By: Brian Albertson

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The 2026 Players Championship is scheduled for March 10–15, 2026, at the TPC Stadium Sawgrass Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

As the PGA Tour’s flagship event, it features a $25 million purse and a competitive 120-player field. Many at PGA Tour headquarters and in the media often refer to this event as the “Fifth Major.” Although it is not officially a Major, it does boast the strongest field of players annually according to the World Golf Rankings.

Last year’s championship was the jump start of an historic season for Rory Mcllroy as he beat J.J. Spaun in a playoff.

Key Players to Watch for 2026

Rory McIlroy: The defending champion, having won the 2025 title in a Monday playoff. A victory in 2026 would make him only the second player to win three Players Championships.

Scottie Scheffler: The current World No. 1 and a two-time winner of the event (2023, 2024). He enters 2026 with significant momentum as the four-time PGA Tour Player of the Year.

Chris Gotterup: The current World No. 5 is leading the Fedex Points List with two early wins at The Sony Open in Hawaii and Waste Management in Phoenix.

J.J. Spaun: If I could buy a golf swing, this would be the one. The reigning US Open Champion and runner-up in this event last year arrives in good form and with fresh memories of playing this very strategic course very well.

Collin Morikawa: Collin is currently No. 3 in the FedEx Points list after winning at the ATT Pebble Beach. He finished in the top 10 last year at the Players Championship. Collin is currently the fifth ranked player in the World.

Brooks Koepka: Brooks will be making his first start at Sawgrass since joining LIV in 2022.  If Brooks can get his putter cooperating, he is a threat to win anywhere.  It is nice to see Brooks back on the PGA Tour.

Obviously, any of these top 120 players can win the Players Championship. As history has shown, there have been some unlikely winners and length is not always the determining factor around this “Target” golf course.

If you plan to attend this year’s Players Championship, check out the new Fan Experiences & On-Site Updates. The 2026 event introduces several venue enhancements and fan amenities:

Enhanced Connectivity: Introduction of upgraded Wi-Fi and a new tournament app.

Streamlined Entry: New facial recognition entry systems for faster access.

New Dining: The debut of the Iron & Wedge Steakhouse (for Clubhouse badge-holders), Pie95 woodfired pizza, and Island Wing Company.

Fan Shop: Features Sun Day Red, Tiger Woods’ new apparel line.

Course Updates: A new spectator mound has been added behind the 18th green.

Last year, I attended on Thursday’s opening round and plan to do so again this year. I always enjoy seeing all the players competing before the cut falls after round two. The TPC Stadium Course was built for gallery viewing.  Every hole offers fantastic viewing points. I urge everyone to try to attend this event at some point. NBC will again carry the television coverage for those watching from home.