Back to win: Justin Thomas –

Thomas missed the cut at Sawgrass last year when all of the favourites disappointed, but was third at this event in 2016 and 24th on debut in 2015.

The world No. 2 has already won the Honda Classic this year and has picked up two other top fives at the WGC Mexico and the WGC Match Play.

Thomas ranks fourth on the PGA Tour in total shots gained this year, and his phenomenal record of seven wins in his last 36 starts means he’s always worth backing, particularly at courses that suit his game.

Sawgrass rewards players who drive the ball a long way and hit plenty of greens, so the 25-year-old – who ranks sixth in driving distance and ninth in approach play – has to be considered a strong contender.

Each-way shout: Tiger Woods –

It’s finally time to back the Big Cat at a PGA Tour event.

Woods has made 17 cuts out of 17 at the Players with five top 10s, and he won here in both 2001 and 2013.

What makes the 14-time major winner worth backing this week, though, is his form in 2018, with six made cuts out of seven, including a T2 at the Valspar Championship in March and a T5 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational the following week.

Woods has made three starts in Florida this year, finishing 12th or better in all three, and his big hitting off the tee bodes well for his chances at Sawgrass.

The 42-year-old isn’t the same monster in contention that he used to be and might struggle psychologically if he’s near the top of the leaderboard on Sunday, but he’s proven that he can still compete and is a great each-way bet at this price.

Outside shot: Ian Poulter –

Very few players seems to consistently play well at Sawgrass, but Poulter is a member of that select group.

The Englishman finished second here both last year and in 2009, and he’s made the cut in 11 of his 14 starts at the Players dating back to 2004.

Poulter comes into this year’s event in fine form, having won the Houston Open at the start of April to book a place at the Masters and then picked up a T7 at the RBC Heritage in his last start three weeks ago.

Sawgrass is a unique challenge that tends to reward experienced players, and Poulter, in this form, is the pick of those available at big prices.

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