While getting ready to defend his title at this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, golfer Russell Henley shared his perspective on whether The Players Championship deserves status as golf’s fifth major tournament.
Speaking with media on Tuesday at Bay Hill, Florida, Henley expressed strong support for the idea.
“I think it’s a major. It’s our home tournament. I don’t know the statistics on like what they say, like best field in golf or whatever, but, I mean, it is,” Henley stated during his press conference.
The 36-year-old golfer elaborated on what makes the tournament special, emphasizing the course’s demanding nature and rich tradition.
“And the history with that tournament? I mean, I’ve always considered that a major in my mind. It’s just such a tricky golf course and it rewards great shots, typically. It visually is very intimidating. I feel like if you have a good week there you’ve done a lot of really good things,” he explained.
Henley captured his fifth PGA Tour victory at Bay Hill Club and Lodge last season, though he has yet to claim his first major championship. Following his narrow one-shot victory over Collin Morikawa at last year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, he finished tied for 30th at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
When discussing the tournament’s competitive history, Henley noted its unpredictable nature.
“You look at the past champions (of The Players) and nobody is really, it hasn’t really favored any one player. People typically don’t win it back-to-back, unless you’re Scottie (Scheffler, 2023-24),” Henley observed. “But it’s a tournament I always look forward to, I love the challenge of it, and it’s one of, yeah, I consider it a major.”
Asked about how highly he would value a Players Championship victory among other major wins, Henley emphasized the course’s demanding test.
“I mean, winning there, when you win on a golf course like that, with that kind of history, I mean it proves you can do it anywhere, I think, for sure,” he said. “Those closing holes are really tough, I would imagine, when you’re carrying a lead.”
Looking back at his dramatic victory last year, Henley recalled the crucial eagle chip-in at the par-5 16th hole that helped secure his first win since the 2022 World Wide Technology Classic.
“Once that chip went in on 16, I knew the tournament was far from over, I only had a one-shot lead, and I had two really difficult holes to play, so I knew I had a lot of work cut out for me,” he reflected. “I knew Collin was playing great and I knew he would play great under pressure like he always does. Just a lot of different ups and downs of emotions and really proud of myself for just hanging tough all day and seeing it all the way through.”
Should Henley successfully defend his title this week, he would become the first golfer to win consecutive Arnold Palmer Invitational tournaments since Matt Every accomplished the feat in 2014 and 2015.
