The wait is over! The 2025 Players Championship officially kicks off today, March 13, marking the beginning of global elite golf at the iconic TPC Sawgrass, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. This prestigious tournament, often dubbed golf's "fifth major," is set to deliver four days of intense competition, showcasing the best of the best from the PGA Tour.
The excitement surrounding the Players Championship is palpable this year, particularly as Scottie Scheffler steps onto the course not only as the defending champion but also as the World No. 1. Scheffler has emerged victorious here for the last two years and is eager to make history with a third consecutive win—a feat only achieved by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. With his odds pegged at +500, Scheffler enters the event as the heavy favorite, alongside other top-ranked players including Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, who will all be teeing off together at 1:29 PM ET today.
The coveted championship title is not just about prestige; the winner will drive away with a staggering $4.5 million, part of the whopping $25 million total purse, making this competition one of the richest on the PGA Tour. With only the elite 144 golfers participating, the tournament will feature 48 of the top 50 golfers globally, ramping up the stakes even higher!
For those eager to catch all the thrilling action, comprehensive TV coverage will be available on Golf Channel from 1 PM to 7 PM ET today. Viewers can also enjoy the event via streaming services such as ESPN+, which will provide extensive coverage starting bright and early at 7:30 AM ET, capturing all featured groups and holes.
Today’s Round 1 tee times got underway at 7:40 AM ET with players like Chad Ramey, C.T. Pan, and Vince Whaley hitting the first tee. Meanwhile, Jason Day was set to join the competition but had to withdraw due to illness, leading to Danny Walker stepping up as the first alternate to fill his spot.
The day's schedule for the first round is packed with top contenders making their way through the iconic holes. Notable early pairings saw Jordan Spieth teed off alongside Wyndham Clark at 8:57 AM, stirring excitement as they navigate the tricky 17th hole, known for its island green—a signature feature of this course.
Here are some of the first-round tee times if you're following specific groups:
- Tee No. 1
7:40 AM – Chad Ramey, C.T. Pan, Vince Whaley
12:45 PM – Doug Ghim, Ryan Fox, Sami Valimaki
1:29 PM – Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele
- Tee No. 10
7:40 AM – Lanto Griffin, Andrew Novak, David Lipsky
12:56 PM – Eric Cole, Ben Griffin, Max Greyserman
2:46 PM – Max McGreevy, Ryan Gerard, Frankie Capan III
This tournament promises not only exhilarating golf but also moments of sheer drama as the top players battle for glory and the substantial cash prizes. Will Scottie Scheffler secure his historical third win? Can rivals like Rory McIlroy disrupt his plans? Fans and golf aficionados are encouraged to tune in for every moment of this thrilling championship.
With the anticipation building, make sure you're all set up to catch the Players Championship live and join the millions ready to witness golf history being made. This is more than just any tournament; it's about securing legacies and chasing dreams.