The Players: A Major? Not Needed

Golf fans often refer to The Players Championship as the “fifth major,” yet not everyone agrees. Two prominent figures in the sport—Wayne Riley and Dame Laura Davies—recently shared their thoughts on whether the event should officially join the ranks of golf’s traditional majors.

Wayne Riley: A Case for Tradition

Wayne Riley, who values the classic structure of golf’s championships, maintains that only four majors should exist.

“I am happy with four,” he told a sports broadcast, praising The Players for its world‑class field and the iconic TPC Sawgrass venue.
He argued that adding another major would be redundant and that the tournament already stands tall on its own.

Dame Laura Davies: A Shift in Perspective

Dame Laura Davies initially entertained the idea of upgrading The Players to major status. However, after hearing Riley’s points, she changed her stance.

“It’s already the best event,” she said, concluding that keeping its current title was sufficient.
She acknowledged the tournament’s celebrated status among PGA Tour players and felt additional prestige might be unnecessary.

The Ongoing Debate

Both perspectives echo a common sentiment: The Players has earned respect through its competitive field and memorable setting. Yet, the debate over formal recognition as a major continues to split opinion among players, commentators, and fans alike.