Welcome to Power Rankings, a weekly feature on SI Golf from our partners at KeyCompete. This week the PGA Tour takes center stage with its flagship event, the Players Championship, where Scottie Scheffler will look to repeat as champion—and also win for the second straight week on Tour. No one has ever repeated as champion at TPC Sawgrass, so history is not on Scheffler's side.
2024 The Players Championship Preview
Designed by Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass is a masterpiece that has challenged the world's best golfers since opening in 1980. The par-72 stretches over 7,189 yards, weaving through North Florida's natural wetlands. The 17th-hole island green is famous, but the entire course is renowned for its strategic complexity and psychological challenges. The Stadium Course, as it is officially known, underwent significant renovations in 2016 under Steve Wenzloff, which included work to the greens and the addition of new hazards.
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KeyCompete’s 2024 The Players Championship Power Rankings
1. Scottie Scheffler (+550): Remains world No. 1 with blend of consistency, power and mental fortitude. Also, putter looked great last week while winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Defending champion here.
2. Xander Schauffele (+2000): Has consistently shown he can rise in big tournaments. Precision and strategic approach will serve him well.
3. Rory McIlroy (+1200): Another former winner here, explosive drives and experience make him an annual threat. If he can harness his iron play and putting, expect him to contend.
4. Viktor Hovland (+2200): Impressive iron game and ability to rack up birdies will be advantageous.
5. Justin Thomas (+2000): The 2021 winner here returns with a game that’s still made for Sawgrass. Approach play and short-game brilliance make him formidable.
6. Will Zalatoris (+2500): Didn’t win last week but let the world know he’s back. T4 and T2 in his last two tournaments.
7. Collin Morikawa (+2800): Still one of the game's best iron players, it will be his greatest asset at Sawgrass.
8. Jordan Spieth (+3000): Texan's creativity and unmatched short game can turn any situation to his advantage.
9. Hideki Matsuyama (+3000): Another player who excels with irons. Off to nice start this year.
10. Ludvig Aberg (+3000): Newcomer to the tournament, has risen quickly through the ranks. Fearless approach and adaptability could make him a sneaky good fit.
About Last Week
Scottie Scheffler put on a masterclass in precision, strategy and mental fortitude, culminating in a runaway victory at the API. He's No. 1 in the world, and clearly the man to beat this week.
KeyCompete moved to a 45-34 record this year, and with our 65% lifetime clip, we continue to feel great about our model.
