Russell Henley emerged as the triumphant victor at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, edging out Collin Morikawa in a thrilling exchange on the back nine at Bay Hill. The spotlight now shifts to the much-anticipated Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, with golf pundits already speculating about the potential winner.
Keen observers of the sport may argue that Henley is an underappreciated talent in the golfing world. His recent win adds momentum to the PGA Tour season, which is now in full swing. But as the countdown to the Players Championship begins, expert predictions are leaning towards an unexpected contender.
Dame Laura Davies, a four-time LPGA major winner, has placed her bet on Tommy Fleetwood. Speaking on Sky Sports Golf, Davies acknowledged the strong contenders in the field, including Scottie Scheffler, aiming for a hat trick, and the ever-reliable Rory McIlroy. However, she expressed her conviction that Fleetwood, known for his exceptional striking, could clinch the title if he performs well on the greens.
Fleetwood’s victory at the Players Championship would indeed be well-received. Despite being a seven-time DP World Tour champion, an Olympic medalist, a Ryder Cup stalwart, and having pocketed over $30 million in prize money, Fleetwood has yet to secure a win on the PGA Tour. This glaring omission positions him as the top player yet to achieve this feat, outshining golfers like Ben An, Denny McCarthy, and Patrick Rodgers.
Fleetwood’s golfing prowess is evident in his record. He has consistently ranked in the top five of all four major championships, with his best performances being a tie for third at the 2024 Masters, second place in the 2019 Open Championship, and second place in the 2018 US Open.
Davies’ prediction of Fleetwood winning the PGA Tour’s showpiece event may seem audacious, but it is not unfounded. Fleetwood’s precision in driving and superior approach play make him a formidable contender. If he can harness these skills effectively at Sawgrass, he stands a good chance of outperforming reigning champion Scottie Scheffler and other top-tier competitors.
At 34, Fleetwood has amassed an impressive golfing CV, but a PGA Tour victory remains elusive. As we wait for the Players Championship to unfold, the question on everyone’s lips is: Will this be the tournament where Fleetwood finally breaks his PGA Tour duck?
