The Players Championship is not an official major, but it is one of the most prestigious tournaments of the year. It is one that every top player wants to win, and it is often referred to as "the fifth major."
This year's tournament is something of a precursor to the Masters, which tees off in April. The first major of the year may be the most prestigious of all the major titles, and playing well at the Players Championship may be able to set a player for a strong run during the year's biggest golf tournaments.
Golf fans will remember that the Players Championship originally teed off in March, before moving to May in 2007.