Course Overview
TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course is one of the most famous courses in golf, home to The Players Championship. While the iconic island green 17th gets all the attention, this Pete Dye design challenges you from the first tee to the last putt. The course features dramatic waste bunkers, water on 16 holes, and the diabolical Dye greens.
Tips
- •Book tee times well in advance, especially during peak season
- •Consider playing from the appropriate tees—it's a long course
- •Bring plenty of golf balls—water is everywhere
- •A caddie provides invaluable local knowledge
The Famous Island Green
Hole 17 is the most photographed par 3 in golf. At 137 yards, it looks deceptively simple, but wind, nerves, and the surrounding water claim thousands of balls each year. The key is commitment—pick your club, trust your swing, and don't leave it short.
Tips
- •Check the wind carefully before club selection
- •Aim for the center of the green—don't get greedy with pins
- •A shot in the water is only a one-stroke penalty, so don't compound mistakes
- •The green slopes back to front, so being long is better than short
Strategic Holes Beyond 17
While 17 steals the spotlight, the entire back nine is demanding. The par-5 16th sets up the drama, and the par-4 18th provides one of golf's most exciting finishes. The front nine builds gradually with challenging par 4s and a demanding stretch from 4-8.
Tips
- •Hole 16: Layup short of the water for a clear approach
- •Hole 18: The safe play is right off the tee, avoiding the water left
- •The par-3 3rd is often into the wind—take extra club
- •Holes 7 and 8 are sneaky hard—respect them
Key Takeaways
- Water comes into play on 16 of 18 holes—play conservatively
- The island green is manageable with the right mindset
- Pete Dye greens require careful study—slopes are deceiving
- The experience is worth every penny of the green fee
- Stay in the fairway and you'll have a great day