THE PLAYERS and it's season-high $25 million purse is really the kickoff to golf's majors — even if it doesn't technically qualify as one. The tournament has all the hallmarks of the biggest events of the season: An elite course in TPC Sawgrass with arguably the most iconic hole in golf (the island green No.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The 24 newcomers to The Players Championship probably won’t take much solace in hearing that only one player — Craig Perks in 2002 — has conquered the diabolical Stadium Course at the TPC Sawgrass in his debut over the last four decades.

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas are all past winners of The Players; Sky Sports pundits predict who will win the PGA Tours flagship event and who could impress at TPC Sawgrass; watch on Thursday from 11.