Opening Round Tee Times, Must-Watch Groups, and How to Tune In

The Players Championship, often called “golf’s fifth major,” isn’t just another week on the PGA Tour. It’s the ultimate showdown at TPC Sawgrass, featuring one of the deepest fields in golf, a purse that makes even tour veterans do a double take, and of course, the infamous Island Green on the par-3 17th that has crushed more dreams than a missed three-footer for birdie.

This year, the tournament arrives at a crucial time in the PGA Tour season. With The Masters right around the corner, players are sharpening their games, and fans are eagerly awaiting another week of drama. Adding fuel to the fire, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan dropped a notable update on the potential merger with LIV Golf, but once the first tee shots are struck on Thursday, all eyes will be on one powerhouse group.

That’s right—golf fans are in for a treat as the world’s top three ranked players—Scottie Scheffler (No. 1), Rory McIlroy (No. 2), and Xander Schauffele (No. 3)—will tee it up together for the first two rounds. Scheffler, in particular, is chasing history, aiming for an unprecedented three-peat at The Players.

Thursday’s Must-See Tee Times

With a field packed with stars, here’s a look at some of the most intriguing tee times for the opening round (all times Eastern):

1st Tee

• 1:29 p.m. – Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele (Yes, please!)
• 1:40 p.m. – Collin Morikawa, Adam Scott, Tommy Fleetwood
• 1:51 p.m. – Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Cantlay

10th Tee

• 8:24 a.m. – Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas
• 8:35 a.m. – Russell Henley, Shane Lowry, Viktor Hovland
• 8:46 a.m. – Wyndham Clark, Jason Day, Jordan Spieth

These groups alone are worth the price of admission—or at least a well-timed work-from-home day.

How to Watch the 2025 Players Championship

For those who can’t make it to TPC Sawgrass but still want every shot, every meltdown on 17, and every fist pump, here’s how to tune in:

Thursday, March 13 (Round 1)

• ESPN+: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
• Golf Channel: 1-7 p.m. ET
• NBC Sports App: 1-7 p.m. ET

Friday, March 14 (Round 2)

• ESPN+: 7:30 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
• Golf Channel: 1-7 p.m. ET
• NBC Sports App: 1-7 p.m. ET

Saturday, March 15 (Round 3)

• ESPN+: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
• NBC/Peacock: 2-7 p.m. ET

Sunday, March 16 (Final Round)

• ESPN+: 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. ET
• NBC/Peacock: 1-6 p.m. ET

Four days, 144 golfers, one of golf’s most iconic courses, and a leaderboard that promises to be packed with fireworks—The Players Championship 2025 is set to deliver. Let’s tee it up!