PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – After firing a record-tying 62 on Friday, Justin Thomas emphasized the importance of attitude and focus at the Players Championship.

On Saturday, those qualities will be put to the test as strong winds sweep across TPC Sawgrass.

A Tough Day Ahead at TPC Sawgrass

As players woke up to palm trees swaying in the wind, it was clear that Saturday’s round would be a mental and physical battle.

With steady 20 mph winds and stronger gusts expected, navigating one of the tour’s tightest courses, where water hazards lurk everywhere, will require precision, patience, and creativity.

Thomas, who bounced back from an opening-round 78 to move into a tie for 31st at 4-under, is embracing the challenge.

“I got excited early in the week when I saw the forecast,” Thomas said. “I love playing in these conditions. You’ve got to be creative, and it’s just tough.”

Players React to the Wind Challenge

Rickie Fowler (T-17): “I love playing in the wind. You can’t fake it, and especially at this course, you can’t fake it even without wind. It’ll be a big test—not just for controlling the golf ball but also for managing emotions. You won’t play perfect golf in 30 mph winds, so you have to accept the challenge.”

Rory McIlroy (T-4): “It’s important to flight the ball low and keep it under the tree line. Once it gets above, the wind can really take control. I enjoy this kind of challenge—hitting different shots, controlling ball flight, and being creative. I’ve improved in that aspect over the last few years.”

Scottie Scheffler (T-17): “It’ll be very difficult. At courses like the Open Championship, you can keep the ball low, but here, you have to get it airborne. The fairways are soft, so it’s all about controlling spin and making solid contact. At times, it might feel like you’re just guessing with the wind.”

Billy Horschel (T-11): “The next two days are going to be one hell of a challenge. When the wind is this strong, even quality shots don’t always get rewarded. It’s one of those times where you have to accept the conditions—some great shots will turn out well, while others could end up in terrible spots.”

Sunday’s Forecast: More Wind and Possible Storms

As if Saturday’s winds weren’t enough, Sunday could bring even more trouble.

Forecasts predict strong winds once again, but the bigger concern is the potential for scattered thunderstorms, which may arrive right around the time the final groups tee off.

With unpredictable conditions looming, will the tournament adjust tee times to avoid delays? That remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the 2025 Players Championship is shaping up to be a true test of resilience and adaptability.

Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club hosted its first major competition of 2025 on Sunday, as 61 members competed for the prestigious Brown Cup.

With reasonable conditions prevailing, the event saw some impressive scores, particularly among the lower-handicap players.

Dave Hillier, playing off a handicap of 6, emerged victorious with a nett 68, which included three birdies.

In a closely contested battle for second place, Ellis Taylor (8) secured the runner-up spot on countback with a nett 69, while Neil Megarry (6) finished third with the same score.

Meanwhile, the club has announced an exciting new sponsorship agreement with Jewson South West, marking the start of a Platinum Partnership.

This collaboration is a significant step forward in both organisations’ commitment to excellence and community development.

As the club’s Platinum Sponsor, Jewson South West will play a vital role in supporting its growth and future projects.

The sponsorship includes naming rights for the 1st and 18th holes, branding on the club scorecards, and the hosting of an Annual Golf Day for customers in July.

Andy Jordan, Regional Managing Director of Jewson South West, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are thrilled to enter into this Platinum Partnership with Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting local communities and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on the club and its members.”

As Somerset’s oldest links course, Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club boasts a rich tradition, a stunning course, and a welcoming atmosphere.

The new sponsorship deal represents a major milestone in the club’s ongoing efforts to enhance its facilities and provide members and visitors with a first-class golfing experience.

“We are delighted to welcome Jewson South West as our Club Platinum Partner,” said Glenn Ross, General Manager of Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club.

Karl Vilips had plenty to celebrate on Sunday, securing his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Puerto Rico Open and cashing a winner’s check worth nearly three-quarters of a million dollars.

But one unexpected moment may have topped it all getting a message from Tiger Woods himself.

The PGA Tour rookie was stunned to receive both a text and a voicemail from the 15-time major champion following his breakthrough win.

In fact, the realization that Woods had reached out seemed even harder to grasp than his own victory, which came in just his fourth career start.

“I got on my phone after the round and I was scrolling through, like who is texting me?” Vilips told reporters. “And I think I got one from a random number that called me as well. And then there was a voicemail saying, ‘It’s Tiger,’ and I couldn’t like process it in the moment.”

It’s easy to understand why. Winning on the PGA Tour is a whirlwind experience, and getting a personal message from one of the sport’s greatest legends only added to the surreal nature of the moment.

Woods had good reason to reach out so quickly Vilips is the first brand ambassador for Tiger’s new Sun Day Red apparel line, aside from Woods himself.

That’s an immediate return on investment. And while Vilips wasn’t sporting the signature red, he shares another connection with Tiger: both played college golf at Stanford.

“I was just trying to, I’ll get back to that later,” Vilips said. “But that’s pretty cool.”

“Pretty cool” might be an understatement. And if there’s anyone who would understand not getting an immediate call back after a PGA Tour win, it’s the guy who’s been in that position a record-tying 82 times.