The PGA Tour’s best have gathered to compete in its flagship event, a strong field contending for a massive purse at the most significant event of the young 2026 season. The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, will neither be short of fireworks nor storylines.
Rory McIlroy aims to defend his 2025 victory and pick up a third Players title, but he enters with an ailing back that forced him to withdraw from last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. His lingering issues prevented him from practicing until a late Wednesday arrival. In an ironic twist, Collin Morikawa withdrew from The Players early Thursday with a back injury of his own.
Scottie Scheffler is seeking a third Players title, though he is in the midst of what is fairly considered a rough patch for the World No. 1. With his iron play not particularly sharp, Scheffler will undoubtedly be tested against Pete Dye’s ultimate test of precision and accuracy.
Check out Round 1 tee times at The Players, along with a complete Players Championship TV schedule and viewer’s guide, and keep it locked here for live scores, statistics, analysis and highlights from TPC Sawgrass.