Best Golf Shots in the History of THE PLAYERS Championship

While THE PLAYERS Championship is known for its iconic 17th island green hole, don’t underestimate the rest of the course – it has seen its fair share of special moments too.

Known as Northeast Florida’s signature golf course, the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is also home to THE PLAYERS Championship. Each year, this par 72 course with 7,215 yards proves to be a challenge for even the world’s best golfers.

While THE PLAYERS Championship is known for its iconic 17th island green hole, don’t underestimate the rest of the course – it has seen its fair share of special moments too. Here’s a look at the best golf shots in the history of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Fred Couples

Known as the famous hole-in-three play, Fred Couples’ first shot on the par-3, 17th island green during the first round went into the water. Opting to re-tee rather than take his next shot from the drop zone, Couples’ follow-up shot went directly into the hole – making it technically a hole-in-three shot.

Hal Sutton – “Be The Right Club”

In 2000, Hal Sutton shouted, “Be the right club… be the right club today!” as he took his second shot on the 18th green for the final round. With a birdie to win, it was the right club and he went on to overcome Tiger Woods and named champion of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Tiger Woods

Winning THE PLAYERS Championship by just one stroke, Tiger Woods legendary shot on the 17th green was, to borrow a line from the commentators, ‘better than most’. Known as one of the best shots in the history of the tournament, this play was during the third day of the event.

credit: Image courtesy of PGA Tour

Sergio Garcia

In 2008, THE PLAYERS Championship went into playoff holes with Sergio Garcia up against Paul Goydos. Garcia’s first shot of the playoff at the 17th island green proved to be victorious for him. With the wind in his favor, Garcia went on to win THE PLAYERS Championship that year, solidifying his place in golf history.

credit: Image courtesy of PGA Tour
credit: Image courtesy of PGA Tour

Jerry Pate

Perhaps the most memorable shot of the tournament took place in 1982 when Jerry Pate was crowned the winner of the inaugural tournament at TPC Sawgrass. In the excitement of winning at -8, Pate jumped into the lagoon at the 18th green and ended up throwing commissioner Deane Beman and course architect Pete Dye in along with him too.

Ricky Fowler - Last but not least

You could hear the crowd roar with this shot a mile away. In 2019, Ricky Fowler was on his 3rd shot on #2 about 80 yds out and landed it right in the hole for eagle, making it look easy. Click here to see the full shot.

Plan Your Visit

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Check out the full array of lodging in the same area of the tournament, or you can browse our tee times at one of the many great courses in Northeast Florida. Our team can also provide you with a stay and play package quote. For more information check out Florida’s First Coast of Golf’s THE PLAYERS Championship hub.

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