1974: Jack Nicklaus
THE PLAYERS was launched fittingly: The best player won the TOUR’s best tournament against the strongest field.
1984: Fred Couples
Against a backdrop of prestige and deep talent, Couples established scoring records with his second-round 64 and 277 total.
1999: David Duval
Nursing a one-stroke lead in punishing conditions, Duval stuffed his tee shot at the island-green 17th, made birdie, and at 3-under 285 he held off Scott Gump by one.
2004: Adam Scott
A wedge to 10 feet on the final hole set up his putt for 70 and 12-under 276, good for a one-stroke win. The youngest winner of THE PLAYERS.
Before Dye’s Big Plan There Was Dey’s Big Plan
PGA TOUR Commissioner Joe Dey always liked telling stories, and the former sportswriter turned golf administrator felt something in professional golf was missing. He thought there was a story his TOUR needed to tell.
