The Players Championship is right around the corner, with the tee times for the first round on Thursday already out. There are a few striking matchups for the first round, with fan favorite Scottie Scheffler facing down the in-form Justin Thomas and legends like Tony Finau and Will Zalatoris placed in the same group. The upcoming game is expected to be thrilling, but we believe there are some notable names absent.

In the golfing world, very few events hold the prestige that THE PLAYERS Championship holds. This event, known for its iconic 17th hole that challenges even the world’s best golfers, is a tournament that has produced many memorable moments and deserving winners. Yet, due to the ongoing PGA Tour ban, the best of the best from the breakaway league find themselves out along with the fans, unable to participate. What if some players could qualify for the championship? How would these LIV Golf-ers fare?

Potential unseen champions at THE PLAYERS Championship

There are many players from the PIL-backed league that could be an intriguing choice to play at THE PLAYERS championship. One Choice could be Bryson DeChambeau, with the golfer having expressed wanting to return to the tour. Another could be Anthony Kim, who could prove his comeback at TPC. But the three that we have chosen are the best of the best and could even take home the top prize:

Cameron Smith

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It is not a controversial statement to make that Cameron Smith could have won THE PLAYERS Championship 2024 if he were to play. He has already proven himself on the course, winning the championship in 2022. His experience makes him a top pick, but that is not all that is going for him. His recent form, having tied in the final round of LIV Golf Hong Kong, proves that he can take on the course at his best potential, and that has been enough to get him the title in the past.

Talor Gooch

The 32-year-old golfer would seem like a confusing choice to some, with his limited experience playing the 72-hole format, but that would not stop the Oklahoma native. Gooch has been in incredible form lately, having won 3 events last year. Notably, Gooch has had a remarkable year, achieving second place in Vegas and sixth place in Jeddah. How do you think he would have performed at THE PLAYERS Championship?

Joaquin Niemann

Last, but not least, the 25-year-old from Chile. Niemann could be an impressive choice to compete in the championship, given his experience in not only the 54-hole version but also the traditional 72-hole version, performing exceptionally in Asian Tour events and DP World Tour events. Niemann’s adaptability in both formats and current form has earned him a Masters invite underscoring his potential to excel at the greens of TPC Sawgrass.

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The Saudi-backed league is known for bringing out the best in players, as these three are great examples. It makes us fans deeply aware of the fact that we are not seeing all the best golfers playing against each other. We can only hope that someday their ban gets lifted, and we get to see all our favorite players take to the greens to compete against each other to find the best of the best.

2024 THE PLAYERS Championship: Power Rankings, Defending Champion, Prize Money, and Major Details