2023 Players Championship Cutline Prediction: Top Players at Risk of Missing the Weekend at TPC Sawgrass

The ongoing Players Championship is becoming too hot to handle for some of the best golfers in the world. With the second round coming to a close soon, several golfers wait anxiously for the event’s cutline to decide their fate. Who all are staring at an early exit at the PGA Tour’s flagship event?

Popular players who could miss the cut at the Players Championship

TPC Sawgrass has always been an unforgiving course for golfers. The situation has been similar this year, with most players struggling to find their rhythm.

According to the statistics-based website Data Golf, the chances of the cutline score for the event, at the time of writing, stood highest at two-over par, at 54.5%. However, it was a close call with one-over-par, which stood at 44.5%. But at the end of the second day’s play, which golfers could likely find themselves evicted?

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After a disappointing opening round score of 76, Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick can consider himself to be out of contention for a place at the tournament this weekend. The 28-year-old was off the mark on Thursday, and only an incredible turnaround could have assured his chances for the weekend.

Sadly, Fitzpatrick could only muster one-under-par, which placed him outside the top 65 ranks. With an early tee time, he could only expect the score to plunge further. It marks another disappointing tournament for the 2022 U.S. Open winner, who failed to make the cut earlier this season at the Genesis Open.

Playing in the same group as the Englishman was Irish golfer Shane Lowry. The 35-year-old made no favors for himself as he shot an awful five-over-par in the first round. To make things worse, he reportedly snapped his club after the performance, which caught the fury of the golf community.

Despite shooting 69 in the second round, Lowry remained outside the possible cutline, which could signal the end of his time at the tournament.

Golf’s best buddies could be out of the Players Championship

Despite their contrasting start in the first round, the duo of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth could be staring at an early exit. While Spieth got the crowd going with a remarkable three-under par on Thursday, Thomas had an off day, shooting a score of 73.

However, both could be heading out of the competition after a quick turnaround in the second round. Spieth had a terrible day of golf, shooting three-over par. However, he held his nerve for an eagle in the last hole, which could extend his stay in the tournament.

On the other hand, Thomas failed to change his fortune, scoring 71 to remain on the wrong side of the par. Having won the event two years ago, the 29-year-old will be furious with his poor performance.

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Last but certainly not least, World No. 3 Rory McIlroy would be itching to get back on the course after his four-over-par in the first round. The Northern Irishman struggled to hit the fairways throughout the day, with his new driver allegedly being the reason for his downfall. The four-time major championship winner will have to score under par to have any chance of staying for the weekend.