could emerge as a surprise contender for the title.