The 2025 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass is heating up as the tournament moves to its third round on March 15. This year's championship has become highly competitive, featuring top golfers vying for the prestigious title and its accompanying $4.5 million winner’s purse. The location, known as the flagship event of the PGA Tour and often dubbed the unofficial fifth major, has set the stage for thrilling performances.
After the second round concluded, Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee emerged at the top of the leaderboard, both finishing with remarkable scores of 66 on Friday, securing their tie at 11 under par. Their exceptional play has kept them competitive as they prepare for the challenges of the third round. Close behind are world-renowned players Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa, each finishing the second round at nine under par, just two shots off the lead and maintaining strong positions to push for the title this weekend.
Rory McIlroy's performance has particularly intrigued fans, especially as he aims to contend once again at the famous Sawgrass course. Meanwhile, Collin Morikawa, another crowd favorite, will also challenge for the title, adding layers of excitement to the tournament.
Coverage of the third round can be followed through various platforms. NBC will air the championship from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, ensuring viewers do not miss any of the action-filled gameplay. Early coverage on Saturday begins exclusively on PGA Tour Live via ESPN+, starting at 8 a.m. ET, alongside streaming options available on Peacock, which provides live broadcasts of NBC’s coverage.
Golf fans can tune in to watch the live action as the tee times for the third round are set. Early starters will include Shane Lowry and Danny Walker at 8:25 a.m. EDT, followed by other notable players such as C.T. Pan and Justin Lower at 8:35 a.m. More key match-ups throughout the day include Jordan Spieth and Tom Hoge teeing off at 10:50 a.m., followed by the highly anticipated pairs of Justin Thomas and Davis Riley at 11:55, and Collin Morikawa and Alex Smalley at 2:15 p.m., leading up to the frontrunners Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee teeing off at 2:35 p.m.
This year’s event has seen its fair share of dramatic moments; the cut fell at one under par, allowing 72 players to continue competing after the initial two-day rounds at TPC Sawgrass. The excitement was palpable as the crowd followed the performance of two-time defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who is tied for 16th place with his score of five under par and still has plenty of time to make another push for the title.
Special attention has been drawn to Justin Thomas, who made waves after registering the lowest score of the day on Friday with his stunning round of 62. This score ties him with Tom Hoge for the course record at Sawgrass and reflects the level of talent and pressure associated with The Players Championship. His jump from the previous round exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the tournament and keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Unfortunately, some fan favorites missed the cut this year, including Justin Rose, Michael Kim, Hideki Matsuyama, and Ludvig Aberg, the latter being among the pre-tournament contenders. Despite the hurdles, the overall field remains strong, with 48 of the top 50 players from the Official World Golf Ranking having participated at this year's championship.
Whether you’re planning your viewing party or catching up with friends to discuss the highs and lows of the tournament, the remaining rounds promise to deliver intense competition and thrilling moments. Golf enthusiasts eagerly await how the leaderboard will shift as the final two rounds approach.
The Players Championship is not only about victory but also the stories, rivalries, and sportsmanship displayed on and off the course. Golf’s top-tier professionals put on their A-game, and as the event continues, expectations soar for standout performances and possible record-breaking feats.
With thrilling challenges still to come, fans and viewers alike are gearing up for another action-packed day at the 2025 Players Championship. Be sure to tune in early for exclusive updates, and don’t miss the showdown between the top contenders!