7 golfers to watch at the 2023 Players Championship
The Players Championship is about to begin this week. The biggest tournament outside of the majors will start on Thursday, March 9. Most of the golf powerhouses will be present in the 144-player field of TPC Sawgrass.
However, there are a few players on whom everyone will be eying. Here's a look at seven golfers to watch in this year's Players Championship.
#1 Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm had a forgettable outing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. However, before posting 76-76-72 in the last three rounds at Bay Hill, the World No.1 was having quite a remarkable 2023. He has already won the Sentry Tournament of Champions, American Express, and Genesis Invitational.
After his memorable West Coast swing, the Spaniard will be looking to add one more title this year. Rahm has had near finishes but he never won at TPC Sawgrass, but this year he's the favorite to win, so 2023 could be the year.
#2 Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy hasn't set this year on fire and has blown hot and cold so far. Since winning Dubai on the DP Tour, the 2019 champion has been mediocre on the PGA Tour's West Coast.
However, he showed signs of coming back to form with a runner-up finish at Bay Hill, where he fell short by just one stroke. He has done well at TPC Sawgrass and we can expect him to lift the trophy once again.
#3 Justin Thomas
Since Cameron Smith is not in this year's Players Championship, Justin Thomas is the most recent winner present at TPC Sawgrass. He has finished in the top 25 in six of the last seven starts, but there's still something missing in his game.
It will be interesting to see how the 2021 champion approaches this year's Players.
#4 Patrick Cantlay
Patrick Cantlay has been consistent recently, however, has not been able to win. He finished tied for fourth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Prior to that, he had a solo third finish at the Genesis Invitational. We can expect another good tournament for the American golfer.
#5 Jason Day
Jason Day doesn't have a title alongside his name, but it won't be an understatement to say that the Australian has been one of the most consistent players this season.
He has had nine top-25 finishes, including five top-10 finishes, this season. The 2016 winner will be someone to keep an eye on.
#6 Max Homa
Max Homa was quite close to winning his second title at Riveria Golf Club but fell short of Rahm. Homa has been in good form this season. Last year he had a T13 finish at the Players Championship.
#7 Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler has won one title so far this year as he managed to defend the WM Phoenix Open. With the world's No.1 ranking on target, Scheffler will be feeling the heat.
As per odds, he's the third favorite to win at TPC Sawgrass, just below Rory and Rahm.
2023 Players Championship Odds
Here are the top odds of the 2023 Players Championship:
- Jon Rahm: +850
- Rory McIlroy:+850
- Scottie Scheffler: +1000
- Patrick Cantlay: +1900
- Max Homa: +1900
- Justin Thomas: +1900
- Xander Schauffele: +2500
- Viktor Hovland: +2700
- Tony Finau: +2800
- Collin Morikawa: +2800