Fowler bidding to go back-to-back as Spieth returns

Rickie Fowler returns to the scene of his greatest triumph as the world's best head to lucrative The Players Championship, starting Thursday.

One of the most talented players on the professional circuit, Fowler claimed his biggest win in a three-way play-off in 2015, before going on to win his third PGA Tour title three months later.

And the world number five will make his way back to TPC Sawgrass in Florida, looking to become the first player to defend his title at the unofficial 'fifth major', such is the standing of the prestigious tournament.

The 27-year-old, though, must navigate a star-studded field, which includes world number one Jason Day and Rory McIlroy.

Jordan Spieth and Masters champion Danny Willett also tee off for the first time since the former's remarkable Augusta capitulation in April.

HAHN BACK IN FORM, MCILROY LOOMS

The relief on Hahn's face when he won the Wells Fargo Championship was telling.  After missing eighth consecutive cuts, South Korean-born American Hahn finally had something to smile about as he overcame Roberto Castro in a play-off last week. With the slump now behind him, the 34-year-old will undoubtedly feel a little more at ease in Florida.

Rory McIlroy finished two shots behind Hahn at Quail Hollow as he lost crown but there was enough to like about the Northern Irishman, who has top-10 finishes in his last three starts this year.

TPC SAWGRASS DEMANDS EXCELLENCE FROM FIELD

If players want a challenge they will get it in Ponte Vedra Beach. One of the most demanding courtesy on Tour, TPC Sawgrass offers a bit of everything with risk and reward only centimetres apart. And unlike last week in Harbour Town, rain will not wreak havoc with sunny conditions expected.

SPIETH REFRESHED, ALL EYES ON WILLETT

Spieth will be the most scrutinised player in the field at this week's tournament following his "mini off-season".  The world number two has not played since his collapses at the Masters last month. The American surrendered his green jacket after throwing away a five-shot lead on the back nine as Danny Willett pounced for his first major victory.

FOWLER RETURNS TO DEFEND TITLE

In his greatest triumph so far, Fowler produced the greatest finish in the history of the TPC Sawgrass to capture last year's crown. With a five-shot deficit with six holes to play, Fowler went birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie on his last four holes to force a three-way play-off, where he overcame Sergio Garcia and Kevin Kisner.

WILL THERE BE A FIRST BACK-TO-BACK WINNER?

No player in the history of The Players Championship has defended their title but Fowler has the opportunity to do so this week.

DAY'S DILEMMA

He may be the world's top golfer, but even Day feels uncomfortable on the course: "If there's one club in the bag that's uncomfortable for me at times, it's the three-wood. Everyone has an uncomfortable club in their bag. We just don't talk about it. I'm OK with talking about it."

Fowler, who birdied the 17th hole to collect the $1.8million cheque, said: "I look forward to 17, just because it's a fun hole to play. No matter what the wind is doing, it's always interesting. You've got to be spot-on there, so it demands a lot out of the shot."