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The PLAYERS Championship is back.

The 51st renewal of the PGA Tour’s flagship event takes place at TPC Sawgrass this week with many of the world’s best players heading to Ponte Vedra Beach for the $25million showpiece.

Jack Nicklaus won the inaugural tournament back in 1974 and it has remained at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course since 1982.

The winner of this year’s tournament takes home $4.5million, as well as the iconic PLAYERS trophy.

The PLAYERS has previously been described as golf’s ‘fifth major’ due to its importance on the calendar. A full field of 144 players will tee it up and there is a traditional cut after two rounds.

• What is the cut rule at The PLAYERS?

• What are the play-off rules at The PLAYERS ?

Just like last year when Cameron Smith was unable to defend his title, there will be no LIV Golf players in the field as they are banned indefinitely from competing on the PGA Tour.

However, former LIV man Laurie Canter will make a unique piece of PGA Tour history after qualifying for this year’s contest via the top 50 of the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).

Scottie Scheffler is the overwhelming favourite, again, to defend his crown after winning by one shot last year.

A dynamic duo.#THEPLAYERS pic.twitter.com/lIGd0dgd28

— THE PLAYERS (@THEPLAYERS) March 11, 2024

The world No.1 is yet to hit the heights of last year’s early form after a delayed start to the season. He suffered a bizarre hand injury on Christmas Day.

But it was this time last year that he found his best, particularly with the putter. A repeat of that showing and the field will have a plenty to worry about.

His challengers will include the likes of Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg and Xander Schauffele – another who recently returned from the sidelines.

Comprehensive TV coverage of The PLAYERS this week will be live on Sky Sports. Here’s how UK viewers can tune into all the action…

• What is a TPC golf course?

• TPC Sawgrass: The hole-by-hole guide