Four distinct storylines. One iconic stage at TPC Sawgrass.

Rory McIlroy – The Defending Champion

A two-time PLAYERS champion, Rory McIlroy returns to defend his title with history within reach. A third victory would place him alongside Jack Nicklaus as the only three-time winners of THE PLAYERS. Proven on this course and comfortable in the moment, McIlroy arrives with both momentum and legacy on the line.

Collin Morikawa – Back in the Winner’s Circle

Collin Morikawa rediscovered his winning form with a breakthrough victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am — his first PGA TOUR title in nearly three years. One of the game’s purest ball-strikers, Morikawa now turns his focus to TPC Sawgrass, seeking to build on that resurgence with a statement performance at THE PLAYERS.

Hideki Matsuyama – The Steady Threat

Few players have been more consistently in the mix this season than Hideki Matsuyama. With multiple close finishes already in 2026, Matsuyama’s precision and patience make him a perennial contender on demanding layouts. At THE PLAYERS, he will be looking to turn that consistency into a breakthrough week.

Akshay Bhatia – The Emerging Force

Akshay Bhatia continues to establish himself as one of the TOUR’s most dynamic young players. Fearless and creative, Bhatia has proven he can win at the highest level — and THE PLAYERS presents another opportunity to elevate his profile on one of golf’s biggest stages.