The PGA Tour returns to TPC Sawgrass in Florida this weekend for one of the most highly anticipated tournaments on the calendar.

Dubbed as the ‘fifth major’, The PLAYERS Championship will feature 48 of the world’s Top 50 golfers as names like Dustin Johnson, last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational winner Bryson Dechambeau, and defending champ Rory McIlroy all compete for up to $15 million in prize-money.

TPC Sawgrass is hands down one of the toughest courses on Tour, largely due to the famous par-3 island hole at 17.

With fine weather forecast throughout the weekend, ball-striking and approach will come at a premium, leaving several talented players stepping out at big odds.

Even if you’re a casual golf fan, this is a must-watch event.

With an elite field lining up, you can find our best bets, best value and best roughies ahead of The PLAYERS Championship below.

2021 The PLAYERS Championship Best Bet

Jon Rahm at $15.00

You could easily make a case for most of the guys towards the top of the market, but the Spaniard is my pick for a couple of different reasons.

Firstly, Rahm has really warmed up to this course, most recently finishing T12 in 2019 after opening with three rounds under 70.

Second, and this might sound strange, but it just feels like Rahm has been flying under the radar of late despite his consistency.

In his last five tournaments he’s finished T7 twice at Tournament of Champions and the Farmers, T13 at the Phoenix Open and T5 at The Genesis Invitational.

Combine all of that with the fact Rahm ranks third on Tour in ball-striking – which is a must at TPC Sawgrass – and you have yourself a pretty likeable bet.

Louis Oosthuizen at $51.00

I know, long odds, but hear me out.

Oosthuizen has skipped several key tournaments this year, which in part explains why he’s going around at $51 this weekend.

That said, when the South African has taken to the tee, he’s been phenomenal.

Oosthuizen finished T29 at the Farmers back in January before a T11 at the Phoenix Open and an even better T6 at the Workday. In his last eight rounds, he’s shot 70 or more only twice, whilst ranking Top 5 in Strokes Gained: Putting.

Players that have tackled TPC Sawgrass previously tend to fare better than those with less experience, evident in the fact Rory McIlroy won in 2019 after appearing nine times previously.

Now preparing for his 10th appearance, Oosthuizen has finished inside the Top 20 twice at this event and also shares in a slice of history after making six consecutive birdies back in 2013.

2021 The PLAYERS Championship Best Value

Adam Scott at $51.00

He did it way back in 2004, so why can’t he do it again?

It’s been an up and down year for the Aussie, but keep in mind he hasn’t missed a cut on the PGA Tour since last year’s Arnold Palmer.

As far as TPC Sawgrass goes, Scott has been nothing short of a machine.

Outside of winning 2004’s memorable win over Jay Haas and Padraig Harrington, the 40-year-old has finished inside the Top 20 in each of the last four tournaments.

Better yet, Scott is also ranks second in PGA history for the most rounds at The PLAYERS in the 60s (21).

Cameron Smith at $51.00

Haters will say I’m bias towards Australians, but I can’t let one of Queensland’s finest go around at 50-1 and not have something on.

Of course, there is some logic behind this bet. After finishing runner-up at Augusta last November, Smith returned to form two weeks ago with an outright fourth at the Genesis Invitational thanks to a final round 67.

To be frank, he’s played horribly in four starts at TPC Sawgrass in the past, but since this is his adopted home course, he’s worth a thought at long odds.

Corey Conners at $56.00

It’s absolutely incredible to find the Canadian at this price after an outright third at Arnie’s Place last week.

I expect savvy punters to be all over it, but in case you’re a casual golf fan, Conners is easily one of the best ball-strikers on Tour.

He’s made only the one appearance at this event for a T41 back in 2019, but since he ranks highly in just about all the major statistical categories, he’s a must-have heading into the weekend.

2021 The PLAYERS Championship Best Roughie

Lee Westwood at $67.00

Golf bettors won’t be the only ones taking a gamble this week.

With bright sunshine and clear skies forecast, don’t be surprised if we see several players throw caution to the wind this weekend as they, for lack of a better term, try and take the course on.

Bryson Dechambeau executed this strategy perfectly last week at Bay Hill, but TPC Sawgrass is an entirely different beast.

Danger awaits at every turn, meaning patient players like Lee Westwood – ones that tends to respect the course and take it as it comes – should fair better than those that opt for the risk v reward strategy.

Gary Woodland at $176.00

I know he’s out of form, but it’s insane to find a previous US Open winner at triple figures.

Woodland has been battling back from an injury this year and has missed his form since missing the cut at the Masters.

A T16 at The American Express back in January has been the only real highlight so far, but on a more positive note, he does have a ton of experience at TPC Sawgrass.

The American finish T11 at this event back in 2014 and is set to make his 10th appearance on Friday. All of that has to count for something, right?