After contending for victory in his first outing at the event in 2014 – eventually finishing equal fourth – Spieth has failed dismally on a course where patience is often a virtue.

Now the 24-year-old Texan has decided a less forceful approach, which has worked so well for him at Augusta National, is also worth trying some 450 km south of the Masters venue.

"I haven't approached it like I approach the major championship calibre golf course and this course and this championship are major calibre," Spieth said ahead of Thursday's first round.

"And therefore I need to go in with a different game plan and mindset and stick to it when I'm on the golf course."

Spieth and his caddie, Michael Greller, prepare to play a shot on the 2nd hole during the second round of the 2017 Players Championship. PHOTO: Jamie Squire/Getty Images.

He said he would take his medicine after a bad drive instead of trying for a spectacular birdie on a course that has enough subtle and not-so-subtle humps and hollows to make even the world's best players look silly at times.

"The patience side I seemed to display at Augusta is, 'OK, I'm out of position, what's the plan to make my par and move on?'" Spieth said.

"Out here the last couple of years I just haven't had that patience.

"I love the course (but) this is not a place to go out and try and force birdies. That's where I've gone the last few years that has got me into trouble."

The American will play the first two rounds with Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas.