Golf has always been shaped by perception as much as precedent — and that’s exactly why a serious conversation is forming around THE PLAYERS Championship.

After the PGA Tour released a promo declaring “March is going to be major,” the question became unavoidable:

Is THE PLAYERS being positioned as golf’s fifth major?

And more importantly — why now?

In this episode of Trey Wingo Golf, we break down what’s actually happening beneath the surface. This isn’t about rewriting history or disrespecting tradition. It’s about understanding how majors have always been defined, and how the modern game continues to evolve.

We cover:

• Why the concept of “majors” has never been officially codified

• How perception — not paperwork — shaped the current four majors

• Why THE PLAYERS has long been treated like a major without the label

• The role of TPC Sawgrass and the pressure it creates

• Why the field at THE PLAYERS is often as strong as — or stronger than — some majors

• How television, sponsorship, and global attention factor into the conversation

• Why the PGA Tour, despite its influence, does not own a single major

• And why elevating THE PLAYERS would fundamentally change golf’s power dynamics

From Bobby Jones and Arnold Palmer to Brian Rolapp’s philosophy of “respect tradition, but don’t be bound by it,” this episode connects golf’s past to its present — and possibly its future.

No hot takes. No clickbait.

Just a clear explanation of why this conversation exists, why it’s happening now, and what it could mean for the game.

Is THE PLAYERS already a major in everything but name?

Or does calling it one change the sport forever?

That’s what we unpack here.

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