Being a Players Championship is a big deal for me. It's an unbeatable event that's very special for all players. It's the game I've always wanted to win, and it's the game I really feel like I'm going to win at some point, and hopefully that feeling will come up a few more times.
(Defending champion JT)
I felt good about being able to come back for Media Day recently. Coming to the TPC sawtooth pitch before I won the championship already made me feel comfortable, and this time, I felt more relaxed – especially when I came to the championship dressing room and saw my picture hanging in the clubhouse, which made me feel the strength.
(JT enjoyed watching his name appear in the clubhouse)
I love this stadium, I loved it when I first came here for the Junior Players Tournament, it was always perfectly trimmed during matches. The TPC sawtooth pitch did a great job of closing at the right time to get the pitch in its best shape, and I'm sure it's as beautiful and challenging as it used to be.
(Beautiful and dangerous TPC sawtooth pitch)
I've been lucky enough to have played a few good rounds on the stadium and had some success; however, I hadn't won the event before last year, but on a few occasions it was close. I just feel like home here, I love it, it's a place where I can take advantage of opportunities very well. Although there are a few rounds that have not been played well, I have also played lows in several rounds-—— which is important here. In a race that would have been able to finish 15th or 20th, if I could turn some of those 71s and 72s into 69 and 70s, plus a 64 or 65, then I had a chance to win. Seriously, I love this place.
(JT cup photo)
Last year, I played hard, but I always kept being patient. It was probably the best performance I've had so far, with full control of the ball and a lot of good putters. I was in a state where I was highly focused, able to play the desired effect and push the bar the way I wanted. It's good to be able to get the mind into that state. With the 2022 Players Championship just around the corner, I feel much better now than at any time last year.
(Defending the title is hard, the PGA Tour is too competitive))
People always wonder why defending the title in the Players Championship is so difficult. No player here has won a championship in a row, but it has nothing to do with the stadium. It's really not easy to win the PGA Tour now, it's not like elsewhere where players can see it easier to win consecutively. Winning a game is very tough in a place like the Players' Championship, arguably one of the deepest unfathomable courses, and the style here is unique. I'm looking forward to having a chance to win again, but I know there are a lot of players who want to do the same thing.
One thing I'll never forget in last year's game was the return of the fans. It's true that there was a time when we were in a situation where we couldn't have fans or a limited number of fans, but for me, I wanted to see as many spectators as possible. I'm very excited to be here because it's a game that gives people a sense of energy and enthusiasm. We were able to get feedback from the crowd and hear the roar. This year, hopefully I can create some cheers myself.
(Players Championship Trophy)
When I was younger, I distinctly remember the Tigers' "outstanding" putter on the 17th hole (when the Tigers won in 2001) and Hale Seton's hitting on the 18th hole (2000 win). My love of golf itself is enough to make me want to succeed at the highest level and compete with the best players. When I come to the Players Championship, I think about the difficulty of this stadium and how valuable this event is for everyone.
We will compete with the world's top players on an incredible stadium that is also home to the PGA Tour headquarters. There are a lot of good memories and unforgettable history here.