This Week In Golf: Our regular look at the biggest stories in professional golf, tournament previews and other key details you need to know.
Akshay Bhatia won a thrilling Arnold Palmer Invitational days after Tiger Woods hinted at a possible comeback in the coming weeks.
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Elsewhere, Luke Donald officially returned as Team Europe’s Ryder Cup captain and there were multiple storylines to come out of LIV Golf as usual.
Looking ahead, here are all of the key stories you need to know about which have already happened or are set to occur in golf this week.
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
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The Players Championship headlines this week’s tour event schedule, with the PGA Tour’s biggest few days set to play out at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course.
The debate surrounding whether The Players should finally be classed as a Major returned to the forefront of people’s minds, but even while it remains the crowning jewel of the historic US circuit and no more, it is still one of the most sought-after prizes in the men’s game.
As has been the case for the past couple of years now, the biggest payout of the season (before the FedEx Cup Playoffs) is on offer in Florida and ‘the best field in golf” is preparing to do battle for it.
MCILROY’S PLAYERS STATUS
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Rory McIlroy won his second Players Championship title 12 months ago following a playoff victory over JJ Spaun, but the defending champion may find his defence a struggle in 2026.
The five-time Major winner suffered a back issue during the Arnold Palmer Invitational which has proved to be “more stubborn” than McIlroy and his team first thought.
The latest update from McIlroy’s camp is that he is going to head to TPC Sawgrass on Wednesday but is not planning on playing a practice round ahead of his first-round tee time on Thursday.
Whether his back improves enough in time to truly compete remains to be seen, but he must be careful with another particularly prestigious championship not too far away either.
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