Scheffler Aims for Historic Third Consecutive Win at Players Championship

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The 2025 Players Championship, often dubbed golf’s unofficial fifth major, kicks off Thursday, March 13, at TPC Sawgrass, featuring a star-studded lineup and a purse of $25 million. Reigning champion Scottie Scheffler leads the charge as he aims to become the first to win the tournament three consecutive times.

This year’s event attracts 48 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, a testament to its significance in the professional golf landscape. The only top players absent are Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau, both members of LIV Golf, making them ineligible for the tournament.

“Winning the Players Championship means the world to me,” Scheffler said during a press conference. “It’s one of the toughest tournaments to win and I feel focused and ready to defend my title.”

Joining Scheffler in the spotlight are World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this season, and World No. 3 Xander Schauffele. The opening round sees them teeing off together at 1:29 p.m. ET on Thursday.

The competitive field includes other top players such as Collin Morikawa, who is also expected to give a strong performance, especially after recovering from recent injuries. While McIlroy is always a formidable contender, Schauffele aims to prove himself, having come close in past years.

The tournament runs from March 13-16, with rounds broadcasted across major networks. Golf Channel will cover the first two rounds from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, with the weekend’s broadcast shifting to NBC.

“This week represents a significant opportunity not just for me personally, but for the entire field,” McIlroy added. “Every player here, including first-timers and defending champions, knows the pressure and the stakes involved.”

The Players Championship boasts one of golf’s most iconic holes on No. 17. Its island green challenges even the best, demanding precision and nerve from players. This adds an element of drama and excitement to the competition.

With a structured prize pool that allocates $4.5 million to the winner and substantial payouts for top finishers down to fifth place, the financial stakes ensure competitive intensity throughout the tournament.

The excitement builds as Scheffler, McIlroy, and Schauffele prepare for their respective rounds, alongside others aiming for golfing glory. Fans can catch the action starting Thursday and can look forward to early-morning coverage via streaming services like ESPN+.

As the week unfolds, spectators at TPC Sawgrass and viewers around the world will be engrossed in following these elite golfers on a challenging course that sets the stage for both triumph and heartbreak.