The Aussies at The Players

There are seven Aussies teeing it up at TPC Sawgrass this week looking to become our sixth winner of The Players Championship, although defending champion Cam Smith won’t have the chance to become the first player to go back-to-back.

Here are all the details of each of the Australians in the field, including why they can win golf’s richest prize.

Aaron Baddeley
Age: 41
World Ranking: 380
Best finish at The Players: T6 (2011)
PGA Tour wins: Four
Why he can win: Although unlikely, Aaron Baddeley may not be the worst bet this week at the Players. A four-time winner on the PGA Tour, Baddeley has an immaculate short game, something that is needed to be successful around TPC Sawgrass. He has had a solid start to 2023, his best finish a T7 at the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, an outside chance, but never say never.
Odds: $501
First Round tee time: 12:51am, Friday (AEDT)

Cam Davis
Age: 28
World Ranking: 97
Best finish at The Players: Missed Cut (2021, 2022)
PGA Tour wins: One
Why he can win: Being long off the tee doesn’t guarantee you anything at TPC Sawgrass, but it certainly helps. 19th on Tour in strokes gained off the tee, and 16th in driving distance, getting himself in a winning position will hinge on his putting. Davis has not been able to get it going on the greens so far this year, but if he can somehow find something to get his flatstick hot, you just never know.
Odds: $151
First Round tee time: 11:45pm, Thursday (AEDT)

Jason Day
Age: 35
World Ranking: 43
Best finish at the Players: Win (2016)
PGA Tour wins: 12
Why he can win: Arguably Australia’s best chance at this year’s Players, Day’s game has been trending in the right direction for some time now. Four top-10s in his last four starts has Day quickly ascending the world rankings, combined with the belief in not only his body, but his ability to compete with the best in the world again. Has three top-10 finishes to go with his 2016 victory.
Odds: $36
First Round tee time: 4:23am, Friday (AEDT)

Harrison Endycott
Age: 26
World Ranking: 309
Best finish at The Players: Debut
PGA Tour wins: None
Why he can win: This will definitely be Endycott’s biggest challenge to date. But the fearless rookie has always believed he belongs on the PGA Tour, and will be accustomed to this kind of set up having been based in America since the early days of his professional career. With nothing to lose, and plenty to gain, Endycott can go all-out attack at TPC Sawgrass.
Odds: $501
First Round tee time: 12:51am, Friday (AEDT)

Lucas Herbert
Age: 27
World Ranking: 51
Best finish at The Players: T68 (2022)
PGA Tour wins: One
Why he can win: Herbert is a proven winner around the globe, although he hasn’t had his best stuff to start the year, he will be better for the run coming back to the Players for the second time. The Victorian has scrambled well this season, and he certainly can keep up with the heavy hitters off the tee. If he improves with his mid to long irons, and can put the ball in the short stuff off the tee, there is no reason why he can’t find himself in the mix, and at No.51 in the world, a good week could see him punch his ticket to Augusta National.
Odds: $151
First Round tee time: 4:23am, Friday (AEDT)

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Min Woo Lee
Age: 24
World Ranking: 50
Best finish at The Players: Debut
PGA Tour wins: None
Why he can win: Some people just have “it”, and Min Woo Lee has it. The 24-year-old oozes swagger and class, and he makes his first trip to The Players also flirting with a Masters invite. Min Woo has a lot to play for this week, where as a premium ball striker and plenty long off the tee, he has all the attributes to succeed on the PGA Tour. Practise rounds with former Aussie champions Day and Scott will definitely not hurt his chances.
Odds: $126
First Round tee time: 10:50pm, Thursday (AEDT)

Adam Scott
Age: 42
World Ranking: 35
Best finish at The Players: Win (2004)
PGA Tour wins: 14
Why he can win: Already a Players champion, albeit nearly 20 years ago. The old adage class is permanent will always apply when it comes to assessing Scott’s chances. His driving accuracy and putting will have to improve this week for him to contend, but you can never count out one of the game’s sweetest swingers.
Odds: $51
First Round tee time: 11:45pm, Thursday (AEDT)