Every year at The Players Championship, the conversation usually starts with two names: Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.
And for good reason. Scheffler has been the most dominant player in the world over the last two seasons, while McIlroy’s power and experience make him a threat every time he tees it up at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course.
But let’s make things interesting.
If you can’t pick Scheffler or McIlroy, who is the best bet to win golf’s unofficial “fifth major”?
My pick: Collin Morikawa.
Why Morikawa Fits Sawgrass
TPC Sawgrass isn’t a course that simply rewards power. Precision is everything. Players must control their ball off the tee, hit exact iron distances, and avoid the water lurking on nearly every hole.
That’s exactly where Morikawa thrives.
Few players in the world strike their irons as purely as the two-time major champion. His ability to consistently hit greens and attack pins makes him perfectly suited for a course that punishes even slight mistakes.
If the putter cooperates for four days, Morikawa has the type of tee-to-green game that can separate him from the field.
Momentum Matters
Form heading into The Players often tells a story. Morikawa has been trending in the right direction, stacking strong finishes and looking increasingly comfortable with his game.
Confidence can be a powerful weapon at Sawgrass, where momentum can shift quickly and players must stay patient through a demanding layout.
If Morikawa keeps giving himself birdie chances with his irons, he’ll be in the mix when the tournament reaches the pressure cooker of Sunday afternoon.
A Few Names to Watch
Even beyond Morikawa, there are several players who feel primed for a run at The Players.
Ludvig Åberg continues to look like a future superstar and has the ball-striking ability to dominate any course.
Akshay Bhatia enters with serious momentum after his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, showing he’s capable of closing against elite competition.
And then there’s Tommy Fleetwood, whose all-around game and experience in big events make him a dangerous contender whenever the stage gets bigger.
The Prediction
Sawgrass always produces a little chaos. Water, wind, and pressure have a way of creating dramatic Sundays.
But if it’s not Scheffler.
And it’s not McIlroy.
Don’t be surprised if Collin Morikawa is the one lifting the trophy on the 18th green.
And if that happens, it likely comes with a winning score somewhere around 13- or 14-under par — right in the sweet spot for a classic Players Championship finish.