As the 2026 PGA Tour season continues its play with the illustrious Arnold Palmer Invitational, at Bay Hill Club and Lodge. Many of the top athletes within the sport and current FedEx Cup standings will be in attendance, bringing in many headlines. One that is gaining more traction as the Tour nears its date, whether or not the The Players Championship is Major worthy. A major point in its addition by some like Russel Henley, have come in recognizing its historic course and location. Five-time Tour winner Henley is maintaining his position despite others like Rory Mcllroy, disagreeing with its possible addition.
Will It Make The Cut?
With the final round of play at the Arnold Palmer Invitational complete, the athletes were focused and performing at high rates. Henley himself, despite ending in a current three way tie for sixth place, has not shied away from expressing some thoughts on the upcoming Players Championship.
“I mean, I think it’s a major. It’s our home tournament,” Henley said. “I don’t know the statistics on like what they say, like best field in golf or whatever, but, I mean, it is. And the history with that tournament? I’ve always considered that a major in my mind. It’s just such a tricky golf course and it rewards great shots, typically. It visually is very intimidating. I feel like if you have a good week there, you’ve done a lot of really good things.”
Experiencing the feeling of five Tour wins is a fulfilled career to say the least, yet having influence on speaking points like such is another feeling that may be priceless. Standing tall in his stance despite the backing from some of his peers, shows his true desire to play on the course.
“You look at the past champions and nobody is really, it hasn’t really favored any one player,” Henley said. “People typically don’t win it back-to-back, unless you’re Scottie. But it’s a tournament I always look forward to, I love the challenge of it… yeah, I consider it a major.”
Who Brings The Momentum?
If the performances by the field throughout four rounds didn’t bring enough excitement, a first ever playoff round since 1999 filled the gap. Coming down to a 70 yard putt for par on the final hole for Daniel Berger, to force a playoff round against Akshay Bhatia.
Bhatia was the man to get it done, replaying the 18th hole, winning with par while Berger unfortunately lost with bogey. The win for Bhatia came with a dedication to his Nia, who passed away in December.
“When I saw that rainbow on 18, it reminded me of her,” Bhatia said. “I told my sister, you know, I’ve been thinking about her for a long time after she passed and dedicated this win for her.”
With the Players Championship just around the corner, many will be looking for their own extra push to try and secure a big victory.
Main Photo Credit: © Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
