Players Championship 2023: Predictions for Top Prize Money Before Opening Round
Only a few golfers have won the Players Championship multiple times. That list includes three-time winner Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, who lifted the trophy in 2001 and 2013.
Of the past 18 iterations of the tournament, 17 have had first-time winners, with Woods' victory 10 years ago being the only exception.
The 2023 edition of the Players is set to get underway Thursday at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The course has hosted the event since 1982.
There's a $25 million purse on the line this year, with $4.5 million of that going to the champion. And with the PGA Tour's top golfers taking part, quite a few of them could be in the running for the victory by Sunday.
Here are predictions for the three golfers who will be at the top of the leaderboard at the end of this year's Players Championship.
3. Shane Lowry
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Shane Lowry has proved he can excel on challenging courses in the past.
In 2019, he won The Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland for the lone victory at a major tournament in his career.
The 35-year-old has also fared well at TPC Sawgrass, where he's placed eighth and 13th in the Players Championship the past two years.
In 2021, Lowry shot a 69 or better in three of the four rounds of this tournament. Last year, he was consistent, shooting between a 67 and a 73 in every round.
After some early struggles in the event (missing the cut in three of his first five appearances), the Irishman has clearly figured out how to better play the TPC Sawgrass course.
He enters this year's tournament having finished 23rd or better in four of his past six events, including a fifth-place showing at the Honda Classic last month.
While Lowry is unlikely to win the Players Championship, a career-best performance at the event isn't out of the question. So, don't be surprised if he ends up as high as third place, taking home $1.725 million.
2. Max Homa
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Since the calendar turned to 2023, Max Homa has been playing some great golf. He has placed in the top three in three of his five events this year, which includes a victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in January.
So, the 32-year-old has a lot of momentum heading into the Players Championship. Perhaps that could lead to him having more success at TPC Sawgrass, where he's only played twice before.
In 2021, Homa missed the cut after shooting a pair of 73s in the tournament. He was much better in 2022, when he tied for 13th by shooting no worse than a 73 and finishing with a 66 in the final round.
With his momentum and his improved showing at the event last year, the American seems poised for a strong showing this weekend.
Homa has a chance to be contending for the win, but he'll end up just short, placing second and receiving $2.725 million.
1. Justin Thomas
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If there's any golfer capable of joining the exclusive club of multi-time Players winners this year, it's likely Justin Thomas.
The 2021 champion is the pick here to finish atop the leaderboard and win the $4.5 million top prize.
Thomas has been playing well of late, finishing in the top 25 in each of his past six events (including a pair of top-fives). But he doesn't have a win yet during the 2022-23 PGA Tour season, so he's due to get back on top.
In seven appearances at The Players Championship, the 29-year-old has placed 11th or better three times, including his 2021 victory. Last year, he ended up 33rd after shooting a trio of 72s and a 69.
Even if Thomas' play at TPC Sawgrass has been inconsistent, he's the type of golfer who can win any weekend. And if he can improve his putting a bit from recent performances, he has a strong chance of winning this Sunday.
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