2023 Players Championship - 6 Golfers to Watch

By: Kieran Clark | Mon 06 Mar 2023

The Players Championship is the PGA Tour's marquee event and TPC Sawgrass, which has now long settled into its role as one of the game's most iconic stages, presents a fittingly compelling test for many of the world's best golfers.

Since the Stadium Course first hosted the tournament in 1982, a legendary cast of champions have been crowned here; from Fred Couples, Sandy Lyle and Greg Norman, to Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson, and more recently including the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas and Cameron Smith.

Who shall be joining those names on the prestigious trophy? Here are six potential contenders to watch out for.

Max Homa

The 32-year-old has established himself as one of the most prolific winners on tour, picking up five titles since 2021 and most recently battling with Jon Rahm in a thrilling contest at Riviera. The popular American definitely has the game to triumph in just his third appearance at Sawgrass.

Justin Thomas

Winner at Sawgrass two years ago in the first event that truly felt 'big' following the behind closed doors nature of the pandemic era, Thomas hasn't won since getting his hands on major title number two at the PGA Championship in May, but another success here would establish him as one of the leading contenders for the monthly run of huge events to come.

Jason Day

Another past champion, the Australian has been fighting hard to get himself back into the mix, and there have been encouraging signs from the former world number one, including four consecutive top ten finishes on the PGA Tour. We could yet see a new glorious chapter in the career of this extremely capable player.

Tommy Fleetwood

The likeable Englishman hasn't been at his sparkling best of late, but we're only a few months removed from his win at the Nedbank Challenge and he underlined his ability to contend on the biggest stages at both St Andrews and Southern Hills last year. He also enjoys a respectable record at Sawgrass - including a pair of top tens in 2018 and 2019.

Keith Mitchell

Definitely a cult-figure in the making with his cashmere jumpers and smooth swing, Mitchell is a golfer who has been a feature on leaderboards throughout 2023 and is certainly a name with the potential to claim a big title; and they don't come much greater than the Players Championship.

Adam Scott

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

Someone who tasted success at Sawgrass back in 2004 (!) was the evergreen Adam Scott, who always seems to be involved in the most significant events, albeit it has been a while since he genuinely had the chance to be triumphant on a Sunday back-nine. It's about time that changed.