The Legendary Home of THE PLAYERS Championship
Introduction
Few courses in the world capture the imagination of golfers quite like TPC Sawgrass. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, this iconic venue is home to THE PLAYERS Championship, often referred to as golf’s “fifth major.” Designed to test the best golfers in the world, TPC Sawgrass is renowned for its challenging layout, pristine conditioning, and, of course, the world-famous island green on the 17th hole. Whether you’re a professional golfer, a dedicated amateur, or a golf enthusiast, TPC Sawgrass offers an unforgettable experience at the pinnacle of championship golf.
General Information
Full Name: Tournament Players Club (TPC) Sawgrass
Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA
Year Established: 1980
Course Designers: Pete Dye
Commissioned by the PGA TOUR and designed by the legendary Pete Dye, TPC Sawgrass was created to be the ultimate tournament course. Its Stadium Course, specifically built to host large crowds, revolutionized the way golf tournaments are designed and experienced.
What Makes TPC Sawgrass Unique?
Unique Features
TPC Sawgrass is known for its strategic design, demanding precision, power, and mental toughness from even the world’s best players.
Course Type: Stadium Course
Number of Holes: 18 (Par 72)
Total Yardage: 7,256 yards
Signature Holes and Standout Features
- Hole 17 (Par 3, 137 yards) – The legendary island green, one of the most nerve-wracking shots in golf history.
- Hole 18 (Par 4, 462 yards) – A treacherous finishing hole that has crushed many tournament dreams.
- Strategic Bunkering & Water Hazards – Nearly every hole requires risk-reward decision-making.
- Immaculate Course Conditions – Fairways and greens are meticulously maintained year-round.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Tournaments Hosted
TPC Sawgrass is the permanent host of:
- THE PLAYERS Championship (since 1982)
- Senior PLAYERS Championship (1982-2006)
Historic Moments
- Rickie Fowler’s Comeback (2015) – Fowler made five birdies over the final six holes before winning in a playoff.
- Tiger Woods’ “Better Than Most” Putt (2001) – Woods sank an iconic 60-foot triple-breaking putt on the 17th green.
- Hal Sutton’s “Be the Right Club” Shot (2000) – His famous approach on the 18th secured a dramatic win over Tiger Woods.
Champions of the Last Decade
THE PLAYERS Championship – Recent Winners
- 2024 – Scottie Scheffler (-20)
- 2023 – Scottie Scheffler (-17)
- 2022 – Cameron Smith (-13)
- 2021 – Justin Thomas (-14)
- 2020 – Canceled due to COVID-19
- 2019 – Rory McIlroy (-16)
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Clubhouse & Amenities
- TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse – A luxurious clubhouse offering fine dining, history exhibits, and locker rooms.
- THE PLAYERS Grille – A high-end restaurant with breathtaking course views.
- Pro Shop – One of the best-stocked pro shops in the world.
Membership & Green Fees
- Public Access – TPC Sawgrass is open for public play, with green fees ranging from $600-$750 per round.
- Stay & Play Packages – Guests can book premium golf vacation packages at Sawgrass resorts.
- PGA TOUR Performance Center – A state-of-the-art golf academy with professional instruction and technology.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Notable Players Who Have Competed Here
- Tiger Woods – Two-time PLAYERS Champion (2001, 2013)
- Phil Mickelson – PLAYERS Champion (2007)
- Rory McIlroy – PLAYERS Champion (2019)
- Fred Couples – A staple at TPC Sawgrass for decades.
Course Records
- Lowest Round: 63 (Multiple players, including Greg Norman & Webb Simpson)
- Most Wins: 3 (Jack Nicklaus)
- Largest Winning Margin: 7 strokes (Steve Elkington, 1997)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- The Island Green Was Almost a Bunker – Pete Dye originally intended for Hole 17 to be a simple par 3 before his wife, Alice Dye, suggested the iconic island design.
- More Balls in the Water Than You Think – On average, over 50,000 golf balls are retrieved from the lake surrounding the 17th hole each year.
- $20 Million in Prize Money – THE PLAYERS Championship boasts one of the largest purses in professional golf.
- Home to PGA TOUR Headquarters – The PGA TOUR offices are located on the grounds of TPC Sawgrass.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
TPC Sawgrass is a bucket-list course for every serious golfer. Its championship history, legendary holes, and world-class facilities make it one of the most iconic golf destinations in the world.
Rankings & Reviews
- Top 100 Courses in America – Golf Digest
- Best Public Golf Courses in the U.S. – Golf Magazine
- Most Iconic Golf Holes in the World (17th Hole) – Top100GolfCourses.com
Playing TPC Sawgrass is an unforgettable experience—whether you’re testing your nerves on the island green, standing where the greats of the game have played, or soaking in the atmosphere of THE PLAYERS Championship. It’s a course where every shot counts, and where memories are made for a lifetime.
