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Like most of the other big tournaments in the world, The Players Championship always seems to produce a world class winner. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia have all won here. The list goes on and on. One reason for that is the tough TPC Sawgrass stadium course. 

The other is that The Players annually hosts probably the best field in the world at its event. This year's edition is no different. Dustin Johnson is looking for his fourth win in his last five events. Jordan Spieth is looking for No. 2 on the year. And Jason Day is looking to defend his big win from 2016.

Let's take a look at this week's contest.

Event information

What: Players Championship | Where: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida | When: May 11-14

Participants and odds

  • Dustin Johnson: 7-1
  • Rory McIlroy: 10-1
  • Jordan Spieth: 12-1
  • Jon Rahm: 12-1
  • Sergio Garcia: 18-1
  • Hideki Matsuyama: 22-1
  • Rickie Fowler: 22-1
  • Justin Rose: 25-1
  • Jason Day: 25-1

Field strength: A+

I'm surprised the defending champ Day is so low. It's true that he has not played up to his usual standard so far this season, but he also won by four over Kevin Chappell last year. Justin Rose at 25-1 is a steal. 

Three stories to watch

1. A revamped 12th: The Stadium Course got a makeover after last year's tournament, and the biggest change was making the par-4 12th drivable. The hole will play as short as 275 yards, but because of the way it is set up, many players have said they will not try and drive the green. The result will be a fascinating test of will over the temptation of making what could be an easy eagle as the tournament unfolds over the weekend.

"Well I lipped out for a 1 today and had about six feet, and Michael said that was the worst thing you could have done because now I believe I can do it each time," Jordan Spieth said on Tuesday. He noted that he would probably lay up more often than not throughout the week. 

"The way the hole's structured, if I hit a draw and it lands towards the middle or left half of the green, it can go in the water very easily. It would have to get a good break not to."

2. Stars are out: As noted above, this tournament almost always delivers the goods. It's not a major, no, but the weight of a Players win can linger for years. Not only does the winner take home nearly $2 million, but he also will receive a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour. Because of the perks and because this is a ball-striking course, you generally see some big boy winners. This has certainly been the case in recent years with Day, Rickie Fowler, Tiger and Martin Kaymer winning the last four. I expect more of the same this weekend.

3. The 17th: It's over cooked, but it's usually a blast. The tournament always comes down to a fun finishing stretch that often culminates in what happens on the famous island green 17th hole. If Wednesday is any indication, Rickie Fowler (who birdied the hole multiple times in a 2015 playoff) is all set for the tournament.

Past winners

  • 2016: Jason Day
  • 2015: Rickie Fowler
  • 2014: Martin Kaymer
  • 2013: Tiger Woods
  • 2012: Matt Kuchar

A who's who list of great golfers.

Let's look at the picks this week.

Winner: Rory McIlroy has four top 12s here in the last four years including three top 10s. I love how comfortable he feels. I love that he's coming in without having played since the Masters. I love how due he is for a big win. Odds: 10-1

Top 10: Dustin Johnson does not have a great record here (no top 25s), but are you betting against him with the way he's playing right now? I'm not. His odds are terrible if you're trying to pick a winner, but I love him as a top 10 this week. Odds: 7-1

Sleeper: Kevin Kisner lost in a playoff to Rickie Fowler two years ago and nearly won the Zurich Classic a few weeks ago playing alongside Scott Brown. He missed the cut last week at the Wells Fargo Championship, but he has four top 15s since March. Odds: 50-1