Players 2025: Johnson Wagner’s week off to rough, hilarious start with failed recreation of famed Hal Sutton shot

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A year ago, Johnson Wagner’s second career truly took off at TPC Sawgrass by taking some golf balls and . . . throwing them. In case you don’t remember, Wagner began his journey as a golf recreation artist by trying to mimic the bounce of Rory McIlroy’s tee shot into a water hazard on No. 7 during an episode of “Live From” the Players Championship following the first round. It was quirky. It was informative. And, most importantly, it was entertaining.

Fast forward a year and golf fans aren’t just aware of Johnson’s Golf Channel segments in which he recreates important moments from that day’s action—they look forward to them almost as much as the tournament action themselves. And this week’s Players, at the place where it all began, the three-time PGA Tour winner got his big week off to a rough, but hilarious start on Monday night.

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Wagner wanted to recreate Hal Sutton’s famous “BE THE RIGHT CLUB TODAY!” approach shot at the 2000 Players when he held off Tiger Woods (one of the only times Tiger was held off during that historic campaign). But in addition to Wagner facing a difficult shot on TPC Sawgrass’ tough finishing holes, the winds were extra feisty on Monday night. And things did NOT go well for our TV hero. Have a look:

We told you it was rough. Two attempts that didn’t even sniff the green, the second of which was a partial shank. Yikes. And yet, we couldn’t turn away. “That was not the right club today,” Wagner says in the video. Classic.

We’ve seen Wagner struggle with the short-game yips, but usually he’s solid with the long game (not to mention long bunker shots). But again, he was facing particularly tough conditions.

Anyway, we appreciate the effort. As always. And if this is an indication of what’s in store at the latest edition of the PGA Tour’s flagship event, then we’re all in for an amazing week.

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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com