A Storied History of Golf’s Fifth Major
The PLAYERS Championship is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA TOUR, often referred to as golf’s "fifth major" due to its rich history, elite field, and iconic venue. Played annually at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, The PLAYERS has become a defining event in professional golf.
The Origins: How The PLAYERS Began
The tournament was established in 1974 by then-PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman. Originally called the Tournament Players Championship, it was created to provide the TOUR with a flagship event similar to the majors but solely under its own control. The inaugural event was played at Atlanta Country Club and won by Jack Nicklaus, who would go on to claim the title three times (1974, 1976, and 1978).
Over the next few years, the tournament moved locations, being played at Colonial Country Club (1975) and Inverrary Country Club (1976) before settling in Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977. However, it wasn’t until 1982 that The PLAYERS found its permanent home at TPC Sawgrass, a course specifically designed to host the event.
TPC Sawgrass and the Iconic Island Green
One of the most significant developments in the history of The PLAYERS was the construction of TPC Sawgrass. Designed by Pete Dye and commissioned by Beman, the Stadium Course was built with the goal of providing an unparalleled fan experience. The course’s most famous hole, the par-3 17th, features an island green that has become one of the most dramatic and nerve-wracking holes in all of golf.
Since its introduction, the 17th hole has delivered countless unforgettable moments, from dramatic hole-in-ones to heartbreaking collapses. This risk-reward element has cemented The PLAYERS as a tournament where anything can happen.
Key Moments and Champions
The PLAYERS has produced some of the most memorable moments in golf history. In 1994, Greg Norman set a tournament record with a 24-under-par victory. In 2001, Tiger Woods delivered his famous "Better Than Most" putt on the 17th green, a moment etched into golf lore. More recently, Rickie Fowler's incredible comeback in 2015, where he birdied the 17th hole three times in the final round and playoff, showcased the event’s dramatic nature.
Winners of The PLAYERS Championship read like a who’s who of golf. Alongside Nicklaus, players like Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and Rory McIlroy have all hoisted the trophy. Justin Thomas claimed the title in 2021, and Cameron Smith added his name to the prestigious list in 2022 before moving to LIV Golf.
Changes and Evolution
The PLAYERS has seen its fair share of changes over the years. Initially played in late summer, the tournament moved to March in 2007 to fit better within the PGA TOUR schedule. In 2019, it returned to its March slot, preceding the Masters and setting the tone for the major season. The purse has also grown significantly, reaching a record $25 million in 2023, making it one of the richest events in golf.
The PLAYERS Today: A Must-Watch Event
Today, The PLAYERS remains a cornerstone of the golf calendar. With the deepest field in professional golf, the unpredictable nature of TPC Sawgrass, and the prestige of winning the TOUR’s signature event, it is a tournament that commands attention from both players and fans alike.
Whether it’s the island green at 17, a thrilling Sunday finish, or the crowning of a new champion, The PLAYERS Championship continues to deliver unforgettable moments and cement its place in golf history.