2026 Players Championship picks, odds: Expert predictions, favorites to win in betting field at TPC Sawgrass

March 11, 2026 - 03:46

The golf world turns its attention to Ponte Vedra Beach as the sport's elite prepare to tackle the iconic TPC Sawgrass for The Players Championship. With the prestigious title and a massive purse on the line, betting markets and expert analysts are buzzing with predictions for who will conquer the famed Stadium Course.

Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, unsurprisingly headlines the list of favorites. His unparalleled ball-striking and recent dominance make him the man to beat, though his putting on Sawgrass's demanding greens remains the only question mark. Close behind is the rising star, Ludvig Åberg, whose powerful and precise game seems tailor-made for a strategic test like The Players. Rory McIlroy, a past champion here, always carries immense winning equity at this event due to his explosive driving.

Other names generating significant discussion include the ever-consistent Xander Schauffele, who seems to contend in every big event, and the resurgent Viktor Hovland, who appears to have solved his short-game woes. The course itself, with its risk-reward par-5s and the infamous island green 17th, guarantees drama and can crown a seasoned veteran or a bold newcomer. Ultimately, the winner will need a complete game, mental fortitude, and a touch of fortune at the right moment. The stage is set for a thrilling week where any player in the deep field can etch his name into golf history.