Justin Thomas’ Reaction to PGA Tour’s Bold Statement Says Everything and Nothing

Mar 10, 2026, 5:08 AM CUT

The debate over whether THE PLAYERS Championship should be considered a major has raged on for years. Now, just ahead of the 2026 edition, Justin Thomas has made a

That debate reignited when the PGA Tour promoted its March schedule with the line: “March is going to be major.”

During the pre-tournament press conference on Monday, Justin Thomas was asked about the slogan and what he thought of it.

“Probably the same thing everybody else’s was,” Thomas said. When pressed to elaborate on his reaction, he added, “I don’t think I need to.”

September 27, 2025, Farmingdale, Ny, United States: FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 27: Justin Thomas of Team USA nods to the crowd during the Ryder Cup - Afternoon Fourball Matches at Bethpage Black Golf Course on September 27, 2025 in Farmingdale, NY. Farmingdale United States - ZUMAt139 20250927_aaa_t139_167 Copyright: xJasonxAllen/IsixPhotosx

With a $25 million purse and THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass, is the Tour's flagship tournament in the first quarter.

For many players and fans, it sits just behind the four majors, The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship, even if it has not officially joined that group.

At the same time, others in the game point to several reasons why the event should not be placed alongside golf’s four majors.

Why Some Believe THE PLAYERS Championship Should Not Be Considered a Major

Several critics and traditionalists argue that structural issues prevent the event from being recognized as a major.

One of the most cited concerns is the absence of players competing outside the PGA Tour system.

Golfers such as two major champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, who now compete on LIV Golf, are not eligible to participate. However, there's no such limitation when it comes to the majors.

Another point often raised is governance. Unlike The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship, and PGA Championship, which are organized by independent bodies, THE PLAYERS is run directly by the PGA Tour.

Geography is also part of the argument. With the United States already hosting three majors, adding another would limit the sport’s global reach.

Finally, players like Rory McIlroy have said the existing four-major structure already defines the highest level of the game and should not be expanded.

So what's your take on THE PLAYERS Championship becoming the fifth major? Tell us in the comments.

Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi