Business has picked up on the PGA Tour this week as the league’s best players have convened at TPC Sawgrass for the 2024 Players Championship. Following a signature event that put the PGA Tour back on track following a slow start to the season, its most notable hosted tournament is underway just a month before major season begins with the 2024 Masters.
Scottie Scheffler, who won last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and stands as the reigning Players champion, appropriately entered in the favorite and sits in striking position through two rounds, though he is now dealing with a nagging neck injury. Rory McIlroy, who entered right behind Scheffler as the only other player who sat better than 22-1 in the field, was one of three to sit atop the leaderboard through the first 18 holes, but he was unable to capitalize during the second round.
Instead, it is Wyndham Clark who is four in front of the field shooting matching 65s to sit 14 under entering Moving Day. It may be tough to catch Clark over the final 36 holes at TPC Sawgrass, but Xander Schauffele and Nick Taylor, who sit behind him at 10 under, will lead the group that will give it their best shots.
Other than Jon Rahm and 2022 champion Cameron Smith, who both defected from the league, most notably missing from the field this week is Tiger Woods. It came as a bit of a surprise when Woods did not commit to The Players, particularly given its the final year for which he is automatically eligible. Tiger claimed he wanted to play once a month in 2024, and following withdrawing from the Genesis Invitational for what was described as an illness (not an injury-related reason), it was thought he would suit up in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Instead, it looks like Woods may play just 1.5 competitive rounds this year before traveling to Augusta National for the Masters.
While attending The Players is a dream for many, simply being able to watch the event live from home or the office is an incredible treat each year, and we here at CBS Sports are thrilled to bring you wall-to-wall coverage throughout the weekend.
Enough talking regarding it. Below is how you can watch as much of the 2024 Players Championship as possible through Sunday.
All times Eastern
Round 3 — Saturday, March 14
Round 3 start time: 8:40 a.m.
TV coverage: 2-7 p.m. on NBC, Peacock
TV simulcast live stream: 2-7 p.m. on fuboTV (Try for free)
Live stream: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on ESPN+
- Featured Holes (Nos. 3, 12, 16, 17)
- Featured Groups
Round 4 — Sunday, March 15
Round 4 start time: TBA
TV coverage: 1-6 p.m. on NBC, Peacock
TV simulcast live stream: 1-6 p.m. on fuboTV (Try for free)
Live stream: TBA to 6 p.m. on ESPN+
- Featured Holes (Nos. 3, 12, 16, 17)
- Featured Groups
Analysis:
The 2024 Players Championship has brought a renewed sense of excitement to the PGA Tour. After a slow start to the season, this signature event has showcased the league’s top players in a battle for supremacy. Scottie Scheffler, the reigning Players champion, entered the tournament as the favorite, but is now facing a neck injury. This opens up the field for contenders like Wyndham Clark, who currently holds a four-stroke lead.
One notable absence from the tournament is Tiger Woods. Despite it being the final year of his eligibility, Woods chose not to participate. This decision follows his recent withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational due to an illness. It appears that Woods will have limited competitive rounds this year, with his focus shifting towards the upcoming Masters.
While fans may be disappointed not to see Woods compete, the opportunity to watch the 2024 Players Championship from the comfort of their homes is still a thrilling experience. With extensive coverage provided by CBS Sports, viewers can witness the exciting action unfold over the weekend.
Potential Future Trends:
The 2024 Players Championship serves as a glimpse into the future of professional golf. As technology continues to advance, we can expect improved coverage and accessibility for fans worldwide. Streaming platforms like ESPN+ and fuboTV have made it easier than ever to watch live tournaments, with the convenience of on-demand viewing.
Furthermore, the rise of young talents such as Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark highlights the changing landscape of golf. With established players like Tiger Woods gradually stepping back, a new generation of golfers is taking the spotlight. This shift in dynamic might pave the way for increased competition and unpredictability in future tournaments.
In terms of emerging trends, data analytics and technology are poised to play a significant role. Golfers and their teams can leverage advanced metrics and AI-powered tools to enhance their performance, identify areas for improvement, and make strategic decisions on the course. This data-driven approach may soon become commonplace, revolutionizing the way the game is played and analyzed.
Additionally, it’s worth noting the impact of global events and emerging trends on the golf industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted sports worldwide, leading to adjustments in scheduling, fan attendance, and overall tournament logistics. As the world gradually recovers and adapts to the new normal, the golf industry must remain agile and innovative to continue attracting and engaging fans.
In conclusion, the 2024 Players Championship showcases the excitement and potential of professional golf. With the rise of young talents, advancements in technology, and the influence of global events, the sport is set for an intriguing future. Fans can look forward to immersive viewing experiences, data-driven insights, and a new era of competition. As the industry evolves, it’s crucial for players, organizers, and fans to embrace these changes and ensure the continued growth and success of the game we love.
