2022 Players Championship: Big names miss cut in Sawgrass carnage

The 2022 Players Championship hasn’t exactly gone as planned, with constant rain and high winds creating, let’s say unfavorable, conditions. The Tour’s top players fought TPC Sawgrass through the first 36 holes, trying to find the green and avoid the water. However, for most, that wasn’t a reality.

Now that we have finally completed the first two rounds, we now know who has made the cut, as well as who didn’t. This year’s tournament came with many big surprises, as some of the Tour’s top players will not be continuing past Round 2.

Let’s take a closer look at the 3 biggest surprises to miss the cut at the Players Championship

1. Patrick Cantlay

I have to lead with Cantlay here, mostly because I publicly chose him as my winner. The American struggled mightily in the Second Round, shooting a disappointing 5-over 77. With only 1 birdie, 4 bogeys, and a disastrous triple bogey on the 17th, Cantlay never seemed to give himself any opportunities to climb the leaderboard. There was slight hope that he may squeak in the cut line, but the illustrious 17th hole spoiled another golfer’s hopes. Both Cantlay and his playing partner Victor Hovland found the water, seemingly ending his chances of another 36 holes. A tough, yet familiar, ending to the tournament for Cantlay.

2.  Xander Schauffele

The first 9 holes of Schauffele’s First Round seemed promising, shooting a 1-under 35. The next 27 holes, however, were completely different. Schauffele finished the tournament +7, well away from the +3 cut line. The American may have had a chance if it weren’t for the 18th hole, one where I’m almost positive he’ll be having nightmares about. Playing the par-4 18th twice, Schauffele finished an alarming +7 on that hole alone, after shooting an 8 in the first round and a 7 in the second round. A discouraging way to end an important weekend for Schauffele, where one hole seemed to make all the difference.

3. Collin Morikawa

I think many fans had the young American as a lock to make the cut, as Morikawa always seems to show up in the most important tournaments. With 5 PGA Tour Wins already, including 2 Major Championships, many were surprised with his performance this week. Morikawa only had 4 birdies in his 2 rounds, showing signs that he couldn’t exactly figure the course out. I’m sure the wind played a factor in his score, but with everyone playing in the same conditions, it’s evident that he simply could not find any momentum to build on. The World No. 2 will have plenty of time to rebound from his performance but will have to play better to earn the No. 1 spot.

While I’m sure these golfers are disappointed to have their weekend come to an early end, there are still 36 more holes to be played. Each golfer will look for better conditions and lower scores, all in hopes of capturing the 2022 Players Championship.