Players Championship 2025 Preview & Betting Tips

We’ve got three standout picks for this week’s Players Championship – the biggest PGA Tour event of the season so far.

Often dubbed the ‘fifth major’, the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass is one of the toughest tests in golf. With its iconic par-3 17th island green and a closing stretch that has derailed many contenders, it’s a tournament that rewards precise ball-striking and course management.

Players Championship 2025 – Key Talking Points

Tiger Woods Out 🏌️‍♂️ ❌ – The 15-time major champion has ruptured his Achilles and is a doubt for the rest of the year.
Scottie Scheffler Chases Three-Peat 👀 – The world number one is looking to win here for the third time in a row but is yet to lift a trophy this season.
Top-Class Field in Action ⛳ – Despite Woods’s absence, the top-ranked players are all here, setting the stage for a thrilling week of action.

With all that in mind, here are our top three picks for The Players Championship 2025.

🏆 Players Championship Betting Tips

🏌️ Rory McIlroy – The Perfect Fit?

✅ Long off the tee – Ranked 2nd in driving distance this season with over 320 yards per drive.
✅ Proven form at Sawgrass – Winner in 2019, showing he can handle the course’s unique challenges.
✅ Recent success – Already has a win in 2025 at Pebble Beach, fitting the trend of in-form winners here.

🔎 Why back him? – TPC Sawgrass suits aggressive ball-strikers, and McIlroy ticks every box needed to win again.

🎯 Hideki Matsuyama – The Scrambling King

✅ Best scrambling stats on tour – Saves par or better 73% of the time when missing greens.
✅ Short game expertise – The small, tricky greens at Sawgrass demand touch around the greens, which suits him perfectly.
✅ Consistent 2025 form – Won the Sentry Tournament of Champions and hasn’t missed a cut all year.

🔎 Why back him? – The wind is expected to play a factor, and Matsuyama’s ability to save par under pressure could prove crucial.

🔥 Russell Henley – Back-to-Back Success?

✅ Fresh off a win – Took Arnold Palmer Invitational glory last week and remains in red-hot form.
✅ Excellent ball-striker – Ranks among the top 5 on Tour for par 3 scoring, key for tackling the infamous 17th hole.
✅ Four top-10 finishes in 2025 – Arguably one of the most consistent performers this season.

🔎 Why back him? – With a confidence-boosting win last week, Henley has the form and skillset to challenge again.