TPC Sawgrass Is Called Star Wars Golf, Designed by Darth Vader; Here’s Why

 TPC Sawgrass was created as the first course built with spectators in mind and purchased for just $1. The 415 acres became the strongest field in golf that doesn’t follow any single style of play. Due to the disaster holes at every turn, which only allow the players to make a birdie or a 6 or 7, the course has garnered an interesting comparison.

Let’s dive deep and take a closer look at the annual venue for THE PLAYERS Championship.

THE PLAYERS Championship Venue 2024: TPC Sawgrass

“It’s Star Wars golf, designed by Darth Vader.” Ben Crenshaw, said back in 1982. TPC Sawgrass is decorated with narrow fairways, waste bunkers, pot bunkers, obstructing palm trees, and strobe-light-fast greens. It poses difficulty in making long putts because of the water hazards on the 17th hole. It is a short hole with relatively large greens. The good news is that sand or pine straw may grab shots before they splash. Also known as the island-green-17th, it became the most solid example of Dye’s genius. 

The par-5 16th, which measures 523 yards is an easy reach for the majority of the field with a risk to hit the green. Nos. 2 and 11 are medium-length par 5s that offer eagle chances, while the ninth hole is pretty difficult. 

The course, which carries the highest difficulty rating with its unique features, was not loved by professionals upon completion, however,  later their perspective. “I’ve never been very good at stopping a five iron on the hood of a car,” said Jack Nicklaus, when asked if the course suited his game.

The Features of TPC Sawgrass Layout 

TPC Sawgrass offers par 4s ranging from the 302-yard 12th to the 481-yard 14th. In addition to that, Three par 4s are under 400 yards and three are 470 yards or longer. Supporting the unique style of the field, “(The course) doesn’t suit any style of game,” said world No.2 champion Rory McIlroy, “but everyone feels like it’s a challenge.” 

 The shots are affected by windy situations which results in a hit above the contoured mounds, ample bunkers, and thick rough. “The mark of a good golf course is when one player can be going for 63 while six others are struggling for 78,” Dye said.

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THE PLAYERS Championship will surely give fans some exciting moments at the glorious TPC Sawgrass venue.

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