Since winning The Players Championship four years ago, Justin Thomas hasn't fared as well recently. He's counting on patience at TPC Sawgrass in 2025.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — 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.

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.