PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — The 24 newcomers to The Players Championship probably won’t take much solace in hearing that only one player — Craig Perks in 2002 — has conquered the diabolical Stadium Course at the TPC Sawgrass in his debut over the last four decades.

THE PLAYERS and it's season-high $25 million purse is really the kickoff to golf's majors — even if it doesn't technically qualify as one. The tournament has all the hallmarks of the biggest events of the season: An elite course in TPC Sawgrass with arguably the most iconic hole in golf (the island green No.

While The Players does not hold a "major championship" designation, but it's nevertheless a huge event on the annual golf calendar as the PGA Tour's flagship tournament. The $25 million purse and $4.5 million winner's share is more than will be payed out at the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open or Open Championship this year.