TPC Sawgrass

The history of the TPC Sawgrass is long and storied. In the beginning, all PGA TOUR events were hosted by local communities and raised money for local charities. Former PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman decided it was time for the PGA TOUR itself to host a tournament for its players that would be held at a course owned by its members. In 1974, this dream became a reality.

Beman wished to buy Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and have it be the official club of PGA TOUR members. While this was not to happen, Beman was offered the opportunity to purchase 415 acres just across the road for $1. 

From this deal came the course that is now one of the most famous in the world - THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. The Pete Dye-designed course was built so as not to favor any one type of game. There are a selection of short, medium and long holes within the categories of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s. The course was laid out so that no two holes will ever play in the same direction. 

The idea of the Stadium Course came from the idea that spectators could easily view the play from certain vantage points. The locations around Nos.
1 and 10 tees and Nos. 9, 16, 17 and 18 greens were built with sloping mounds up to 30 feet high.

No. 17 may very well be the most famous par-3 in all of golf. It is where dreams can either be made or broken. Only six holes-in-one have been recorded during THE PLAYERS on this hole.

The inaugural PLAYERS Championship was held at Atlanta Country Club in Marietta, Ga. After three years of moving the event to different venues, it finally settled at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., for the next five years. In 1982, the event was played for the first time at its permanent home at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

Victors at THE PLAYERS Championship are some of the most revered names in golf history. Jack Nicklaus is the only three-time champion of this event including its inaugural event in 1974. Fred Couples, Steve Elkington and Davis Love III follow closely behind with two victories each. 

In 2009, Henrik Stenson overcame a five-shot deficit Sunday to win THE PLAYERS over Ian Poulter by four shots.

Seven former AJGA players have stood in the winner’s circle at THE PLAYERS Championship: Jodie Mudd (1990), Davis Love III (1992, 2003), Lee Janzen (1995), Justin Leonard (1998), David Duval (1999), Tiger Woods (2001), Phil Mickelson (2007) and Sergio Garcia (2008).