Hole 1 at TPC Sawgrass (Stadium)

Off the tee, prioritize accuracy over distance on this par 4 — the fairway is pinched by bunkering and tree lines on both sides, so a 3-wood or long iron that finds the short grass will serve you far better than a driver hit into trouble. Pick a target line that favors the light rough over the packed sand, since recovering from the fairway bunkers here is far tougher than from grass.

Your approach shot should be played to the widest, safest part of the green, generally favoring the center over tucked pin positions. Because the green is guarded by bunkers short and to the sides, take enough club to carry any front hazards fully — coming up short is far more punishing than rolling a touch long. Club selection should be based on your actual number to the pin rather than "getting there," especially into any breeze off the opening tee shots of the round.

Around the green, be disciplined with a bump-and-run or low chip when missing short, since the greenside bunkers demand a clean, high-lofted escape that can be tricky to control on firm Bermuda surfaces. Avoid short-siding yourself; always bail toward the fat part of the green if you're unsure of the lie.

Above all, treat this opening hole as a "get in the fairway, get on the green, two-putt" hole rather than a birdie opportunity — a calm, conservative start sets the tone for the demanding stretch that follows at Sawgrass.