PLAYERS Previews: No Word Yet On Kenny G Return Engagement

Garry Smits reports that after last year's long list of changes, this year sees relatively few alterations to the event. Not mentioned is whether Kenny G will be used again to make the champion regret winning.

golf.com has more of those cool Fred Vuich Gigapan images let you analyze over-renovated bunkers or analyze the clubhouse exterior design that only a Saudi prince could love.

The 17th Hole gets it's usual bit of attention, with Bill Pennington offering this from Butch Harmon: 

“What’s amazing is that if that green were surrounded by sand instead of water, those guys would never miss the green,” the coach Butch Harmon said of the 17th hole. “They’re such good sand players, it wouldn’t faze them a bit. But it isn’t sand. So all week at the Players Championship, everyone avoids the subject. Those guys don’t even want to talk about it.”

John Huggan isn't a fan:

Add in the inherent daftness and lowbrow appeal of the island green 17th hole, a circus-like golfing gimmick where any pretence at sophistication is notably absent, and the Players won't be making any steps up in status any time soon.

Sorry Tim. Maybe you'll have better luck in your next life as an unelected tin-pot dictator in a 'fifth-world' country. Oh… hang on, that sounds suspiciously like this life.

Meanwhile at ESPN.com Jason Sobel is soliciting favorite 17th hole stories.

Brett Avery of Golf World compiles a history of the event and a course map for those of you collecting PDF's.

Finally, in the fifth of four major watch, we have two swell entries today. They do not quite scream out, "I've run out of ideas." Nonetheless, they are fifth-major themed, which is always disturbing.

Neil Squires submits what seems like an inane case, but salvages it with this from Lee Westwood.

But for all its attractions, Sawgrass will never quite measure up for some. “The last thing we need is another American Major,” said Lee Westwood.

“If we’re going to have one, it should be in Australia. They have some great courses there and you could rotate the venue.

Finally, Derek Lawrenson must be really happy with his room at the Marriott because he offers five reasons "why this week's Players' — like last year's Players' — will knock the Masters into a cocked hat."