Is the Players Championship the Fifth Major Tournament?
By Bradley Turner Keiser University College of Golf Director of Online Golf Instruction – MBA, PGA
The Players Championship is often considered the unofficial fifth major tournament in professional golf. The traditions in golf are difficult to change, yet many argue that the Players Championship deserves to be elevated to the same level as the modern major championships. This article will explore why the Players Championship can legitimately be recognized as the fifth major tournament in professional golf.
The Modern Majors
When each of these tournaments began, there was little concern about “major championship” status. The importance of these tournaments evolved primarily from the perspective and experiences of the players and media. The status of the events expanded over time, along with the victories of the era’s great players. The four modern major championships have a long history and unique traditions that make each one a special event in professional golf.
- The Open Championship – The first Open was contested in 1860 and is the oldest recognized golf tournament in the world. The Open was contested to proclaim the best golfer in the world, with the winner of the event earning the title of “Champion Golfer of the Year.” The history of this event sets it apart from every other professional tournament, and for many professional golfers, this is the most important tournament to win.
- The U.S. Open – The first American championship open to any golfer was held in 1895. Golf had arrived in America but was played by very few golfers who resided in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Following in the footsteps of the Open Championship, the U.S. Open was started as a contest to identify the best golfer in America but has become a contest to identify the best golfer in the world.
- The PGA Championship – The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) was founded in 1916 and subsequently conducted a tournament for its members. The PGA was the first tournament in which only professional golfers were allowed to compete.
- The Masters – This is the most watched tournament in professional golf, with traditions unique to the Masters tournament. Bobby Jones founded this event on the premise of inviting the best golfers to Augusta National Golf Club to get the golf season started. The first Invitational Tournament was held in the spring of 1934, but the name changed to the Masters Invitational the following year.
The History of the Players Championship
The inception of the Players Championship commenced quietly in 1974. The PGA Tour had recently been created as a separate entity from the PGA of America, and the goal was to create a flagship event for PGA Tour players. While the purse size was generous, the prestige of the event was lacking in the early years. In 1982, the tournament moved to its current home in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The iconic TPC Sawgrass course has been the host venue, providing the best players in the world with one of the toughest tests in professional golf. The list of Players Championship winners includes some of the most accomplished and iconic golfers in history. The Players Championship is held in March and is the first big tournament on the PGA Tour calendar. Each subsequent month, a major championship tournament is played, beginning with the Masters in April, the PGA Championship in May, the U.S. Open in June, and The Open in July.
The Players Today
The Players tournament consistently attracts a world-class field of top professional golfers. The tournament boasts the strongest field in golf with one of the largest purses in professional sport. The elite events in virtually every sport seek to challenge the world’s best with the most coveted prize in their respective sport. The Players, as it is now referred to, is one of those events that goes beyond the competitors and the spoils of victory. Some of the additional factors that make the Players Championship a legitimate fifth major include:
- The Golf Course – TPC Sawgrass is recognized as one of the toughest golf courses in golf. The iconic par-3 17th hole may be the most photographed in golf. The drama and excitement the golf course produces every year prove the quality of the venue as a major championship-caliber golf course.
- Fan Engagement and Global Recognition– Golf fans love watching the world’s best professional golfers struggle with the demands of the golf course. The global appeal of the tournament, combined with the diverse backgrounds of the competitive field, adds to its significance on the international stage.
- Historical Moments – There have been plenty of spectacular finishes at the Players that have been burned into the memories of golf fans everywhere. The last three holes at TPC Sawgrass have been a canvas for professional golfers to paint brilliant finishes as well as epic disasters. There is no denying that Hall of Fame credentials have been forged from the Players Championship.
Unraveling the Debate: The Players as a Fifth Major
Tradition plays a crucial role in the recognition of major championships. While the Players Championship does not have the same historical longevity as the four established majors, it has become a very important event from the perspective of the players, fans, and media.
Traditionalists in the sport are very influential in the game, and it is unlikely that The Players will be officially recognized as the fifth major any time soon. Their argument is legitimate in that it changes the history of the game. With close to 50 Players winners since 1974, will those victories count as majors?
The Players Championship has all the ingredients that define a major championship: a rich history, a great golf course, the world’s best golfers, global appeal, tradition, and a place in the evolving landscape and future of the game. While the debate over whether the tournament should be officially recognized as a major championship will continue, there is no denying its importance and impact on the sport.
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