"The 5th Major" they say, but in fairness the Players Championship has become one of those events that all players do want to win at an iconic golf course that is Sawgrass Stadium Course. We have seen over the years though, that the winner is usually a player in form and that no particular style or form golfer prevails as we've seen sluggers, bombers, outsiders, debutants etc win here.....but nearly all have done so on the back of solid results either last time out or the previous outing before. However, this event did switch to a March date in 2019, when Rory McIlroy won on a soft course. It was here twelve months ago that a new way of living kicked in, the event was cancelled during round one and the world went into lockdown. Rory defends from that win in '19.
JT is overpriced here. It is due mainly to recent form in fairness having dropped that form following his verbal outburst in January, and then following the passing of his grandfather. I backed him at The Concession but he was clearly not at his game in round-1 following Tiger's accident but I feel JT could bounce back this week at this appealing price. I've backed JT @ 20/1 here each way and a little more @ 23.00 on Betfair.
Patrick Cantlay was of big interest at the time of drafting this, but he's come in a few points from 25/1 to 20/1. I wouldn't be taking any less but will keep him onside given his recent form has been excellent. As aforementioned, recent form holds weight at Sawgrass. Cantlay finished 15th LTO at Riviera, 3rd at the AT&T , 2nd at The Amex despite a closing 61 having started 2021 with a 13th place finish at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Up to the TOP-10 in OWGR rankings, Cantlay has the temperament for Sawgrass' nuances. Two T-25s in 2018 & 2017 were posted before a mc in 2019 but we have a different player in 2020/2021
Chris Kirk did great for my TOP-10 bet last week and he continues to hold decent form so much so, I'm happy to stick with him again this week and bigger odds, noting that this tournament has produced its share of triple figure priced winners over the years. Kirk has decent course form too, not having missed the cut here since 2011 accumulating 3no. T-15s in his last 6 visits.
Corey Conners impressed last week with his tee to green game and he'll find bringing that game here will help him greatly. Despite not getting the W last week, he showed a lot of composure and I had to get onboard the 80/1 with the 10 places abegging with Betfair, but even with 7 places available now, think he has plenty of value about him.
Billy Horschel could go well this week. "Billy Ho" has mixed form at Sawgrass without really challenging but his recent form is excellent (he did miss the cut last week which can be ignored). Billy has form at other Pete Dye designed courses as is the case here and at the price I thought he was worth chancing @ 70/1 - 10 places.
Kevin Kisner disappointed for me last week but I'm willing to side with again this @ 125/1 - 8 places. "Kis" rallied at Bay Hill last weekend to climb to 36th and I'm hoping he can build on that here where he has finished 2nd back in 2015 after a playoff loss to Rickie Fowler (Sergio also in the playoff). It wasn't just meant to be as Fowler finished -5 for the last 4 holes (-6 for the last 6) to get into the playoff. (Fowler actually played the 17th 6 times that year, birdied it 5 times and parred the other)
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