The Players is finally here at TPC Sawgrass. This course is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world, with one of the most iconic holes in all of golf — the island green 17th hole. Many golf fans consider this the “5th Major” and for good reason. Tiger dominated at this tournament in the past, alongside heaps of legendary names like Nicklaus, Couples, and most recently, Scheffler.

The golf course has introduced some updates, the most prominent being the addition of a “new” tree at the sixth hole. Previously, this hole featured a crooked-branched tree that overhung the tee box for many years, creating a unique challenge for players. However, the tree was removed in 2014 due to disease and structural issues. This year, a replacement tree with a similar shape has been planted just in time for the tournament. Positioned strategically, the tree’s low-hanging branch poses a risk for players using a high driver, potentially deflecting the ball straight down or even back toward the golfer. With high stakes and careers on the line, this feature will undoubtedly weigh heavily on players’ minds, forcing them to rethink their usual tee box strategy.

Now, without further ado, let’s get into the players that I predict to excel at this year’s Player’s Championship, and who I think will fold under the pressure!

1. Hideki Matsuyama

Hideki already has a win under his belt this year at this season’s opening tournament, and shot the lowest 72-hole score in PGA Tour history! Hideki has excellent iron-play and short game this year. These are a recipe for making a run at the winner’s circle this year. His last 2 appearances ended up in a 5th place and 6th place finish, both with strong weekend play. With past solid appearances and a win already under his belt this season, this could be the perfect place for Matsuyama to make it two.

2. Collin Morikawa

Colin Morikawa has just been knocking at the door lately. He’s already had two second-place finishes this season, including a painful one at last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. Morikawa has had an iron game that is nothing short of superb! I watched the entire final round of last week’s round, and even his misses were exactly where you’d want to miss it. He’s obviously proven that he can play at a championship level lately, and with some frustration from last week’s result, a little chip on his shoulder might be exactly what he needs to go out there and win.

3. Scottie Scheffler

Really, really, really hard to bet against this guy. He’s the only player with back-to-back Player’s Championships, and after doing that these past two years, I’m sure he’s capable of doing it three times in a row. Scottie hasn’t gotten a win yet this year, but has had some solid finishes this year (T9, T25, and T3). He’s had the game to get the job done in the past, he certainly still has that game now as we’ve seen so far this season. Scottie is just that guy. It seems like he can force a win seemingly whenever he pleases, and this week would be a great week to do so.

Do Not Bet: Wyndham Clark

Oh, Wyndham. This is a player I’m always pulling for. His play style, big personality, and just energy in general makes him relatable and hard to not root for. Last year he had a great showing, but with a putt on 18 to go to a playoff with Scheffler… a disgusting lip out caused him to finish second. I mean, just watching that makes your stomach turn, I can’t imagine the demons he’s facing any time he steps on that course now. Wyndham’s mistakes put him out of contention last week at bay Hill, and his memory might put him out of contention this week. Here’s a look at that put to jog your memory… don’t watch if you have a weak stomach!

IT DOESN'T GO!

Wyndham Clark's putt lips out and Scottie Scheffler wins #THEPLAYERS. pic.twitter.com/5jduEFI9gO

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) March 17, 2024

These are just my guesses, I want everyone to have fun, and I look forward to some exciting play this week!