PLAYERS Championship 2025 preview: Expert Picks, Course Breakdown | Golf on CBS Preview show
THE PLAYERS Championship 2025 Overview
The PLAYERS Championship 2025 promises to be one of the most thrilling events on the PGA tour calendar, hosted at the iconic TPC Sawgrass. Golf fans eagerly anticipate the mix of seasoned champions and rising stars competing on one of golf’s most challenging and picturesque courses. As detailed in the golf on CBS Preview Show, this year’s tournament not only offers a massive $25 million purse but also critical FedExCup points for the race to the Tour Championship.
Expert Picks for PLAYERS Championship 2025
Golf analysts and CBS commentators have shared their favorite contenders based on recent form, course fit, and overall consistency. Here’s a look at some key expert picks shaping up for the tournament:
- Scottie Scheffler: Known for his accuracy and calm under pressure, Scheffler is a top contender. His precision off the tee suits the demanding narrow fairways at TPC Sawgrass.
- Rory McIlroy: A previous PLAYERS champion, McIlroy’s powerful ball striking and aggressive putting make him a perennial threat.
- Viktor Hovland: Hovland’s putting and creativity around the greens could give him the edge, especially on holes like the infamous 17th island green.
- Jordan Spieth: A proven clutch performer, Spieth’s strategic approach meshes well with TPC Sawgrass’s layout.
- Will Zalatoris: Zalatoris continues to impress with his iron play and composure, entering the field as a dark horse.
Golf on CBS Expert Panel Predictions
| golfer | Odds | Strengths at TPC Sawgrass | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | 8-1 | Distance & Accuracy Off Tee | top 5 Recent Tournaments |
| Rory McIlroy | 10-1 | Long Iron Play & Putting | Consistent High Finishes |
| Viktor Hovland | 14-1 | Short Game & Strategic Course Management | Strong Last Major Performance |
| Jordan Spieth | 12-1 | Putting & Greens Reading | Recent Victory Momentum |
| Will Zalatoris | 16-1 | Iron Accuracy & Mental Toughness | Multiple Top 10s this Season |
Course Breakdown: TPC sawgrass — A Golfing Icon
The TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is universally recognized as one of golf’s most strategic and unique layouts. Designed by Pete Dye, this course challenges players in ways few others can.
Key Features of TPC Sawgrass
- par 72 Layout spanning approximately 7,189 yards
- Signature hole 17: The infamous island green demands pinpoint accuracy and nerves of steel.
- Risk-Reward design: Players must carefully balance aggressive shots with smart positioning.
- Water Hazards and Waste Bunkers: Come into play on nearly every hole, testing precision.
- Stadium-Style Viewing: An intense atmosphere with fans close to action,creating pressure-packed holes.
Hole-by-Hole Highlights
| Hole # | Par | Yardage | Course Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 423 | Fairway bunkers protect tee shots, demanding accuracy. |
| 7 | 4 | 452 | Risk-reward tee shot over water and tricky greenside bunker. |
| 17 | 3 | 137 | Island green—pressure-packed par 3, most iconic hole. |
| 18 | 4 | 464 | Requires strong drive and approach; finishing hole with water hazards. |
Strategies to Win at THE PLAYERS Championship
Golf experts on the CBS Preview Show emphasize that success at TPC Sawgrass goes beyond length.Here are practical tips drilled down from the experts to help players thrive:
- Prioritize Accuracy Over Distance: Narrow fairways and penalizing rough make precision critical off the tee.
- Master the Short Game: greens around the water are tricky; strong chipping and putting are vital.
- Stay Composed Under Pressure: The 17th hole tests mental toughness more than skill.
- Course Management: playing smart and avoiding needless risks prevents big numbers.
- Adapt to Conditions: Wind and weather can drastically change shot selection, remain flexible.
Putting Performance Fitness
Putting remains one of the biggest factors on Dye’s challenging greens, and recent statistics corroborate this:
| Top Putters at PLAYERS 2023 | Strokes Gained Putting | Final Position |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Thomas | +3.2 | 3rd |
| Collin Morikawa | +2.8 | 7th |
| Viktor Hovland | +2.5 | 5th |
How to Watch THE PLAYERS Championship 2025 on CBS
Golf fans won’t want to miss the Golf on CBS Preview Show airing live ahead of the tournament, offering expert analysis, interviews, and exclusive insights. CBS Sports will provide comprehensive live coverage throughout the week with featured groupings and key moments enhanced by advanced shot tracking technology.
- Preview Show: 1-hour special the day before the tournament kickoff
- Live Coverage: Begins early Thursday and continues through Sunday’s final round
- Online Streaming: Available via CBS Sports app and PGA Tour live for enhanced viewing experience
Player Case Study: Scottie Scheffler’s Road to PLAYERS 2025
scottie Scheffler’s recent form and steady rise within the PGA Tour ranks provide a great blueprint for success at TPC Sawgrass.
- Accuracy Advancement: Scheffler reduced driving dispersion by 15% compared to last season.
- Putting Under Pressure: His clutch putting stats have improved significantly, ranking top-10 in tough tournaments.
- Course Familiarity: His consistent practice rounds at TPC Sawgrass during the offseason show commitment and strategic readiness.
According to Golf on CBS analysts, Scheffler’s balanced game makes him arguably the favorite this year, combining power with finesse and mental toughness.
Final Recommendations from Golf on CBS Experts
- Follow Momentum: Keep an eye on players who performed well in early 2025 tournaments like the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Classic.
- Watch Weather Closely: Florida’s spring weather may impact play — be ready for rain delays and wind.
- Leverage Stats: Use strokes gained, putting efficiency, and scrambling percentages as primary indicators in your predictions.
- Stay Updated: Tune into the Golf on CBS Preview Show for the latest injury updates, course changes, and insider tips.
