2026 THE PLAYERS Championship: Quick Summary & Golf Pool Tips

The 2026 THE PLAYERS Championship, often called the “fifth major,” returns to the iconic TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Known for its deep, elite field and the infamous 17th-hole island green, the tournament is a must-watch for golf fans and a highlight for fantasy and golf pool enthusiasts. With its challenging setup and unpredictable weather, it provides both excitement and uncertainty—perfect for strategic pool play.

Key Facts

• Event: 2026 THE PLAYERS Championship
• Dates: March 12-15, 2026
• Location: TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
• Defending Champion: TBD, as 2026 winner not set at cutoff

Tips for Entering a Golf Pool for THE PLAYERS

1. Study Course History

• TPC Sawgrass favors precision over raw power. Look for players with a consistent record at this course.
• Historical top-10s and cut-makers are often safe picks for the middle and lower tiers.

2. Focus on Ball Strikers

• Accuracy off the tee and strong approach play are often rewarded.
• Prioritize players who excel in Strokes Gained: Tee to Green.

3. Embrace Volatility in Upper Tiers

• THE PLAYERS produces unexpected winners. Don’t ignore rising stars or dark horses in the higher tiers.

4. Weather Watch

• TPC Sawgrass often faces variable wind and rain. Be ready to pivot picks if weather is predicted to be a major factor.

5. Tier Balance

• In a tiered pool (1–12), don’t blow your top selections early. Good value and sleepers can often be found in mid to lower tiers—especially among solid iron players and savvy veterans.

6. Recent Form Matters

• Balance course history with current performance. Hot hands entering March can outperform even the most reliable course horses.

7. Avoid First-Timers

• The Stadium Course can unsettle debutants. Prioritize those with at least one appearance at THE PLAYERS.

8. Consider ‘To Par’ vs. ‘Earnings’ Scoring

• For “to par” pools, safe, cut-making consistency is king.
• For “total earnings” pools, embrace a bit more risk with boom-or-bust types.

Good luck building your 2026 THE PLAYERS Championship pool lineup—may your picks avoid the water on 17!