"It is one of the toughest tests in golf, with potentially the best field in golf."

Nobody knows how to win a major better than Jordan Spieth, and nobody knows how hard it is to win THE PLAYERS Championship better than Jordan Spieth. When quizzed about pal Rickie Fowler's absent major title, Spieth cited the Californian's 2015 PLAYERS title, saying "essentially he's won what's harder to win than a major". No marketing team in the world can give you a better advert for this tournament than Jordan Spieth just did.

The Groupings

As a spectator you really couldn't ask for a better field. The marquee grouping of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson & Rickie Fowler has everybody overlooking the grouping of Rory McIlory, Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth. However, I think you're most likely to find your winner in the group of Jason Day, Henrik Stenson & Sergio Garcia. Day looks set to produce another dominant run of results similar to the one that culminated in his 2016 title at TPC Sawgrass, whilst 2009 champion Henrik Stenson is in great form and suits this course down to the ground. Whilst I don't fancy Garcia's chances this year, he has posted two runners-up (2007, 2015) and a victory (2008) here, so only a fool would write him off.

The Course

TPC Sawgrass is a course that tests just about every aspect of a player's game. Consistency from tee-to-green is an enviable trait in any golf tournament, but this is perhaps the most diverse course on Tour. It does not favour a powerhouse like Tony Finau any more than a confident putter like Sam Burns unless they can raise the rest of their game to the same standard.

Stat's the Ticket

I mentioned Finau because he is No. 2 in driving distance and Sam Burns because he is No. 3 in Strokes Gained (SG): Putting, but neither ranks in the Top 5 for any other aspect of the game. Sure, statistics don't tell the full story, but they do give a raw representation of a player's game. Jason Day, Justin Thomas and Henrik Stenson are the loudest names in the PGA Tour statistics, so it's no surprise that they all rank in the Top 5 for SG: Total (1st, 4th & 5th respectively).

Predictions

Don't be fooled by last year's tournament, this is not a place for upsets. The world's Top 50 golfers are not easily beaten. Day and McIlroy top the bookies' list (14/1) and I think Day is onto something big at the moment, but McIlroy's game isn't where it needs to be for me. Spieth & Thomas (16/1) and Dustin Johnson (18/1) aren't far behind, but with Spieth missing three consecutive cuts and DJ out-of-form Thomas is the only man there worth his price. Skipping over a few big names, my shout for the week is Henrik Stenson at a massive 28/1. He's a past champion in great form with the stats in his favour and he's due a win.

It really is as open as any golf tournament in the world, but that's my shortlist: Jason Day, Justin Thomas and Henrik Stenson.

Expect some major golf this week at TPC Sawgrass.

Credit: @PGATOUR - Official Twitter account of the PGA Tour

Written by Joe Carabini

joe.carabini@foremostgolf.com