TPC Sawgrass Course Guide: Home of The Players Championship

Cameron Kelly Updated: Mar 11 2026 16:30

The Players Championship is iconic for many reasons. Designed by Pete Dye, the course features one of golf's most recognizable holes - the island green at TPC Sawgrass 17th hole.

The Players also boasts a legendary list of winners, with greats like Jack Nicklaus, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods, all conquering the event at least twice. With its elite field, historic moments, and demanding layout, it has earned a reputation as golf's unofficial "fifth major."

TPC Sawgrass has been hosting The Players Championship since 1982.

Who is Pete Dye?

Pete Dye is widely considered one of the most famous golf architect's of the past 50 years. He was born December 29, 1925 and passed in 2020.

Best known for his course creativity, his most famous course designs include:

TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in Kiawah Island, SC
Whistling Straights, Straights Course in Kohler, WI
PGA West Stadium Course in La Quinta, CA
Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel, IN
The Golf Club in New Albany, OH

Why is The Players nicknamed the "fifth major?"

Each year, The Players attracts a strong field of top professionals on the PGA Tour, with only professional players allowed to compete. Unlike other tournaments and majors, which allow amateur spots, The Players is exclusive to professional players. TPC Sawgrass is an incredibly challenging course that tests even the top players in the world.

The purse is $25 million which is the largest on the PGA Tour (not including majors), the first place winner earns $4.5 million.

When is the 2026 Players Championship?

The Players Championship starts on Thursday, March 12th. Rory McIlroy will try and defend his 2025 title. Learn more about the The Players Championship: Picks, Predictions and Odds for 2026.

TPC Sawgrass Hole by Hole Guide

The Stadium Course is 7,275 yards and Par 72

Hole 1 - Par 4, 423 yards

From the very first tee, this course demands accuracy. This hole features three hazards a long fairway bunker, water, and trees to the left. With deep bunkers defending the green it is important to keep the ball in the fairway to setup a good approach. This par 4 establishes the tone for the challenges that lie ahead at the Stadium Course.

Hole 2 - Par 5, 532 yards

A relatively short par 5, an accurate long drive allows players to reach the green in two shots. There are two deep bunkers on both sides of the green along with grass bunkers. Hole 2 puts players distance to the test.

Hole 3 - Par 3, 177 yards

The first par 3 has a two-tiered green which slopes from back to front. It is well guarded by bunkers, water, and trees, but with careful play, many players can score a birdie on this par 3, which offers a better opportunity than other holes on the course.

Hole 4 - Par 4, 384 yards

This short par 4 requires precision with every shot. Known for its difficult pin placements, this hole is full of hazards. Using a long iron or fairway wood from the tee will help players keep the ball in play. A water hazard protects the front and left side of the green, and a long fairway bunker poses a challenge for players who find it difficult to place the ball accurately.

Hole 5 - Par 4, 471 yards

This is the longest par 4 on the golf course. A long drive is critical, most players shift to a long iron on their second shot to set themselves up for a successful approach. The green is surrounded by grass bunkers and palm trees. Hole 5, is known to be one of the hardest holes on the entire course.

Hole 6 - Par 4, 393 yards

Course architect Pete Dye once said this is one of the most beautiful holes at TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. The drive must avoid all of the palm trees and the water towards the left. On the approach it is important to keep in mind the two-tiered green, slopes down from right to left. Hole 6 will put players short game to the ultimate test.

Hole 7 - Par 4, 451 yards

A slight dogleg with a long stretching fairway bunker and water guarding the left side of the hole makes the desired landing area hard to place. This hole is known for its windy conditions compared to other holes on the course, adding even more challenges to this hole.

Hole 8 - Par 3, 237 yards

This is the longest par 3 on the course requiring a long iron or fairway wood off the tee. This hole is very narrow, testing course management with a myriad of hazards. Testing players' short game and club selection is essential for success.

Hole 9 - Par 5, 602 yards

This hole is considered one of the finest par 5s in the country. As the player gets closer to the green the hole begins to narrow. This hole has the ability to make or break the front nine.

Hole 10 - Par 4, 424 yards

The back nine begins with a par 4 just like the front. It has a large bunker on the left side of the fairway with a narrow landing area. Most players use a fairway wood from the tee to set them up for a shorter approach to the green. Grass bunkers cover the entire left side of the green.

Hole 11 - Par 5, 558 yards

This hole presents a variety of potential disasters. Players who are hoping to reach the green in two shots must have an extremely precise and long drive down the right side. The fairway is is split by water hazard, with two large bunkers on either side.

Hole 12 - Par 4, 369 yards

Hole 12, is the perfect example of risk and reward. Players have the option to drive the green which is around 300 yards or precisely place their first shot between hazards. The green has several tiers and slopes dramatically toward the water. This hole is favored by players who are able to strike the ball far accurately.

Hole 13 - Par 3, 181 yards

Players must be able to avoid the water hazard that protects the entire left side of the hole. The left side of the green slopes down towards the water and two bunkers surround the front of the green.

Hole 14 - Par 4, 481

Bunkers are placed all throughout this hole. It is known to be one of the most challenging holes to play on this course because of the accuracy it demands from the tee.

Hole 15 - Par 4, 470 yards

From the tee box players will have to hit their ball through a chute of trees and over water. There is a fairway bunker stretching down the right side and a large bunker to the left of the green.

Hole 16 - Par 5, 523 yards

This short par 5 gives players the opportunity to reach the green in two shots. The majority of hazards are on the right side of the hole. Players who choose not to try and hit the green in two shots must direct their second shot on the narrow fairway with precision.

Hole 17 - Par 3, 137 yards

This hole is one of the most recognizable in the sport of golf. Each year at The Players it is surrounded by many spectators who want to watch their favorite players play the signature hole. Club selection on this hole is critical to success. This short par 3, is nicknamed the "island hole" because of its wide green that is surrounded by water.