The PGA Tour decided shortly after midnight ET on Thursday to go ahead with the first round of the Players Championship, despite numerous sports leagues canceling or suspending play.
Tour commissioner Jay Monahan is expected to provide another update at noon ET as the coronavirus continues to make headlines.
The field for the tournament is predictably deep, which is fitting for a tournament staged at such an iconic venue. TPC Sawgrass features one of the most daunting shots in professional golf.
Reigning champion Rory McIlroy, the world No. 1, returns to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, a year after defeating Jim Furyk by one shot at 16 under. McIlroy, grouped with Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm, is part of the featured groups for the first two rounds. McIlroy’s group tees off Thursday at 1:51 p.m. from the first tee.
Patrick Reed’s troubled season and the occasional rowdiness of Players Championship fans – especially on a Friday afternoon – might be a volatile mix. Reed said he isn’t worried.
Among the other featured groups is the threesome of Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland and Matthew Wolff, a formidable trio of rising talent.
API: Tee times, TV | Odds | Fantasy rankings
For the first time, every shot will be available on a livestream.
You can also keep track of the tournament here:
Live updates
Viewing Information
Thursday
Golf Channel
Morning Drive: 7-9 a.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Players Championship: 1-7 p.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 7-9 p.m.
NBC Sports Gold
PGA Tour Live: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Friday
Golf Channel
Morning Drive: 7-9 a.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Players Championship: 1-7 p.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 7-9 p.m.
NBC Sports Gold
PGA Tour Live: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday
Golf Channel
Morning Drive: 7-9 a.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 7-9 p.m.
NBC
The Players Championship: 2-7 p.m.
NBC Sports Gold
PGA Tour Live: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday
Golf Channel
Morning Drive: 7-9 a.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Golf Central Live From the Players: 6-8 p.m.
NBC
The Players Championship: 1-6 p.m.
NBC Sports Gold
PGA Tour Live: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
