Players Championship 2026: Favorites and facts about the highlight at the TPC Sawgrass

When the elite of the golf world travel to Florida in March, one of the most prestigious events of the year will take place. The Players Championship 2026 will bring together the best players on the PGA Tour at TPC Sawgrass from March 12. With record prize money and the legendary setting of the Stadium Course, this tournament is the secret "fifth major" for many fans and professionals. We take a look at the favorites, the pitfalls of the course and everything you need to know for the upcoming tournament week.

The PGA Tour's flagship event: more than just prestige

The Players Championship 2026 is not only the Tour's flagship event, but also a yardstick for the form of the stars just before the first major of the year. This year, a slightly reduced field of 123 professionals will be competing - a deliberate decision by the tournament organizers to optimize the flow of play and make the most of the daylight in northeast Florida.

Particularly exciting: the return of Brooks Koepka, who is eligible to compete thanks to his victory at the 2023 PGA Championship, adds extra spice to the already top-class field of participants.

The Players Championship 2026 at a glance

To make it easier for you to find your way around, we have summarized the most important key data for you:

Leaderboard Players Championship 2026

To experience the first major highlight of the 2026 PGA Tour season up close, Greenfeed provides you with the 2026 Players Championship leaderboard. So you won't miss a single Birdie from your favorite player and will always be up to date. You can also find the Players Championship Tee Times in our live golf category.

Click here for the leaderboard of the Players Championship 2026.

Favorites check: Who will triumph at the Players Championship 2026?

The hunt for the Players Championship 2026 title is particularly open this year. As the Stadium Course emphasizes precision over sheer distance, different types of players are in contention for victory.

• Scottie Scheffler: The world number one could achieve something historic. A third title at this event would be a lonely record. Despite a short break in the winter, he is regarded as the man to beat.
• Rory McIlroy: As the reigning champion, the Northern Irishman arrives with plenty of self-confidence. Although back problems recently forced him to retire from a preparatory tournament, his record at Sawgrass speaks for itself.
• European challengers: Pay particular attention to Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry. Both have shown an upward curve of form in recent weeks and have the precise iron play that this course demands.
• Justin Thomas: After his injury-related break, the 2021 champion is back and wants to prove that he is once again one of the world's best.

TPC Sawgrass: Where dreams sink into the water

No preview of the 2026 Players Championship would be complete without a mention of Pete Dye's course design. The Stadium Course is a tactical masterpiece that forgives no mistakes.

The iconic island green of the 17th fairway is probably the most talked about hole in golf. Only 137 yards separate the players from glory or the certain loss of the ball in the water. Tens of thousands of balls are sunk here every year - for professionals, this hole often decides who wins the tournament on Sunday. The final holes 16, 17 and 18 form one of the most exciting finishing straights on the Tour. While the 16th (Par 5) still offers a good chance of an Eagle, the Par 4 of the 18th with water on the entire left side demands maximum concentration right up to the last Putt.

Read a detailed report on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass here.

Review: Drama and redemption

Do you remember last year? Rory McIlroy only prevailed against J.J. Spaun in a nerve-wracking play-off on Monday. Particularly bitter: Spaun's dreams literally sank into the water on the 17th. But golf writes its own stories - Spaun was crowned US Open winner just a few months later. It remains to be seen what heroic stories the Players Championship 2026 will write this year.