2022 Players Championship: 3 International Picks

The Players Championship is recognized as one of the biggest and most important tournaments of the year. Known as the unofficial ‘Fifth Major’, the list of past PGA winners speaks volumes to its’ history; Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Tom Watson, to name a few. But it is no small task to dominate this legendary course, TPC Sawgrass.

In order to leave TPC Sawgrass victorious and knock American Justin Thomas off of his throne, this golfer would need to stay in the fairways, out of the water, and most importantly, play 4 rounds of composed golf. While it may sound easy, the illustrious course can get the best of even the World’s top golfers. With many Americans in the field, playing on home soil, there are many international stars looking to steal the spotlight.

From across the globe, here are the 3 with the best chance of coming out on top at the Players Championship

Hideki Matsuyama (Japan): Already one of the world’s top golfers, Matsuyama has easily been the most consistent thus far in 2022. The World No. 11 golfer has 6 Top-20 finishes this season, including 2 wins at the Sony Open and ZOZO Championship. This success has risen him to the very top of both the FedEx Cup Points and Earnings. Oh, and the punishing ball-striker also took home this Players Championship in 2020*, so we already know that he enjoys the course. It’s safe to say that he will be looking to continue upon his success and confidence this weekend, so watch out for the Japanese star.

Abraham Ancer (Mexico): The World No. 21 golfer has had a quietly mediocre season thus far, barely slipping into the top-100 in the FedEx Cup Standings. However, Ancer has finished top-50 in 4 of his last 5 tournaments, and TPC Sawgrass is a course that plays right into his strengths. On a course where accuracy off the tee is vital to success, Ancer finds himself 6th on tour in driving accuracy percentage. With his last win coming in August at the WGC-FedEx St. Jude, playing the Players Championship on this tight course could benefit the International more than anyone else in the field.

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Viktor Hovland (Norway): Since entering the PGA Tour from Oklahoma State University in 2020, the World No. 3 golfer has taken the sport by storm. Each week, Hovland finds himself in the hunt in some capacity, so why should this weekend be any different? Ranked 37th in driving accuracy percentage and 6th in Greens in Regulation (GIR), Hovland’s complete game will serve him wonders this weekend, where any aspect of your game can ruin your week. If you are looking for a safe bet this weekend, look no further than the young Norwegian.

In a tournament where anyone can come out victorious, it will take the World’s top golfers to step up their game and stay cool under pressure. These 3 International players have the skill set and capacity to dominate the field and walk away with a nice $3.6 million payday.