This week, the best golfers in the world descend on Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida and the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, in what many consider to be golf’s unofficial ‘fifth major’. The Players Championship offers the most lucrative purse on the PGA Tour and statistically the strongest field in world golf. Combine this with a daunting final three holes, including the iconic 17th island green par 3 and the stage is set for some of the tours most dramatic finishes!
The beauty of the Stadium Course is that it was built with both the pros and fans in mind, working with the late world renowned golf designer Pete Dye, the PGA Tour created a course that favours no particular player or style whilst also offering great vantage points for the fans. The best example of this been at the 17th hole. The signature Island Green hole only measures 137 yards but surround the green with water and set in a bowl of bustling fans and it becomes a whole new proposition.
Many iconic moments have taken place at the 17th, from Fred Couples hole in three in 1999 to Martin Kaymer’s clutch putt in 2014 (which ultimately drove him on to the title). However, none are as iconic as Tiger’s “Better Than Most” putt in 2001 to secure par and ultimately hold off Vijay Singh by one shot.
With the Players Championship providing the excitement and the drama, you also need some time to relax and the Atlantic Coast of Florida is the ideal setting. The beaches between Ponte Vedra and St Augustine are some of the most scenic and unspoilt in the area and St Augustine is home to the World Gold Hall of Fame, providing golf fans with the ultimate experience outside of the tournament. Or if you need some retail therapy, then there is an abundance of options at either St Johns Center at St Augustine Premium Outlets.
A “Fifth Major” may not and arguably should not ever happen. However, the Players Championship truly is a great tournament and a spectacle to watch.
If you want to experience it for yourself in 2021, visit our dedicated page and complete our request form!
