"Weekend Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. In this installment, PGA professional and RG Lead Golf Writer Brendon Elliott looks at the excitement from Sawgrass as THE PLAYERS heads to the weekend.
After two captivating rounds at TPC Sawgrass, THE PLAYERS Championship is delivering exactly what golf fans crave: compelling storylines, dramatic shifts in fortune, and the looming specter of Mother Nature ready to throw the tournament into beautiful chaos.
Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia share the 36-hole lead at 11-under par, but with forecasted winds potentially reaching 30 mph over the weekend, the leaderboard remains fluid. From Justin Thomas's historic round to Rory McIlroy's steady presence and Scottie Scheffler's pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat, the stage is set for a memorable weekend at golf's unofficial fifth major.
Youth Movement: Lee and Bhatia Bring Fresh Energy to the Top
The co-leaders couldn't better represent the new wave of golf talent. Min Woo Lee, the 26-year-old charismatic Australian with a silky swing, and Akshay Bhatia, the slender 23-year-old American who turned pro as a teenager, have brought a refreshing energy to the top of the leaderboard.
Lee nearly aced the par-3 third hole during his second-round 66, showcasing the flair that has made him a fan favorite. His aggressive style and willingness to take on risk might be perfectly suited for the challenging conditions ahead—or it could lead to his undoing. Either way, it won't be boring.
Bhatia, meanwhile, continues to validate his decision to skip college golf entirely. His creative wedge play on the ninth hole, his last of the day, secured his share of the lead and demonstrated the touch that separates him from many of his peers. At just 23, Bhatia plays with a veteran's composure, but the weekend at THE PLAYERS represents his biggest test yet.
The youth movement at the top is exactly what the PGA TOUR needs right now—fresh faces with compelling personalities who can potentially challenge the established stars. But, holding a 36-hole lead at TPC Sawgrass is one thing; closing the deal amid Sunday pressure is quite another.
The Resurrection of JT Continues: Thomas's Historic 62 Signals His Return
If there was any lingering doubt about Justin Thomas's resurgence, his course record-tying 62 on Friday should put it to rest. After opening with a disastrous 78 that left him in danger of missing the cut, Thomas authored one of the most remarkable turnarounds in tournament history.
"Everything seems to happen in mysterious and weird ways," Thomas said afterward, perhaps understating the magnitude of his achievement.
His 11 birdies on Friday—including one at the island green 17th—nearly gave him the outright course record before a water ball on 18 resulted in a closing bogey. The 16-stroke swing between rounds is a testament to both Thomas's resilience and the fickle nature of golf itself.
What's most encouraging for Thomas fans is how he's embraced the challenge ahead. Rather than lamenting the difficult conditions forecast for the weekend, he expressed excitement. "This course is just so unique, and I've always liked it," Thomas said. "When the wind comes out, it just amplifies it."
Now seven shots back, but with momentum on his side, Thomas has positioned himself perfectly for a weekend charge. The JT of old—the one who claimed a PGA Championship and rose to world No. 1—appears to be back, and his timing couldn't be better.
McIlroy Lurking: Rory Finds Form at Perfect Time
While the spotlight shined brightest on Thomas's historic round, Rory McIlroy quietly positioned himself just two shots off the lead with rounds of 67-68. His improved driving accuracy on Friday—hitting more fairways in his first six holes than in his entire first round—allowed him to capitalize on scoring opportunities early.
"I think I hit more fairways in six holes today than I did in 18 yesterday," McIlroy acknowledged. "Got it in play much better and then from there was able to give myself some opportunities and obviously make some birdies early."
Though his momentum stalled on the back nine with a couple of late bogeys, including one at his closing hole, McIlroy's position heading into the weekend is enviable. His combination of power and precision makes him particularly dangerous at TPC Sawgrass, where strategic thinking is as important as raw skill.
McIlroy has had bright spots this season, including his win at Pebble Beach, but has still been searching for his best form in recent months, and THE PLAYERS Championship would be the perfect place to find it. With the Masters just weeks away, a strong showing this weekend could provide the confidence boost he needs heading to Augusta National.
Scheffler's Three-Peat Quest: Still Alive Despite Frustrations
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler finds himself in a familiar position—six shots back after two rounds, exactly where he stood at this point last year before mounting his historic comeback. Despite visible frustration with his putting on Friday, Scheffler remains very much in contention.
Still, at 5-under par and with challenging conditions ahead, Scheffler's precision approach play (he's gained nearly six shots on the field with his irons) gives him a distinct advantage. No player in the field navigates difficult conditions better than the world No. 1, and an earlier Saturday tee time might allow him to post a score before the worst of the winds arrive.
"I don't have to play perfect golf in order to try to win tournaments," Scheffler said, perhaps reminding himself as much as informing the media. His pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive PLAYERS title remains very much alive.
Mother Nature's Intervention: Wind Set to Wreak Havoc
The most significant storyline heading into the weekend might not be any player at all but rather the weather forecast. Winds exceeding 30 mph are expected Saturday afternoon, with gusts potentially reaching even higher speeds around the treacherous closing holes.
"The wind we're expecting to project the next two days is going to be one helluva challenge," said local resident Billy Horschel.
"You always want it to be tough, but when you start getting wind conditions like that, quality golf shots don't always turn out well."
The island green 17th hole, already golf's most nerve-wracking par-3, becomes particularly diabolical in swirling winds. Unlike links courses where players can keep the ball low, TPC Sawgrass demands aerial approaches over hazards—precisely the type of shots most affected by gusty conditions.
Tournament officials have already announced plans to slow the greens to prevent balls from oscillating and to adjust hole locations to ensure playability. For the first time since 2007, the back-shelf location on 17 will be used on a Saturday, breaking with the traditional front pin that typically produces weekend fireworks.
These conditions could produce dramatic swings on the leaderboard, with the potential for both spectacular charges and catastrophic collapses. Those who can manage their trajectories and emotions will have a distinct advantage.
The Weekend Ahead: Survival of the Adaptable
As THE PLAYERS Championship heads into its crucial weekend rounds, the tournament remains wonderfully unpredictable. The combination of a tightly packed leaderboard and challenging weather conditions ensures that Sunday's champion will have earned every bit of the prestigious title and record $4.5 million first-place prize.
Whether it's the youthful exuberance of Lee and Bhatia, the resurgent brilliance of Thomas, the quiet determination of McIlroy, or the methodical excellence of Scheffler that ultimately prevails, the next two days at TPC Sawgrass promise to deliver the drama and unpredictability that make THE PLAYERS Championship one of golf's premier events.
Ultimately, the winner might not be the player who makes the most birdies but rather the one who makes the fewest mistakes and adapts most effectively to whatever Mother Nature delivers. At TPC Sawgrass this weekend, survival might be the most valuable skill of all.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
