Few golf courses in the world have a tougher closing stretch than that at TPC Sawgrass.
The 16th is a par 5 with water very much in play on approach. The 17th on the Sunday will have a tucked pin, with water again in play for those brave enough to take it on. The 18th also goads players into taking the water on off the tee and on approach.
But in each of the last three editions of THE PLAYERS Championship, the winner has made birdie on at least one of the final three holes, going on to win by exactly one stroke. 16 and 17 present birdie opportunities to those long enough, accurate enough and aggressive enough, while par on the 18th can feel like a birdie.
As the Official Betting Operator of the PGA TOUR, we've been given exclusive access to the iconic TPC Sawgrass ahead of THE PLAYERS Championship to take a look at the final three holes.
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When chasing victory, players may look to take on the green on 16 to set up an eagle opportunity, but must be wary of water looking to snatch any balls drifting right.
The 17th speaks for itself; one of the most famous holes in golf. Only a short iron or a wedge for tour players, yet so much danger lurks.
The tiny bunker at the front of the green doesn't pose much of a threat; but the 100+ yards of water you need to carry certainly does. On top of that, there's a swirling wind to consider. All in all, it's the toughest wedge the pros will hit all week.
Even if you make it through 17 unscathed, there's little respite at the 18th. Should you find yourself near the top of the leaderboard after 71 holes, you've got a huge body of water all down the left side of the hole, with trees up the right.
With the help of Todd Anderson, the Director of the PGA TOUR's Performance Center, Jason Sobel goes Down the Stretch at TPC Sawgrass.
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