Will THE PLAYERS Ever Become Golf´s Fifth Major?

With THE PLAYERS beginning on Thursday, the question that most people have been debating is back in the media. The debate is whether THE PLAYERS will ever become the official fifth major of golf.

THE PLAYERS already referred to by many as the ¨unofficial fifth major¨ but some have wondered if it should get that official title so that winners can have the designation of a major champion. There are several arguments for the event to become a major but there is mostly push back against the idea that makes it incredibly unlikely to happen. But there are a lot of things that support THE PLAYERS getting major status.

First off, the field that THE PLAYERS brings is reminiscent of a major. All of the top players make sure that they can play barring any unforeseen circumstances, which does not happen in many tournaments other than majors. Further, it has a huge purse that is one of the highest payouts on the PGA TOUR. Finally, according to Five Thirty Eight, THE PLAYERS is just as difficult, if not more difficult to win than the current four majors.

A flagstick is seen during a practice round prior to the start of THE…

A flagstick is seen during a practice round prior to the start of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 11, 2016 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images

And the players seem to be on board with the idea of THE PLAYERS becoming a major as well. Speaking with CNN, Rickie Fowler shared his personal feelings about the event. ¨I feel like I look at this event as basically like a major,” Fowler said ahead of the event. “It has the major feel, obviously one of the best fields we play all year, on a tough golf course.”

While all of these factors point towards THE PLAYERS becoming a major in the future, there are also several problems with the idea. First, the event is set to take place in March, which many see as too early for major golf interest. This is especially true after the PGA had to move the PGA Championship to May to garner more interest. Plus, the event is played at TPC Sawgrass every year, and no major plays at the same location every year other than The Masters.

While the argument continues to evolve and gain new followers, we would be surprised to see THE PLAYERS ascend to major status. And regardless of if it does, the event will still be one of the must see tournaments every year on the PGA TOUR.

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