Overview
- The Tour’s new video for the March 12–15 Players Championship ends with “March is going to be major,” reviving long‑running arguments over a so‑called fifth major.
- There has been no change to golf’s four official majors, which are controlled by Augusta National, the USGA, The R&A and the PGA of America, not the PGA Tour.
- Under CEO Brian Rolapp and private‑equity pressure to grow Tour assets, the Players is being emphasized as a flagship with a $25 million purse and 80 OWGR points for the winner.
- Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee asserted the Players is “the best major,” citing field depth and TPC Sawgrass, a stance that drew widespread attention.
- Pushback was swift, with Phil Mickelson replying “I’ve won it. It’s not,” as player Michael Kim’s preference for winning the Players over the PGA drew fan criticism and Lee Westwood urged LIV invites and questioned adding another U.S. major.