Players Championship: Best practice day photos

The best snaps ahead of the "unofficial fifth major" at TPC Sawgrass

Andy Roberts's picture
Wed, 11 May 2016

Up for grabs: The Players Championship trophy awaits in front of the magnificent clubhouse.

Calm before the storm: The grandstand awaits at the infamous par-3 "Island Green" 17th. 

The master: Danny Willett signs a number of Masters flags following his first major win. 

Reminisce: Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas, fresh off their #SB2K16 vacation.

Defender: Fowler is bidding to become the first golfer to defend the Players Championship. 

Fancy footwear: And he will attempt it in new PUMA TitanTour Ignite Tricks shoes.

Back to basics: Spieth is making his first start since throwing away the Masters in April. 

Bridge over troubled water: Spieth nips a shot off the path leading up to the 17th green. 

All in a day's work: Fowler and Spieth sign autographs for the fans. 

Flagship: The Players Championship is considered the PGA Tour's biggest event of the year. 

Eyes on the prize: A great blue heron grabs a fish for lunch. 

All smiles: A resurgent Phil Mickelson has picked up four top-fives on the PGA Tour this year.

Caught on camera: World number one Jason Day speaks to the media. 

 Firsty work: Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello spearhead the Spanish charge this week.

Fear the beard: One of the game's best ball strikers Graham DeLaet still seeks an elusive title. 

New bats: Bubba Watson has been spotted using new PING iBlade irons at TPC Sawgrass. 

Ready to bloom: Justin Rose and swing coach Sean Foley stroll down the tricky par-4 18th.Â