Four storylines for the Players Championship: What to think of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler

At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Scheffler lost more than two strokes on approach for the first time since the 2024 BMW Championship and finished a measly T24. The two-time Players champion is a perfect fit for TPC Sawgrass when he's playing his best golf, but that's not the case right now. 

Can Cameron Young, Ludvig Aberg build off strong weeks?

Young and Aberg are two talented youngsters looking for signature wins to take the next step in their careers. This could be the week, as both players are coming off strong weeks at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Young finished T3 and led the field in strokes gained from off the tee by a wide margin. TPC Sawgrass rewards players who can be aggressive and accurate with their driver, and Young is striping his right now. As for Aberg, he also finished T3 and led the field in strokes gained from tee to green. Don't be surprised if Young or Aberg snag that signature win at TPC Sawgrass. 

Don't sleep on Rickie Fowler

Remember when Fowler went nuclear down the stretch to win his first and only Players Championship? Surprisingly, that was 11 years ago. The fan-favorite golfer has been through a ton of ups and downs since then, but his arrow is pointing back up in 2026.

Fowler has six top-20 finishes and three top-10s in his last seven starts. He ranks 15th on the PGA Tour this year in strokes gained from putting and 21st in driving accuracy, which can be a winning combination at TPC Sawgrass.