Episode 1: TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course
It’s hard to believe I still get giddy about a game I’ve been playing for nearly 20 years. How can something you’ve done for so long, still evoke such powerful emotions and bring such joy?
It’s a question that’s hard to answer, but all true lovers of the game can certainly relate.
As I stood behind the famed 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass, gave my camera a rest and watched in awe as the sun crested over the horizon on this iconic hole, I couldn’t help but become overtaken with emotion. “I can’t believe I’m here right now,” I muttered to myself in disbelief.
The Ultimate Golf Road Trip was officially underway.
The TPC Sawgrass Experience
On a windy, 55-degree “cold” Florida day (I know you Wisconsinites are laughing), we meandered our way through this historic Pete Dye layout.
As host to the Players Championship each year, the course exudes a feeling of history as you walk the bunker ridden fairways and attempt to navigate the ultra-tough greens.
Dye’s work to create unique angles, interesting green complexes, and pleasing course aesthetics add an elevated level of character to the course.
The Iconic Sawgrass Island Green
Each hole seems to build upon on last, invoking feelings of excitement and anticipation for the moment everyone’s waiting for: the iconic 17th hole.
It’s amazing the nerves you’ll feel with no one around, other than your playing partners phone’s recording your swing – imagine how the greats of the game feel standing on this tee with thousands of fans watching their every move!
It’s as breathtaking, interesting, and well, diabolical as you’ve heard and seen on TV. The green looks like a thimble on this mere 130-yard shot, and on windy days it’s far more challenging than you’d think (I hit 8-iron, my 170-yard club, on this short hole)!
TPC Sawgrass certainly earned it’s top 10 Golf Digest ranking on America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses list.
And just as our playing partner and new friend Brett did, consider surprising your dad with a birthday trip to Sawgrass. It’s a day you’ll never forget.
