At the 2026 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, the cut fell at +2 after 36 holes, sending several prominent golfers home early. This follows the surprises of day two, where Ludvig Aberg and Xander Schauffele led. New details emerge on dramatic collapses, including Tom Hoge's quintuple bogey.
Sepp Straka and Sahith Theegala shot 5-under 67s to share the clubhouse lead after the first round of the 2026 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Maverick McNealy and Lee Hodges also posted 67s, while defending champion Rory McIlroy carded a 2-over 74 amid rust from a recent back injury. Austin Smotherman stands at 5 under through 17 holes, with play suspended for darkness.
The 2026 Players Championship, golf's unofficial fifth major, begins Thursday, March 12, at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with a record $25 million purse and a 123-player field including 46 of the top 50 in the world. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters as the +480 betting favorite after back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024, while defending 2025 champion Rory McIlroy is a game-time decision due to back spasms that led to his Arnold Palmer Invitational withdrawal and skipping practice rounds (+1800 odds).
The 52nd edition of THE PLAYERS Championship begins March 12 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, featuring a 123-player field headlined by defending champion Rory McIlroy and two-time winner Scottie Scheffler. The event offers a $25 million purse, with $4.5 million and 750 FedExCup points to the winner. Seven past champions are set to compete on the Stadium Course.
Daniel Berger fired a bogey-free 9-under 63 to claim a three-shot lead after the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Åberg sit tied for second at 6-under 66, while Scottie Scheffler carded a 2-under 70 in his first sub-par opening round of the season. Rory McIlroy struggled to an even-par 72, and Justin Thomas posted a 7-over 79 in his return from back surgery.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler posted a challenging second round on Friday at the 2026 PGA Championship. He sits at 2 under par after 36 holes at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, two shots off the lead.
Rory McIlroy made the cut at the Players Championship despite recent back issues, securing his spot with a crucial birdie on the final hole of his second round. The world number two defended his title at TPC Sawgrass, expressing relief after a solid performance. His interaction with analyst Jim Mackay highlighted the pressure of the moment.