The Players Championship offers a massive $25 million prize pool, with over $4 million going to the winner. While some argue about whether it deserves to be called the “fifth major,” it is undeniably a huge week for One and Done. With so much at stake, it is important to carefully consider One and Done selections, and this may be the perfect time to deploy some big-name players. Let’s take a look at a few targets for guys to consider for PGA One and Done competitions.
Players Championship One and Done Targets
McIlroy was recommended in the same category last week and landed a runner-up finish, adding a seven-figure payday to One and Done bank accounts. He is a former champion who is clearly playing well in an area where he thrived before. McIlroy is expected to dominate off the tee, and despite not having his best stuff early last week, he was still in contention come Sunday. Although it feels like McIlroy at Augusta is a sure bet every year — and thus it may be smart to save him for the Masters — using him here would not be a bad decision at all.
Contrarian Pick: Matthew Fitzpatrick
With so many elite players to choose from, it’s easy to overlook Fitzpatrick, but his recent form is impressive. He finally showed some promise last week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, finishing in 14th place, and his 2.1 strokes gained on approach caught the attention of many. This broke a stretch of four straight tournaments in 2023 where Fitzpatrick lost with the irons, which needed to change to give him upside. He is known to be deadly on the greens, and his added distance off the tee is a bonus. Those willing to take a risk should consider Fitzpatrick, as he seems to check all the boxes this week.
Ben Rasa’s One and Done Pick: Patrick Cantlay
While Cantlay’s course history at this event is not great, his momentum off two straight top-5 finishes makes him a strong contender. At the Genesis, he gained an incredible 13 strokes tee to green and added another 10 last week at Arnold Palmer Invitational. The only thing Cantlay needs to work on is his putter on Bermuda greens, but that is something that can happen randomly at times. Despite limited success at the Players, he was runner-up at the Valspar and has his ball striking dialed in. There is no reason why Cantlay cannot put up his best Players finish of his career, and he should be in the hunt come Sunday.
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