United States
United Kingdom
The Players Championship is sometimes referred to as the 5th Major on the PGA Tour, and the 2019 version of this tournament should be incredible golf.
Almost all of the game’s biggest stars and names are set to compete, and the final round on Sunday should be extremely entertaining. TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida is once again the host site, and the par-72 7,215 yard course is considered extremely difficult.
While driving distance is important in almost any event, TPC Sawgrass is one of the courses where getting off the tee isn’t as important as playing the short game. Webb Simpson is the reigning champion, shooting a -18 to win the tournament a year ago.
PGA TOUR
The Odds
Co-Favourites
Dustin Johnson (+1200): Dustin Johnson is the number 1 ranked player in the world, and has also already registered a victory this season at the WGC-Mexico. Johnson seems to play well in spurts, and perhaps still has some momentum from that tournament. I’d stay away from Johnson this weekend, as there are much better and cheaper options.
Rory McIlroy (+1200): It is kind of odd to see McIlroy with such great odds to win the Players Championship given his past history at TPC Sawgrass. He has struggled at this course in his career, but it is hard to deny how great he has been this season. McIlroy has been in the mix every single Sunday, and he should find a way again.
Contenders
Justin Thomas (+1600): For my money, Justin Thomas is the best golfer in the world at the moment, and he should be the favourite almost every weekend. Thomas has always played well at TPC Sawgrass, and that should be expected again this weekend.
Justin Rose (+2000): Justin Rose has a pair of top-10 finishes on tour this season, and was also the winner at the Farmers Insurance Open. Rose is one of the most consistent golfers on tour, and never seems to have a horrible round. Expect him to be in contention for most of this tournament.
Rickie Fowler (+2200): Rickie Fowler was the winner of this tournament in 2015, and he is comfortable on this course. Fowler is one of the game’s brightest stars, and would love to get a second title in this event. He hasn’t been playing the best golf of his career of late, but keep an eye on him this weekend.
Brooks Koepka (+2200): Brooks Koepka is quietly building one of the best resumes on the PGA Tour, and is always a contender when he tees it up. Don’t be surprised to see him near the top of the leaderboard heading into Sunday.
Tiger Woods (+2500): Tiger Woods should be back and well rested after sitting out last week. Tiger always seems to be in the mix at the Players Championship and getting him at +2500 is a great deal.
Challengers
Tommy Fleetwood (+2800)
Xander Schauffele (+2800)
Jon Rahm (+2800)
Bryson Dechambeau (+3000)
Sergio Garcia (+3300)
Jason Day (+4000)
Patrick Cantlay (+4000)
Hideki Matsuyama (+4000)
The two golfers to keep an eye on from this list are Xander Schauffele and Jason Day. Day won this event back in 2016, and clearly has a good feel for this course. Schauffele doesn’t get talked about enough as one of the top young golfers in the game. Schauffele finished second in this event a season ago, his first time playing The Players Championship.
Everyone Else +4500 or Higher
There are certainly some big names in this group, including last year’s winner, Webb Simpson (+5000) Adam Scott and Matt Kuchar are two other names to watch in this list, and there is a chance to make some money by picking the right winner from this group of talented golfers.
The Pick: Taking one of the two favourites is just too easy, and neither of them have had much luck at TPC Sawgrass. The best bet is Jason Day at +4000. Day was the winner of this event just three years ago, and many are going to shy away from him due to his WD last weekend. For an underdog take with a ton of value; Take Jason Day +4000 to win the 2019 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.
