2024 Players Championship: Exciting Start with McIlroy, Schauffele, and Clark Leading

On a day filled with standout performances, the opening round of the 2024 Players Championship saw several top players surge to the top of the leaderboard at TPC Sawgrass. Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Wyndham Clark share the lead after an eventful first day in Ponte Vedra Beach.

McIlroy, who has struggled with his irons and putting so far this season, found his groove on Thursday. He tied the record for most birdies in a single round at the Players with 10, gaining over three strokes on the field both with his approach play and on the greens. Schauffele, meanwhile, carded the first bogey-free round of his career at this event, leading the field in strokes gained approach. Clark, one of the most consistent players on tour, continued his strong putting performance, gaining over three shots with the flat stick.

Lurking just behind the co-leaders is defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who fired a solid 67. Scheffler’s uncanny consistency is a looming presence, as he has now been in the top 10 after a round an astounding 108 times in the last three PGA Tour seasons. Other notable names in the mix include recent national open champions Nick Taylor and Matt Fitzpatrick, both sitting at 6-under.

While scoring was relatively low on the day, the iconic stretch of holes 16-18 at TPC Sawgrass still provided plenty of drama. New Zealander Ryan Fox made history, recording back-to-back eagles on those two holes, a feat never before accomplished in Players Championship history. Chris Kirk, meanwhile, avoided the water at the 17th hole for the 39th time in his career, closing in on the all-time record.

As the second round gets underway, the stage is set for an exciting weekend at the PGA Tour’s flagship event. With numerous world-class players within striking distance, the 2024 Players Championship is shaping up to be a thrilling battle at the top.