The first two rounds of The PLAYERS Championship have been nothing short of thrilling, delivering an action-packed start that has left golf fans buzzing. From incredible comebacks to surprising eliminations, TPC Sawgrass has once again lived up to its reputation as one of the most exciting courses on the PGA Tour.
Justin Thomas’ Remarkable Comeback
If there was ever a story of resilience in golf, it’s Justin Thomas’ performance at TPC Sawgrass this week. After an abysmal opening round where he shot a staggering 78, many counted him out. But Thomas wasn’t done just yet. On Friday, he bounced back in spectacular fashion, tying the course record with an electrifying 11-birdie, 10-under 62. His comeback not only put him back in the tournament but also left fans and analysts in awe.
The Young Guns Take Charge
While Thomas’ comeback was a headline grabber, the biggest surprise came from two of the youngest players in the field. Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee stormed to the top of the leaderboard, finishing at 11-under and holding a one-shot lead heading into the weekend. Their fearless approach to the game has made them fan favorites and serious contenders for the title.
Big Names Still in Contention
Meanwhile, some of golf’s biggest stars are still in the hunt. Rory McIlroy, a former PLAYERS champion, remains in contention for his second title at TPC Sawgrass. The Northern Irishman has been consistent and looks poised to make a weekend charge. Then there’s Scottie Scheffler, who is eyeing an unprecedented three-peat at The PLAYERS. Though he has some ground to make up, his ability to handle high-pressure situations makes him one to watch.
Weather Could Shake Things Up
As if the tournament wasn’t already unpredictable enough, the weather forecast is throwing another curveball into the mix. Wind gusts of 25 to 35 miles per hour are expected over the weekend, which could drastically impact scoring. Players who have been sharp so far may struggle, while others who have been grinding their way through the tournament might suddenly find themselves in a position to climb the leaderboard.
TPC Sawgrass Shows No Mercy
While some players have been thriving, others have faced the brutal reality of TPC Sawgrass. Despite relatively favorable conditions in Ponte Vedra, Florida, the course has still managed to claim several high-profile victims. The cut-line was set at 1-under, and some of the biggest names in the game found themselves packing their bags early.
The PLAYERS 2025: Biggest Names to Miss the Cut
-
Justin Rose (71-73; E)
-
Hideki Matsuyama (74-70; E)
-
Ludvig Åberg (71-75; +2)
-
Nick Taylor (74-72; +2)
-
Viktor Hovland (80-68; +4)
-
Karl Vilips (72-78; +6)
-
Brian Harman (73-77; +6)
-
Matt Fitzpatrick (78-72; +6)
-
Max Homa (79-71; +6)
-
Tony Finau (76-76; +8)
-
Maverick McNealy (72-81; +9)
-
Gary Woodland (78-78; +12)
Unexpected Exits: What Went Wrong?
Many of these players came into the tournament with high expectations, but TPC Sawgrass had other plans. World No. 4 Ludvig Åberg and World No. 6 Hideki Matsuyama both struggled to find their rhythm. Åberg seemed to have things under control with a 71 on Thursday but unraveled with a 75 on Friday, sealing his fate. Matsuyama, on the other hand, was heartbreakingly close to making the cut, missing a crucial birdie putt on the 18th hole by mere inches.
Justin Rose, another veteran who was expected to contend, couldn’t get the putter working at the right moments. He played decent golf, but in a tournament where birdies are necessary to keep up, he simply didn’t convert enough opportunities.
Meanwhile, Karl Vilips, fresh off his first PGA Tour victory in Puerto Rico, faced a harsh reality check, shooting a dismal 6-over 78 on Friday. Max Homa, another player struggling with consistency this season, did manage to improve his score by eight strokes on Friday, but it wasn’t enough to secure a weekend spot.
Brian Harman, who finished as runner-up to Scottie Scheffler in 2024, also fell victim to TPC Sawgrass. His second round was especially tough, as he closed with three straight bogeys, signing off with a 5-over 77.
Looking Ahead: Who Will Conquer TPC Sawgrass?
With several big names heading home early, the door is wide open for an exciting finish. Will the young guns Akshay Bhatia and Min Woo Lee continue their stellar play and hold off the more experienced contenders? Can Rory McIlroy rise to the occasion and claim his second PLAYERS title? And what about Scottie Scheffler—does he have what it takes to pull off an incredible three-peat?
The unpredictable nature of TPC Sawgrass, combined with the incoming windy conditions, means anything can happen over the weekend. One thing is for sure—golf fans are in for a treat as The PLAYERS Championship heads into its most crucial rounds. Buckle up, because this tournament is far from over!
Login