"The Players Championship Interpreted in Numbers"

by Roh Woolae

Published 13 Mar.2020 07:54(KST)

Rory McIlroy is posing with the trophy right after winning The Players Championship last year. The golf shoes with golden soles are impressive.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] The "Fifth Major".

This refers to the PGA Tour's The Players Championship. This year, the tournament began on the night of the 12th (Korean time) at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA (Par 72, 7,189 yards). Established in 1974, it boasts a 46-year history. Since 1982, it has been held at TPC Sawgrass, where the PGA Tour headquarters are located, emphasizing its symbolic significance. The total prize money is $15 million, larger than the four major championships. This is The Players Championship "interpreted by numbers."

▲ 2 (players) = Korean winners. In 2011, "Tank" K.J. Choi (50, SK Telecom) became the first Asian player to claim the title. In 2017, Si Woo Kim (25, CJ Logistics) set a remarkable record as the youngest champion of the tournament (21 years, 10 months, 14 days).

▲ 3 (wins) = Most victories by Jack Nicklaus (USA). He won in 1974, 1976, and 1978. Five players, including Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Davis Love III, Hal Sutton (all USA), and Steve Elkington (Australia), have won twice.

▲ 5 (years) = PGA Tour exemption period. The regular tour exemption lasts only two years. This highlights The Players' unique status. It awards 80 world ranking points and 600 FedEx Cup points, equal to the majors. Winners also receive three-year exemptions to the Masters, US Open, The Open, and a ticket to that year's PGA Championship.

▲ 12 (strokes) = Most strokes recorded at the "Death Hole," the 17th hole (Par 3). Bob Tway (USA) hit his tee shot into the water four times on the final day in 2005, resulting in a devastating 9-over-par.

▲ 15 (years and under) = Free admission is allowed. Daily tickets range from $25 to $70, and weekend tickets cost $700. Using the Captain's Club adds an additional $250.

▲ 24 (under par) = The most under par recorded by "The Great White Shark" Greg Norman (Australia) in 1995. He posted a 264, beating Fuzzy Zoeller (USA, 268) by four strokes.

▲ 63 (strokes) = Course record. Recorded by Fred Couples (1992), Greg Norman (1994), Robert Castro (USA, 2013), Martin Kaymer (Germany, 2014), and Jason Day (Australia, 2016).

▲ 92 (strokes) = Worst round score. Five-time PGA Tour winner Bob Murphy (USA) collapsed with a 20-over-par final round in 1979 amid 45 mph strong winds.

▲ 144 (players) = Number of participants this year. Players must qualify under 14 categories, including being within the top 50 in the world rankings. After 36 holes of stroke play, the top 65 ties advance to the third round.

▲ 206 (events) = The tournament where Team Clark (South Africa) achieved his first PGA Tour victory in 2010, narrowly beating Robert Allenby (Australia) by one stroke.

▲ $2.7 million = This year's winner's prize, increased by $450,000. It accounts for 18% of the total purse. The inaugural champion Nicklaus received $50,000, and defending champion Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) earned $2.25 million.

▲ 2001 (year) = Woods' first victory. He won again in 2013.

▲ $40 million = Cost of course renovation in 2006. Completed by world-renowned course designer Pete Dye (USA).

Kim Si-woo is cheering after becoming the youngest winner in the history of The Players Championship in 2017.