TPC Sawgrass Storytellers Guide

A S TORYTELLER’S G UIDE

THE PLAYERS AND TPC SAWGRASS

Cover Photo:Stan Badz

STORYTELLER’S HANDBOOK THE

PLAYERS

&

TPC

Compiled and Written by Rusty Jarret

Billy Dettlaff

SAWGRASS

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSIONER

Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to visit the TPC Sawgrass. As the first and flagship TPC, and the longtime home to THE PLAYERS Championship, the PGA TOUR takes tremendous pride in this facility and the growing history of memorable moments that have occurred during our players’ own championship.

TPC Sawgrass is truly unique in many ways, from its origin and the groundbreaking golf course design by Pete Dye, to the challenges that were met during construction, to THE PLAYERS Stadium’s evolution over the last 25 years.TPC Sawgrass has become a highly regarded championship course and tournament venue.

As you played THE PLAYERS Stadium Course you undoubtedly encountered various markers commemorating the many special moments that have occurred during THE PLAYERS Championship. Our caddies, no doubt detailed these achievements for you. As a memento of your visit, we are pleased to provide this storybook, which recounts many of the historic moments and achievements at THE PLAYERS. 3

In 2007, a new era dawned with a major investment in extensive course renovations, outstanding spectator enhancements and a spectacular new clubhouse. TPC Sawgrass has been repositioned to take tournament golf, for competitors and spectators alike, into the next quarter century and beyond.

We hope you enjoyed your visit, and will continue to follow THE PLAYERS as new history is created by the best professional golfers in the world.We also hope you will have a chance to visit us again to relive ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

THE PLAYERS experience.

The author would like to thank Chris Smith and Ward Clayton of PGA TOUR Communications for their assistance in finding story ideas and confirming accuracy of the facts within; PGA TOUR Creative Services’ John Snow, Jim Ault and Rob Knox for providing

Sincerely,

art direction and layout; PGA TOUR Photographic Services’ Stan Badz, Chris Condon and Sam Greenwood for their photographs; Special thanks to Deborah Carrillo for her photographic research; Other contributing photographers included Ruffin Beckwith, Ric Clarson and Pete Fontaine; PGA TOUR Brand Marketing’s Kent Simon and Kirsten Sabia for their branding direction of the document;TPC Golf Course Properties, Inc.’s David Pillsbury, John Flaschner and Angela Ivey for their editorial support.

Copyright © 2007 by PGA TOUR Inc. Published in U.S.A. Printed by The Hartley Press Jacksonville, FL

Tim Finchem Commissioner, PGA TOUR

FOREWORD

FOREWORD

ince becoming the permanent home of THE PLAYERS

S

This is, in fact, the dawning of a new era for TPC Sawgrass and, consequently,

Championship in 1982,TPC Sawgrass has mirrored the

THE PLAYERS. For as outstanding a facility as this has been, it could not

tournament’s dynamic growth in terms of international

keep up with the increasing demands of the tournament in its original

reputation and stature.

form.TPC Sawgrass required a significant overhaul to keep pace with

THE PLAYERS Stadium Course has blossomed from controversy in its early days to being recognized as one of the truly great tests in

4

THE PLAYERS’ continued growth and to enhance its own reputation as a world-class golf destination.

championship golf. It has endured the test of time in a strategic and

The most obvious change is the spectacular new 77,000 square-foot

competitive sense, a true testament to the design of Pete Dye. From Jerry

clubhouse, which incredibly was completed within 10 months, nearly

Pate’s baptism of the course in 1982 – when he followed his victory by

half the time a project of this magnitude typically would take. Built in

tossing then-Commissioner Deane Beman and Dye into the lake at No. 18

a Mediterranean Revival style reminiscent of the historic architecture

before diving in himself - to Stephen Ames’ dominating victory in 2006, it has

found in nearby St. Augustine, it was designed to accommodate current

given us a quarter of a century of great finishes and memorable moments.

and future tournament needs, which in turn will satisfy resort demands.

The following pages highlight some of the most memorable moments over these past 25 years of THE PLAYERS at TPC Sawgrass.While there is a caveat of knowing many more are sure to come, this publication is

It is important to acknowledge the valuable support of our three proud partners of THE PLAYERS – PricewaterhouseCoopers, UBS and JELD-WEN – in making this happen.

timely; not only because of the quarter-century history, but also because

There also have been significant changes to THE PLAYERS Stadium

of the exciting changes TPC Sawgrass has undergone over the past year

Course, though not as visible to the eye. New contouring and mounding

that prepares it for the next 25 years and beyond.

will greatly enhance the fan experience, particularly around the great three finishing holes. Among the most notable strategic enhancements

5

FOREWORD

are new bunkering to the right of the No. 7 fairway, a new tee at the par-3 No. 8, and a new green complex at the short par-4 No. 12. Other tee areas have been extended to offer the option of adding yardage, but overall, we determined significant lengthening of the course was not the way to maintain its competitiveness. Rather, we needed to bring it back to its original firm, fast, yet fair condition.

So the bulk of the work took place underneath the surface.This included the installation of a state- of-the-art SubAir subsurface drainage and irrigation system to ensure prime conditions regardless of the weather; extensive fairway renovations, requiring the removal of 24,000 tons of topsoil and the equivalent of seven miles of dumptrucks full of sand; the rebuilding of all greens to USGA standards; and lake bank stabilization and restoration.

Coupled with significant enhancements at the adjacent Dye’s Valley Course, the end result is a reinvigorated TPC Sawgrass that is well positioned for the future ... including more great moments from THE PLAYERS.

Stan Badz

6

GENESIS OF THE STORYTELLER’S GUIDE

I

t is a pleasure to share with you these writings about TPC Sawgrass and THE PLAYERS Championship. Originally conceived as a training guide for our staff and caddies, the concept was quickly broadened to its

current form as a “storybook” to also be shared with our guests and golf fans from around the world.

During our staff training, through our “Service Excellence Program,” we introduce the concept of the storyteller. Storytellers have been common throughout history in many societies. African storytellers, called “griots,” are examples of those honored for their learning and perpetuating the history of their culture.Their function is to pass on the historic events and traditions that have such great meaning to their people. Here at TPC Sawgrass, we are asking you to join us in this great tradition.

A storyteller is a special person who has the ability to inform, educate and entertain those with whom he or she come in contact.

We are lucky.TPC Sawgrass and THE PLAYERS have a great shared history.They also represent the home of the PGA TOUR and the greatest athletes ever to play the game.

Mary Schilpp

A view of the 1st Tee shot during THE PLAYERS Championship.

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GENESIS OF THE STORYTELLER’S GUIDE

In this book, you will find the description and details of many great shots and events.You will read a unique and varied collection of stories that have become our history. If you have played or visited our facility, we hope that you will have some stories of your own to add.

Enjoy the reading. Even more, enjoy the unique satisfaction that will come from being a “storyteller!”

10

FIRST, SOME HISTORY

F I R S T, S O M E H I S T O R Y

Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass

T

PC Sawgrass was born from the dream of then PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman to create a special and unique host site for the players’ own tournament. Known today as THE PLAYERS Championship,

it was originally named The Tournament Players Championship. Prior to this unique concept, all PGA TOUR events were created and managed by local groups or golf organizations in communities around the country.Their main purpose was to promote their businesses or local area and often benefited local charities.The early predecessor to the PGA TOUR was first organized in 1938 to formalize this schedule of events, to provide improved opportunities for the professional golfer and to further advance the charitable contributions.

The four major championships are good representations of how most events are conducted by independent organizations: Masters Tournament– Augusta

National Golf Club; U.S. Open - United States Golf Association; British Open - Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews; and PGA Championship Professional Golf Association of America (PGA). Each of these competitions has a founding organization and unique purpose behind the reason for its event.

Since 1938, when records were formally begun, the PGA TOUR has raised more than $1 billion for charity in cooperation with local tournament sponsors and organizations.

An aerial view of THE PLAYERS Stadium Course.

13

F I R S T , S O M E H I S T O R Y : TPC SAWGRASS

THE PLAYERS Championship, originally known as The Tournament Players Championship, was the first event founded for the players by the touring professionals’ own organization. Beman’s vision was that this event would become a truly special tournament in the eyes of the players because it was, after all, their own.The inaugural tournament was played in 1974. For the first three years the event was moved annually. It was first played at the Atlanta Country Club in Marietta, Georgia.The next year it traveled west to Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth,Texas. In 1976 it was conducted in South Florida at Inverrary Country Club, in Lauderhill.The following year, Sawgrass Country Club, in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, just outside of Jacksonville, became the host site, where it was played for the next five years.

It was early in this five-year period that Beman conceived the idea for a permanent host course that would be owned by the players of the PGA TOUR. Beman first approached the owners of Sawgrass Country Club, the Arvida Corporation, and offered to buy their facility.They did not want to sell. Nor did they believe that Beman would ever get financing or player approval to buy a facility of their own. Arvida Chairman Charles Cobb proposed a $100 bet to Beman, in a show of business “sportsmanship,” that he could never achieve his dream.

Determined, Beman sought other options to stay in Ponte Vedra Beach.

He soon found allies in Jerome and Paul Fletcher.These brothers were major landowners in the area and came to share Beman’s vision. So much so that they eventually sold 415 acres of wooded wetlands and swamp to the PGA TOUR for $1 (check pictured left, below).

Chris Condon

The ball used for the first ever TPC “mulligan.” It was struck by Commissioner Deane Beman during the groundbreaking ceremony in 1978.

Also pictured is the $1 check written for the purchase of 415 acres that were to become TPC Sawgrass.

15

F I R S T , S O M E H I S T O R Y : TPC SAWGRASS

With the land in hand, approval to move forward and build this dream came from the PGA TOUR Policy Board. A formal ceremony was held to begin construction. It took place just off S.R. A1A, across from the entrance to Sawgrass Country Club. It was on the edge of the heavily wooded site that was filled with pines, palms and Palmetto scrub.To mark the occasion, Beman hit a ceremonial “first shot” with a persimmon driver.Years later, Beman recalled, “I didn’t hit that one very well, so I took a mulligan. I hit the second shot right on the screws…”

For days, a determined Paul Fletcher would return to the site in search of Beman’s second ball. He eventually found the ball, gnarled and chewed by some local wild critter. He had the ball mounted with an engraved plaque which he presented to Beman. It read, “To Deane Beman from Paul Fletcher.

The Tournament Players Club’s First Mulligan. February 12, 1978.” (pictured top, previous page) Beman would receive a second plaque two years later in March 1980.

It showcased a $100 bill, which is on display in the clubhouse with this inscription, “To Deane Beman, the man who did what we said couldn’t be done. From Chuck Cobb and his associates at Arvida, who bet on the difficulty of the task, not on the capability of the man doing the task.”

The creation of TPC Sawgrass as host to THE PLAYERS Championship was based on several unique concepts:

Deane Beman (left) and Vernon Kelly at groundbreaking on February 12, 1978. Below, Kelly turns a shovel of native soil as Beman looks on.

PGA TOUR Photo Archive

• First, it would be the permanent home of THE PLAYERS, and it would be owned by the players.

17

F I R S T , S O M E H I S T O R Y : TPC SAWGRASS

• Second, the course and surrounding areas would be built with spectators in mind.

It would be the first true “Stadium Course,” designed and built to improve the overall on-site fan experience.

• Third, prior to the construction of the TPC, nearly all great tournaments were played on outstanding layouts that were private clubs where the average fan rarely had a chance to play.The TPC would be a course of great design and character that would be accessible to all golf fans.

F I R S T , S O M E H I S T O R Y : TPC SAWGRASS

An unexpected by-product of the lake construction was the island green at the 17th hole.What was originally designed as a small pond near the green continued to be dug for the valuable sand base found in that area. After the excavation work, nearly all of the area around the green was surrounded by water. Now it is perhaps the most famous par-3 in the world. Dye credits his wife, Alice, with the concept of building an island green after she saw the construction site one day.

Working with golf course architect Pete Dye, Beman wanted a course design that would favor no particular player or style of play.To meet this goal, an

Over 25 years later, the dream of a home course owned by the players,

extensive effort was made to design a balanced golf course.There had to be

featuring an exciting course venue paired with a superior spectator experience,

a selection of short, medium and long holes within the categories of par-3s,

has come to fruition. It is the home of THE PLAYERS, annually the strongest

par-4s and par-5s.There had to be both right and left doglegs.The course 18

routing was laid out so no two consecutive holes ever played in the same direction.With this concept, wind direction would have a more balanced influence on the field of players.

For the first time, spectator viewing was given full consideration in the design and layout of a golf course.The site was a North Florida wetlands, flat and heavily wooded. Dye had noted that there were no more than 18 inches of elevation above the waterline anywhere on the property. Lakes were created not only for strategic play of a hole, but also for fill that was needed to create the contours of play and the first “stadium” mounding. Key locations were designated around the 1st and 10th tees and at the 9th, 16th, 17th and 18th greens, where strategic viewing areas were built.These would be large, gently sloping mounds up to 30 feet high. From these vantage points, for the first time in golf, thousands of spectators would have unobstructed views of tournament play, similar to being in a baseball or football stadium.

field in tournament golf, recognized by the players as “their event.” O

19

Deane Beman (left) and THE PLAYERS Stadium course architect Pete Dye during one of their many construction site visits,

PGA TOUR Photo Archive

THE STORIES

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 18TH GREEN played on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at the TPC Sawgrass in 1982.

19 8 2 The event was originally called the Tournament Players Championship.

I

n 1982,THE PLAYERS Championship, then called the Tournament

This event was played for the first three years at sites around

Players Championship, moved to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course.The

the United States including

original design was met with very mixed reactions, at times highly critical.

Marietta, GA, Fort Worth, TX, and Lauderhill, FL.

F A C T S

The Inaugural Stadium Event

T H E

THE PLAYERS inaugural event was

Negative comments from players ranged from “goofy golf ” to “a design from outer space.”

The tournament moved to the

The course was tough. It could play very penal. Shots that strayed from the

Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte

fairway often found severe waste bunkers or worse, including tall and gnarly

for five years. This club is located

grass areas that were maintained by a herd of goats brought to the property

Jacksonville area in 1977.

Vedra Beach hosted the event just across S.R. A1A from the TPC Sawgrass.

for just that purpose.

Jerry Pate was the first PLAYERS Champion at TPC Sawgrass with a

Aiding the controversy was the fact that many of the leading names of the era missed the cut.This included players like: Jack Nicklaus, winner of the

four - round total of 280 and a twostroke victory over Brad Bryant.

first PLAYERS in 1974 (and the tournament’s only three-time champion

To culminate the week of challenge

with subsequent victories in 1976 and 1978), Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller,

threw course designer Pete Dye

Hal Sutton, Lee Trevino, David Graham and Lanny Wadkins.

and PGA TOUR Commissioner

and controversy, Pate ceremonially

Deane Beman into the lake off the 18th green. Pate immediately

Jerry Pate stood at the 18th tee in the final round with a one-stroke lead over Brad Bryant. He successfully found the fairway with his tee shot. Pate hit his second shot, playing with a signature Wilson orange ball, within two PGA TOUR Photo Archive

feet of the pin. As not only a survivor of the week, but the eventual two-stroke Jerry Pate dives off the 18th green following his victory in the first PLAYERS played at TPC Sawgrass.

Deane Beman and Pete Dye tread water after they are tossed in the lake by Pate.

champion, on his walk to the 18th green Pate turned to the television camera and announced to live television, “Pete Dye will go for a swim!”

followed them into the water.

23

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 18TH GREEN

F R E D

Immediately following the signing of his scorecard, Pate took Dye to the edge of the bulkheaded 18th green and tossed him into the lake. He then turned and searched out Beman who would soon follow Dye over the edge.

Pate made it a threesome as he dove in to join his two targets.

F U N K

The three treaded water as the gallery and golf fans around the world watched this good-natured event in astonishment. As a side note, the television screen flipped back and forth between the three in the water and a local resident, a large 10-foot alligator that was actually located several hundred yards away

-

in the same lake. O

2 0 0 5

24

Al Messerschmidt

C H A M P I O N

T H E S T O R I E S : HAL SUTTON Championship in 2001 as the defending champion.

2 0 01 The 4th hole is a short par-4, playing 348 yards during the Championship.

D

uring THE PLAYERS Championship, defending champion Hal

TOUR players will often hit a 3wood or a long iron to position

Sutton was playing in the second round at the 348-yard 4th hole. A

their ball for a full-swing with a

nice drive placed him in the center-left of the fairway. His tee shot set

short iron.

up nicely for a pitching wedge to the treacherous and undulating, two-tiered

As in most great short par-4s, the

green.The pin, which was set far left, just over the water, would require great

size and undulation of this green

shotmaking to get near the pin. Sutton hit a solid shot that landed at the side

of the hole.

slope about eight feet right and above the pin.The ball took several small hops, then settled to roll down to the cup for an eagle-two.

play a major role in the challenge

On Friday, Sutton hit the fairway with only a pitching wedge left.

The pin was located in a tough left placement, in the front of the

After making the cut with rounds of 72 and 71 and a third-round 68, Sutton returned to the 4th hole and was playing in Sunday’s final round. His tee

green just over water. His second shot landed near the pin to the right, rolled left and went into the

shot finished in a similar position to Friday’s tee shot, at 104 yards to the pin.

cup for an eagle-two.

Again the pin was on the lower left plateau, this time about 20 feet deeper

Two days later, Sutton placed his

into the green than on Friday. Another solid wedge shot worked to the top

tee shot in a similar, yet slightly closer position to the green, 104

edge of the sideboard, right of the pin, about 20 feet from the hole.The ball

yards to the pin. The pin was again

spun slightly backwards, then rolled left down the slope, to once again find

on the left side of the green, just

the cup for an eagle-two.

used the ridge as a backboard,

below the ridge. His wedge shot spun backwards and rolled into the cup for his second eagle in

These two great shots, two days apart, gained Sutton four strokes to par and helped him finish the tournament in a tie for fifth. O

Chris Condon

Hal Sutton and his caddie Freddie Burns, during play just prior to his victory in 2000

F A C T S

Hal Sutton’s Two Eagles at the 4th

T H E

Hal Sutton came to THE PLAYERS

three days on the same hole.

27

T H E S T O R I E S : DAVIS LOVE III seventh PLAYERS in 1992.

In the final round he came to the

Never Bet Against Davis

8th hole trailing the leader, Nick Price, by two strokes.

The 8th is a par-3 that played a

uring the final round of THE PLAYERS, Davis Love III came to

tournament length of 215 yards.

the 8th hole trailing Nick Price by two strokes. At the time Price was

He pushed his tee shot to the right

the world’s number one-ranked player. Love hit his tee shot on the

of the green.

D

215-yard par-3, short-siding himself on the right of the green. As Love was

Nearby spectators whispered their

examining his shot, he overheard several spectators betting against whether

doubts on his second shot.

or not he could get the ball up and down for a par.

Love would leave the hole with a

F A C T S

19 9 2

T H E

Davis Love III was playing in his

chip-in birdie and the lead.

He later shared that this made him even more determined to make a great shot and get up and down in two strokes. Love executed the delicate pitch to the edge of the green, allowing the ball to trickle down the slope toward the pin. Surprising everyone, admittingly even himself, the difficult shot ended up at the bottom of the cup for a birdie.

Love turned to the doubters, shook his finger, and exclaimed, “How do you like that? I hope you lost the bet!” Love took the lead with that shot and went on to win his first of two PLAYERS Championships with a final-round 67,

a four-stroke victory over four other players. O

Jeff McBride

A victorious Davis Love III in 2003 at the 18th after capturing his second PLAYERS Championship.

He shot a final-round 67 for a fourstroke victory.

29

T H E S T O R I E S : THE FINAL THREE HOLES

The Three Greatest Finishing Holes in Championship Golf

A

s one of the greatest three-hole stretches in all of golf, this triumvirate of finishing holes was cleverly designed by Pete Dye to offer variety, challenge and excitement around every corner.

The 16th - Par-5 The 16th hole begins the final stretch, with a 523-yard par-5, risk–reward gem. More than 200 eagles have been registered during THE PLAYERS. It has also rendered a watery end to the hopes of a number of contenders.

Played intelligently, yet with a strong sense of confidence, the payoff of an eagle on the hole can be well worth the risk.

The 17th - Par-3 The true challenge of this short, 137-yard par-3 hole can be read in the actions of the players as they take the long walk from the 16th green, along the side of the lake, to the next tee with the island 17th green lurking just over 100 yards away. Some walk head down, never raising their eyes for even the shortest of glances. Others walk tall and proud, first casting their eyes to the green, but then to the surrounding tall oak, pine and palm trees hoping to get a read on the typically ever-changing, often swirling winds.

Players have defined this hole in many ways – intimidating, scary, heartpounding. Perhaps the most accurate is in the words of one past champion, Sam Greenwood

A view of the final three holes. Featured are the par-5 16th, right, the island green at the 17th and the 18th Hole sweeping to the upper center of the photo.These holes are widely recognized as three of the greatest finishing holes in all of golf.

“the most frightening hole in golf.”

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T H E S T O R I E S : THE FINAL THREE HOLES

FRED COUPLES - 1984 & 1986 CHAMPION

Often, the hole has been played by that year’s eventual champion in exemplary fashion, including a frequent final-round birdie. But it has also dashed the hopes of many an imposter throughout tournament history.

To hit the green with the short-iron shot, then walk down the pathway off the green to the 18th tee with a par or birdie in hand can be best described as a capital RELIEF.

The 18th - Par-4 Frequently christened with the recognition, “one of the best par fours on TOUR,” the 18th hole is the final challenge. In the history of THE PLAYERS this hole is ranked the toughest to par on the course. It has been eagled only twice in tournament history.The first time was by Glen Day during in the 32

first round in 1998. Four years later, in 2002, Carlos Franco equaled the feat in the third round. Only once has this hole been birdied during the final round for a one-stroke victory.This was accomplished by Steve Elkington in 1991.

Standing on the tee, players have a full view of this sweeping dogleg left with a lake bordering the full length of the left side of the hole from tee to green.

Just behind the green, is THE PLAYERS Championship trophy.

The 18th hole has been more about hanging on than snatching victory. For the leader on this tee Sunday afternoon, the strategy rests in how to protect the lead, with the inspiration of knowing 462 yards away rests the

Stan Badz

Championship. O

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 16TH HOLE series of three of the greatest finishing holes in competitive golf.

A par-5, the hole plays to 523 yards during THE PLAYERS Championship.

A great example of the

T

he 16th is the first in a three-hole stretch which makes up what is

“risk–reward” design.

best described in golf terms as “risk–reward” design. A player can be

The tournament lead can be

rewarded with a well-played, tactically executed shot, or the outcome

widened or lost on this hole.

can be extremely penal.

F A C T S

The 16th HoleGreat Final-Round Eagles

T H E

The 16th hole is the first in a

Over 200 eagles have been recorded in tournament play.

This reachable par-5 plays at a tournament-length 523 yards and is a slight

The 16th is a great setup for the

dogleg left.The final 150 yards are bordered on the right side of the fairway by

final two challenging holes, while

a lake that offers a full view of the play at the 17th hole.The bulkheaded green

of excitement or influence on the

is bordered by water for the full distance along the right and to the rear of the green.The positioning of the green along the lake is what truly creates the risk–reward element to the second shot when deciding to go for the green.

Four great final-round eagles come to mind, detailed over the following pages, from the over 200 tournament eagles registered at this hole.

Rusty Jarret

A view of the dog-leg left par-5 16th from behind the tee.

never taking the backseat in level final champion.

35

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 16TH HOLE trailing Tiger Woods.

2 0 01

An eagle was a must to try to

Vijay Singh

close in on the lead.

but rested against the tall

Perhaps one of the most creative eagle putts ever recorded came from Vijay

bermudagrass fringe only two feet from the water.

Singh. Playing in the final round of THE PLAYERS in 2001, he found himself slipping from contention. At the 16th hole he aggressively played his second

It appeared he was unable to get the face of a club on the ball.

F A C T S

His second shot hit the green,

T H E

Singh entered the hole on Sunday

shot to the green, flirting with disaster as his ball came to rest against the high rough fringe only two feet from the right bulkhead.The ball rested about 15

Using a putter, he turned the club

feet from the pin. Unable to get the face of a club on the ball, Singh creatively

with the toe of the putter.

turned his putter sideways. He tapped the ball with a descending blow from the toe of the club, the ball popped, then slowly rolled the 15 feet to find the bottom of the cup for an eagle three. Back in contention, Singh finished

the tournament one stroke off Tiger Woods’ 274 winning total. O

Rusty Jarret

Vijay Singh

sideways, then stroked the ball

The ball rolled 15 feet into the cup for eagle.

37

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 16TH HOLE Sunday lead to the 16th tee.

20 03

A 301-yard, 3-wood tee shot ended

Davis Love III

up left in the woods coming to rest

The ball sat softly, 194 yards from

In 2003, Davis Love III brought a three-stroke lead to the 16th hole.To play

the pin.

safe, Love took a 3-wood off the tee. His shot hooked left into the woods,

A 6-iron out of the woods hit

finishing up on a bed of pine straw.Visualizing an opening, but still 194 yards

the green ending up 11 feet from the pin.

F A C T S

on a bed of pine straw.

T H E

Love brought a three-stroke

to the pin, Love chose a 6-iron.The shot flew out of the woods, curved left while over the lake, then softly landed on the green coming to rest 11 feet

The eagle putt fell to give Love a five-shot lead going to the 17th.

from the pin. He rolled in the eagle putt and strolled on to the intimidating 17th with the extra two-stroke cushion. Love would win THE PLAYERS with a final-round 64, a 271 total and a six-stroke victory over Jay Haas and

Padraig Harrington. O

Chris Condon

Davis Love III, hits off the pinestraw, out of the woods and to the 16th green for a one-putt eagle in 2003.

39

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 16TH HOLE event, Perks came to the 16th hole in contention.

2002

Craig Perks

He took the challenge on

near the lead going into the final three holes. Perks challenged the risk–reward

The ball came to rest in the deep bermudagrass rough between the green and wood

with his second shot and ended up just off the green in deep rough, precariously

bulkhead along the lake.

close to the lake. Choosing a wedge, standing tight against the lake edge, he

He chose a wedge, then chipped

calmly drained the shot for his eagle-three that placed him in the lead. His play

on the next two holes only added to the lore of this great tournament finish. O

F A C T S

his second shot and went for the green.

During THE PLAYERS in 2002, journeyman Craig Perks found himself

T H E

Having never won a PGA TOUR

the ball into the hole for his eagle and the lead.

(Also see Perks – Final Three Holes) 41

Stan Badz

Craig Perks in for a final round eagle at the 16th that earned him the lead.

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 16TH HOLE entered Sunday’s final round four strokes back.

19 9 6 A great Sunday front nine of 32 put him one stroke back at the turn.

He came to the 16th still in

On Sunday of THE PLAYERS Championship in 1996, Fred Couples, the

contention.

1984 Champion, entered the day four strokes back of the lead. An outstanding

His tee shot found the center

32 on the front nine brought him within one of the lead at the turn. He

right of the 16th fairway.

played a steady back nine coming to the 16th knowing he might still be

In the fairway, checking a

within striking distance. Checking a nearby scoreboard, while standing near

scoreboard, Couples learned

his tee shot in right center of the fairway, Couples now realized that Colin

just birdied the 14th.

Montgomerie had just birdied the 14th for a one-stroke lead. Couples knew he needed to make something special happen if he wanted the opportunity for his second, coveted PLAYERS victory.

that Colin Montgomerie had

He knew he had to do something special if he had any chance of winning.

He took the challenge on his 220-

As a seasoned veteran he knew that a great shot here could put pressure on the rest of the field. Lying 220 yards from the green, Couples committed to go for it with a 2-iron.The traditional Sunday pin placement had the pin

yard second shot with a 2-iron.

The shot first looked like trouble, but carried the water and kicked forward on to the green.

located on the lower right section of the green close to the water. His shot took off over the lake and looked like it might be in trouble. It barely carried that water, landing short of the green, but took a sharp jump left and forward, finally coming to rest on the green 25 feet from the pin. Couples casually

Fred Couples (left) celebrates an eagle at the 16th, which helped him to his second PLAYERS title in 1996 (right).

Left:PGA TOUR Photo Archive Right: Sam Greenwood

executed the putt in perfect fashion for the eagle and a one-stroke lead.

Moving on to the 17th hole, Couples played the tee shot safe to the center of the green. On the green he proceeded to replicate the smooth stroke at the 16th green to make the tricky, 30-foot downhill putt for birdie, adding to his lead for an eventual four-stroke victory. O

F A C T S

Fred Couples

T H E

1984 Champion Fred Couples

He had 25 feet to the cup and drained the putt.

43

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 17TH HOLE - TIGER WOODS Championship in 2001.

Tiger Woods was near the lead.

“Better Than Most”

He was playing the 138-yard par-3 17th hole with the island green.

G

olf fans around the world will remember this as one of the greatest,

Woods hit a 9-iron long to the back of the green, only feet from

most exciting moments in televised golf. It played out in the 2001

rolling over the green, into the

PLAYERS Championship.

water.

F A C T S

2 0 01

T H E

It was Saturday of THE PLAYERS

He was faced with a double-

It was Saturday afternoon and Tiger Woods was fighting for position to go into Sunday’s final round. It was the 17th hole.The pin placement was on the lower left level of the green, in the front, just three or four paces on the green.

Woods hit his 9-iron strong. It rolled to the back of the putting surface only feet from going into the water.The ball was a distant 60 feet from the cup. As Woods approached the green, television coverage was reviewing the challenges of the upcoming putt, recalling earlier results by players putting from similar positions.They agreed that anywhere near the cup, on this tricky, double-breaking, downhill putt would be an accomplishment.

Woods prowled the green, reviewing the putt from three sides. Once confident, he returned to the ball, then stroked it. In the now famous account of the putt, NBC announcer and former PGA TOUR player Gary Koch called the action as the putt neared the ridge, “Johnny, better than most.”The ball slowed and trickled to a near stop at the top of the slope above the hole, as Koch again said, “Better than most.” Miller replied softly, “Maybe in.” Seconds later Koch repeated a third time in a heightened, excited tone, “Better than Tiger Woods acknowledges the crowd following his “better than most” putt at the 17th.

Stan Badz

most,” as the ball broke sharp right, off the slope, down the final few feet and almost broke out of the hole, catching the right edge into the cup.

breaking, 60-foot putt.

NBC commentators Johnny Miller and Gary Koch called the action.

45

T H E S T O R I E S : TIGER WOODS (2001)

ADAM SCOTT - 2004 CHAMPION

The estimated 20,000 fans, seated in the amphitheater surrounding the 16th and 17th holes, jumped to their feet cheering, as Woods fist-pumped the sky.

Caddie Steve Williams snatched the ball from the cup as Woods continued to work the crowd with his excitement.

He went on to finish the round with a 66, within striking distance of thirdround leader Jerry Kelly.Woods shot a final-round 67 to win the event by

one stroke over fast-finishing Vijay Singh. O

Sam Greenwood

46

T H E S T O R I E S : STEVE ELKINGTON round four stokes back.

He turned to the back nine still

A Birdie at the 18th

in pursuit of the lead.

Birdies at 10th and 11th brought him closer. A birdie at the 15th

n the 1991 PLAYERS Championship, 19 of the world’s top 20 players

tied him for the lead.

competed for the title. Steve Elkington began Sunday’s final round four

A par at the 16th was the best

strokes behind leader Paul Azinger and three shots behind Fuzzy Zoeller.

he could manage.

I

F A C T S

19 91

T H E

Elkington started the 1991 final

A three-putt bogey at the 17th

Still trailing at the turn, Elkington rolled off birdies at the par-4 10th and par-5 11th.

His play remained steady over the next few holes. He then birdied the tough,

dropped him back.

Something extraordinary was

dogleg right 15th for a share of the lead. Surprisingly he could only manage a

needed at the 18th.

par-5 at the 16th. Even more shocking, he three-putted the par-3 17th for a bogey.

His tee shot ended up in a sandfilled divot 200 yards from the pin.

Standing on the 18th tee he knew he needed something extraordinary if he had a chance at the coveted title. A solid drive landed safely in the fairway.

As he approached his ball he found it lying just over 200 yards from the pin, resting in a long sand-filled divot.

He chose a 3-iron for his second shot, executed a perfect draw that he had aimed at the right edge of the green.The ball landed on the green and rolled to within 12 feet of the pin.This challenging shot has been recognized as one of the 10 greatest shots in PLAYERS history.

Elkington solidly stuck putt rolled into the center of the cup, falling for the only birdie at the 18th to ever win THE PLAYERS by a single stroke.

In 1997, Elkington added a second PLAYERS title to his impressive list

Sam Greenwood

Steve Elkington reacts to his 18th hole birdie putt on Sunday in 1991. It still is the only birdie at the 18th to ever earn a one-stroke victory.

of victories, this time with a more comfortable four-stroke margin. O

A 12-foot birdie putt gave him the lead.

49

T H E S T O R I E S : HAL SUTTON ERS Championship confident that he was playing some of his best golf ever. So confident, he called

“Be the Right Club Today!”

his father to tell him he was going to win the event.

Sutton chose to work on his equip-

E

ntering the 2000 PLAYERS Championship, Hal Sutton felt he was

ment rather than his swing during

playing some of his best golf ever. He arrived at the club confident

two practice holes prior to the event.

in his game. Most of his pre-tournament time was spent working on

The final round came down

the practice rounds, playing only

his clubs and shaft selection to attain his preferred ball flight and trajectory

to a battle between Hal Sutton

rather than his actual ball striking. Uniquely he played only two holes during

the dominating force in golf over

the practice rounds, the 17th and 18th. So confident, he called his father

the preceding years.

before the first round to say he was going to win the event.

Due to rain delays earlier on Sunday,

F A C T S

2000

T H E

In 2000 Sutton came to THE PLAY-

and Tiger Woods. Woods was

the final three holes of the duel were played on Monday morning.

The final round was extended to Monday due to rain early in Sunday’s round.The final twosome and tournament leaders, Sutton and,Tiger Woods returned to finish their last three holes.

Sutton held a one-stroke lead at the 18th tee, then hit his drive to the middle of the 18th fairway.

First to hit, Woods’ second shot landed on the green, but not in

Standing in the middle of the 18th fairway, Sutton held a one-stroke lead over

realistic birdie range.

Woods, who was on the green in regulation. Sutton chose a 6-iron for his

Sutton then hit a solid 6-iron for

second shot.With a solid swing, the ball in flight, television fans clearly heard

his second shot to a back pin

Sutton’s exclamation, “Be the right club today!” His shot landed short of the

Chris Condon

Hal Sutton fist pumps in celebration following his shot to the 18th green with the “right club” in 2000.

placement.

pin, rolled to the upper level with the back pin placement, leaving him with

With his ball in flight, Sutton

20 feet to the pin. A birdie was now likely Woods’ only chance to tie. First to

“Be the right club today!”

putt, he missed his birdie, tapping in for par.Taking two putts, Sutton defeated

His shot hit the green to within 20

the TOUR’s most dominating player.

feet of the pin.

This was Sutton’s second win at THE PLAYERS, 17 years after his first in 1983. O

Tiger missed his birdie putt, then

exclaimed the memorable words,

tapped in for a par.

Sutton two-putted for his second victory at THE PLAYERS.

51

T H E S T O R I E S : CRAIG PERKS final three holes on Sunday of THE PLAYERS Championship in contention.

One putt in the final three holes

He hit the par-5 16th green in two, but his ball rolled into the deep fringe.

I

n a battle for his first victory on the PGA TOUR, New Zealander Craig Forced to chip from the edge of

Perks fashioned one of the most unusual tournament finishes ever during

the green, his shot found the cup

THE PLAYERS in 2002. Near the lead, Perks took the risk-reward challenge

for an eagle.

of the 16th hole (see pg. 41) and hit his second shot to the green only to find

At the 17th, he played his tee shot

his ball at rest in the deep rough, alongside the lake. He calmly chose a wedge

safely to the center of the green.

for his next shot, then chipped it in for an eagle-three to take the lead.

His tricky downhill putt from 28

F A C T S

2002

T H E

In 2002 Perks entered the

feet found the hole for a birdie.

At the island green 17th, Perks played safe and away from the Sunday, far-right hole placement, placing his ball in the middle of the green. His putt, a quick, downhill breaking putt from 28 feet found the cup for a birdie.

He went to the 18th hole protecting a two-stroke lead.

His drive was pushed right with trees blocking his shot to the green.

Standing on the 18th with a two-stroke lead, Perks pushed his drive right into a position where his best choice was to chip out, almost sideways, to the fairway. Now hitting three from the fairway, he hit his iron approach to the

A pitch out to the fairway was followed by an iron, which landed long and over the back of the green.

back-left pin placement long.The ball finally came to rest in a closely mown collection area behind the green. Needing to get up and down for bogey to

He needed to get up and down for the victory.

save his victory, Perks made a beautiful pitch to the edge of the green.The ball rolled down the slope and into the cup saving a two-shot victory over

His pitch, from a tight grass

Stephen Ames.

to save par.

Over the final three holes, Perks needed only one putt to play them three under. O

collection area, found the cup

On the final three holes, Perks was three under par, using a single putt, and won THE PLAYERS by

Fans at the 17th share in Craig Perks’ celebration following his 28-foot birdie putt.

Susan Micals

two strokes.

53

T H E S T O R I E S : TIGER WOODS national golf tournament in the United States.

19 9 4 The event was played at TPC Sawgrass in 1994.

Both THE PLAYERS Stadium and

I

n 1994, the United States Golf Association brought amateur golf ’s most

Dye’s Valley courses were used for qualifying 312 players into the

prestigious event, the U. S. Amateur, to TPC Sawgrass.This event marked

match-play field of 64.

the furthest south the U. S. Amateur had ever been played. Beginning the

All match play was conducted on

week there were 312 of the world’s greatest amateur players who challenged

THE PLAYERS Stadium Course.

both THE PLAYERS Stadium and Dye’s Valley courses in 36 holes of medal-play

Eighteen-year-old phenom Tiger

qualifying. A field of 64 moved on to The Stadium for the match-play segment.

F A C T S

The U. S. Amateur

T H E

The U.S. Amateur is the oldest

Woods made the cut into the final match-play field – he had previously won three USGA Junior

Tiger Woods, 18, of Cypress, California, won the last three holes of the

Boys Championships.

36-hole final match versus Trip Kuehne of McKinney,Texas, to score one

The final 36-hole match was

of the biggest come-from-behind victories in U.S. Amateur history.Woods’

Kuehne.

2-up victory also established him as the youngest champion and first African-

At one time, Kuehne was up six

American champion in 94 years of the U.S. Amateur.

holes during the first 18 holes.

between Tiger Woods and Trip

In the afternoon round Woods

Woods who trailed Kuehne by six after the first 13 holes, brought it back

made an exciting 20-foot putt at

to just four down by the end of the morning round. In the afternoon round,

match play, to take the lead for the

Woods rallied to win six of the last 10 holes.

first time in the match.

the 17th hole, their 35th hole of

He went on to win the 18th hole to

He took the lead in the match for the first time by making birdie 2 at the 17th from 20 feet. His tee shot on the 17th had flirted with disaster, coming

win the match 2-up.

He became the youngest-ever U.S. Amateur champion.

within a foot of dropping off the island green into the water.The victory was sealed when Kuehne’s long bid for birdie on the final hole rolled six feet by and he missed the comeback attempt, giving Woods the 2-up win. O Michael O’Bryon

An early version of a Tiger Woods’ fist pump shot during the 1994 U.S. Amateur Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

Woods, 18, had just birdied the 17th hole, the 35th of the match, to take his first lead which ended in at 2-up victory.

He became the first AfricanAmerican champion.

This would be the first adult major in Woods’ career.

55

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 17TH HOLE

The hole features an island green.

It is one of the most recognized holes in the world.

Being (an island) green isn’t easy.

When first playing THE PLAYERS

A

s one of the most famous par-3 holes in golf, it is every player’s

Stadium Course it is every player’s dream to hit this green.

dream to hit the 17th green.There are nearly 40,000 rounds of golf played annually on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course by players

Total annual rounds average around 40,000.

F A C T S

Most Frequently Hit Green in the World

T H E

The 17th hole is a 138-yard par-3.

of all abilities. Even before teeing off on the first hole, the 17th hole looms large on the minds of most players. It offers a unique opportunity to measure

Approximately 120,000 balls are

themselves against the world’s greatest players.

surrounding this green.

With tee shots to the 17th green, emotional extremes can range from great

In the 1999 PLAYERS Fred Couples

adulation to deep disappointment. For players preparing to hit their shots,

He re-teed then holed out for his

mental images can interplay between the great tournament shots that have hit the green and settling near the pin, to the heart-wrenching failures of championship hopes drowned by a single shot.

During THE PLAYERS Championship history only six hole-in-ones have ever been recorded at the 17th hole.The one greatest desire of the everyday player is to safely hit the green For those that miss on their first shot many may first recall, then hold out hope for a Fred Couple’s style recovery. It was during the 1999 PLAYERS that Fred came up short on his first shot. Disgusted, he re-teed then proceeded to hole his second shot at the island green for a par three. Should that fail, so strong is this desire that approximately 120,000 balls are annually retrieved from the lake that surrounds this island green.That’s an average of three balls per person in the water. For every player that hits the The world famous 17th island green.

Dick Durrance

green on their first shot, a greater number will reach into their pocket again, and often again, until they too can say, “I hit the 17th green at Sawgrass.”

retrieved annually from the lake

missed the green on his first shot. par-3. There have been a total of 6 hole-in-ones at the 17th during THE PLAYERS Championship.

57

T H E S T O R I E S : THE 17TH HOLE

DAVID DUVAL - 1999 CHAMPION

This is our premise for believing that close to 100 percent of the players who play this hole will eventually find the green with “a� tee shot, making the 17th hole the most frequently hit green in the world.

Would you fix that ballmark please? O

Stan Badz

58

Runner-up Fuzzy Zoeller wipes the brow of Greg Norman following Norman’s 72-hole record setting performance of 264 in 1994.

PGA TOUR Photo Archive

THE RECORDS

T H E R E C O R D S : THE PLAYERS AT TPC SAWGRASS

THE PLAYERS Championship Records

*

THE PLAYERS Stadium Course

Oldest Winner -

Lowest 54-Hole Score -

Fred Funk, 2005 (48 years, 8 months, 14 days)

197, Greg Norman, 1994

Youngest Winner -

264, Greg Norman, 1994

Adam Scott, 2004 (23 years, 8 months, 12 days)

Lowest 9-Hole Score -

Lowest 72-Hole Score -

30, 15 Players, 8 Back Nine / 7 Front Nine

Most Birdies, One Tournament Fuzzy Zoeller, 1994, 26

Lowest Finish by Winner -

Most Eagles, One Tournament -

64, Davis Love III, 2003 & Fred Couples, 1996

Justin Leonard, 2000, 3

Double Eagles -

63

Widest Margin of Victory -

None

7 Strokes, Steve Elkington, 1997 (over Scott Hoch)

Consecutive Victories -

Most Consecutive Birdies -

None

6, Five Players

Low Finish Left-Hander -

17th Hole - “Holes in One” -

Tied 3, Phil Mickelson, 2004

6, Brad Fabel, 1986, Brian Claar, 1991, Fred Couples, 1997 (in 1999 holed for Par), Joey Sindelar, 1999, Paul Azinger, 2000, and Miguel Angel Jimenez, 2002.

Lowest 18 Hole Round 63, Fred Couples, 1992 & Greg Norman, 1994

Lowest First Round -

17th Hole – Highest Score 12, Bob Tway, 2005

63, Greg Norman, 1994

Lowest 36-Hole Score -

Champion Fred Funk’s final round scorecard from 2005.

PGA TOUR Photo Archive

130, Greg Norman, 1994

*Through 2006

CHAMPIONS 1974-2006

64

1974

1985

1996

Jack Nicklaus

Calvin Peete

Fred Couples

1975

1986

1997

Al Geiberger

John Mahaffey

Steve Elkington

1976

1987

1998

Jack Nicklaus

Sandy Lyle

Justin Leonard

1977

1988

1999

Mark Hayes

Mark McCumber

David Duval

1978

1989

2000

Jack Nicklaus

Tom Kite

Hal Sutton

1979

1990

2001

Lanny Wadkins

Jodie Mudd

Tiger Woods

1980

1991

2002

Lee Trevino

Steve Elkington

Craig Perks

1981

1992

2003

Raymond Floyd

Davis Love III

Davis Love III

1982

1993

2004

Jerry Pate

Nick Price

Adam Scott

1983

1994

2005

Hal Sutton

Greg Norman

Fred Funk

1984

1995

2006

Fred Couples

Lee Janzen

Stephen Ames

Stan Badz

T P C S AW G R A S S

110 Championship Way Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 tel 9 04.273.3235 9 04.285.7970 fax tpcsawgrass.com