Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 golfer, will this week be aiming for golfing history at the Players Championship, being held from March 13 to March 16, 2025, at the iconic TPC Sawgrass. Scheffler, who successfully defended his title last year, is on the precipice of becoming the first golfer to win this prestigious tournament three times, rivalling the legendary Jack Nicklaus's record for the most victories at the Players Championship.
This year’s edition of the Players Championship boasts a remarkable prize purse of $25 million and has attracted 48 of the world's top 50 golfers, making it one of the most competitive fields seen in recent years. The tournament is informally regarded as the fifth major of golf, alongside the four traditional majors, and takes place on the challenging Stadium Course, known for its stunning design and notorious par-3 17th hole.
The broadcast schedule for the event is extensive. On March 13 and 14, coverage will begin at 1 p.m. ET on the Golf Channel, with NBC taking over for the final two rounds on March 15 and 16, starting earlier at 2 p.m. ET. For viewers outside the US, Sky Sports Golf will air the tournament for UK audiences, starting at 11:30 a.m. GMT on the opening two days.
The first two rounds will see Scheffler play alongside fellow golfing titans Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, with their tee times set for 1:29 p.m. ET on March 13, and 8:24 a.m. ET on March 14. Should Scheffler clinch victory this year, he will not only join Nicklaus as the only three-time winner of the Players Championship but also become the first golfer to achieve three consecutive wins at any PGA Tour event since Steve Stricker at the John Deere Classic from 2009 to 2011.
Reflecting on his previous performances, Scheffler stated, “Last year is last year. I’m not trying to replicate it. I’ve never been a guy who sets long-term goals; my goal is to be as prepared as possible when I step up on the first tee.” He is also coming off a T-11 finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational where he noted some struggles on the greens but emphasized his confidence moving forward.
Meanwhile, challengers like Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa will be attempting to dethrone Scheffler. Schauffele recently returned from injury, finishing T-40 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, expressing relief over his fitness, “That was the biggest thing. Definitely, with the added golf didn’t feel any strain or any worse, so that's a big bonus.” Morikawa, on the other hand, is eager to end his winless streak since October 2023, acknowledging the frustrations of recent performances but remained optimistic about improving over the tournament's progression.
For those eager to watch the tournament, streaming options abound. Viewers can catch the Players Championship on various platforms, including PGA Tour Live on ESPN+. For UK viewers, Sky Sports provides the coverage, making it easily accessible across different regions.
Day one of the competition kicks off with an array of golfers, featuring well-known names including Scheffler, McIlroy, and Schauffele, all vying to secure their positions for the weekend.
The outcome of this year’s championship is highly anticipated, as both spectators and players alike are eager to witness whether Scheffler will cement his status among golf's greatest legends by securing his third consecutive Players Championship title. The excitement surrounding the tournament's significant purse, intense competition, and Scheffler's quest for history ensures this year's Players Championship is one not to miss.