Tension Builds as Players Championship Heads to Third Round

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The competition intensifies at the 2025 Players Championship as the tournament enters its third round on Saturday, March 15, 2025. After an exhilarating second round, where numerous players demonstrated remarkable skill, the leaderboard has taken shape, featuring both emerging talents and seasoned professionals.

Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee lead the pack, each finishing the second round at 11 under par after scoring 66. They will aim to maintain their positioning amid fierce competition, including World No. 2 Scottie Scheffler and two-time major champion Jordan Spieth, both at nine under. With a $4.5 million prize awaiting the victor, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

“It’s all about keeping the momentum going,” Bhatia stated after his second round. “I feel confident, and I’m eager to see how the rest of the field performs.”

The third round kicks off at 2 p.m. ET, broadcast live on NBC, following exclusive early coverage and featured group streaming beginning at 8 a.m. ET on ESPN+. Fans can also watch on Peacock, with NBC simulcasting the action from 2-7 p.m.

The full schedule for Saturday features a stacked lineup, including prominent names such as Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Tommy Fleetwood, who are all poised to make their move. Tee times for selected players are as follows:

• 8:25 a.m. – Shane Lowry, Danny Walker
• 8:35 a.m. – C.T. Pan, Justin Lower
• 2:25 p.m. – J.J. Spaun, Rory McIlroy

Each day of the championship adds more excitement, with the Players Championship regarded among the most challenging and prestigious events in golf. The iconic TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, known for its picturesque yet demanding holes, provides a fitting battleground for this elite field.

“This course will test your game from start to finish,” said veteran player Paul Casey. “Every hole has its challenges, and the 17th is known for breaking hearts.”

The Players Championship, often referred to as the “fifth major,” features a total prize purse of $25 million, drawing elite golfers from around the world. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Bhatia and Lee to see if they can fend off challenges from the experienced field.

Fans looking to keep up with every swing can stream the coverage on various platforms, ensuring a front-row seat for this thrilling sports spectacle. With only two rounds left, the tension is palpable as players vie for supremacy at TPC Sawgrass.