TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
Pete Dye’s stadium masterpiece and permanent home of THE PLAYERS Championship — a public-access resort course near Jacksonville built around the terrifying island-green par-3 17th, the most famous hole in American golf.
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) in photos
Can I play TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)?
Yes — it is a public-access resort course, so no membership is needed. Anyone can book, but it is expensive and demand is high; staying at the adjacent Sawgrass Marriott unlocks the longest booking window and package rates. The green fee includes a cart and a shared forecaddie for the group.
How to book: Non-lodging golfers can book up to about 14 days ahead by contacting TPC Sawgrass directly; Sawgrass Marriott resort guests can book up to a year in advance. Pricing is dynamic (season and demand), and the fee bundles cart, a group forecaddie and range balls. Reserve early, and note the course closes to the public around THE PLAYERS in March.
About TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
Opened in 1980 as the purpose-built home of THE PLAYERS Championship, the Stadium Course was Pete Dye’s pioneering "stadium" design, with spectator mounds framing a demanding target-golf layout. Water threatens on the majority of its 7,275 par-72 yards, none more infamously than the par-3 17th, whose small green sits on an island in a lake. It has hosted THE PLAYERS every year since 1982, producing champions from the game’s biggest names — Scottie Scheffler successfully defended in 2024 and Rory McIlroy won a 2025 playoff. Despite its championship pedigree it stays open to public and resort golfers year-round outside tournament week.
Signature hole
The par-3 17th "Island Green" — a tiny putting surface ringed entirely by water and reachable only by a nervy short-iron — is the most famous hole in American golf. The par-4 18th, hugging a lake down the left, is a fitting watery finish.
What makes it special
The Island Green 17th
A short wedge to a green surrounded entirely by water — no bailout, no bunker to catch you, just a lake. It swallows thousands of balls each PLAYERS and countless nervous swings from resort guests.
The first "stadium" course
Pete Dye pioneered spectator mounding here so galleries could watch from grassy amphitheatres — a template since copied by tournament venues worldwide.
Play the PLAYERS setup
Outside tournament week you can tee it up on the same course the world’s best play each March, cart and forecaddie included.
Tournament pedigree
- THE PLAYERS Championship (annual host since 1982)
- THE PLAYERS 2024 (Scottie Scheffler, first to successfully defend)
- THE PLAYERS 2025 (Rory McIlroy, playoff over J.J. Spaun)
Need to know
Best time to play
Autumn through spring (October–May) for pleasant weather; late spring and summer are hot, humid and stormy but cheaper. The course closes to public play around THE PLAYERS in mid-March.
Dress code
Collared shirt, no denim, soft spikes — standard upscale-resort golf attire.
Good to know
A Pete Dye "stadium" design built with spectator mounding, this is a target-golf test where water lurks on most holes — bring extra balls for the 17th. The fee includes a shared forecaddie; a personal caddie can be arranged. Nerves and pace are both tested, and the sister Dye’s Valley course is a cheaper warm-up.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Jacksonville International (JAX) ~35–45 min north; a straightforward drive down to Ponte Vedra Beach.
On arrival
On Florida’s First Coast at Ponte Vedra Beach, just south of Jacksonville and beside the PGA Tour’s headquarters. Fly into JAX and drive about 30–40 minutes; the resort sits next to the course.
Stay near the course
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, steps from the clubhouse, is the on-site choice and gives the best tee-time access; the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and nearby beach hotels are good alternatives.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Ponte Vedra Beach
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices The Lodge and Club at Ponte Vedra Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach
A taste of the luxury stays near TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course) — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Ponte Vedra Beach — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Ponte Vedra Beach.
Explore Ponte Vedra BeachFrequently asked questions
Can I play TPC Sawgrass, and how do I book?
Yes — it is a public-access resort course. Non-lodging golfers can book up to about 14 days ahead by contacting TPC Sawgrass directly; Sawgrass Marriott guests can book up to a year out. Reserve at tpc.com/sawgrass and book early for peak season.
How much does it cost to play?
Roughly $550 in summer up to about $750 in peak season, with dynamic pricing by day and demand. The fee includes a cart, a shared group forecaddie (tip extra) and range balls. Confirm the live rate when you book.
Is the island-green 17th really that scary?
Yes. It is only around 130–140 yards, but the green is an island with water all around and no safe miss, and wind off the Atlantic makes club selection a guess. Take an extra ball or three.
When is the course closed to visitors?
The Stadium Course closes to public play for a stretch around THE PLAYERS Championship in mid-March; otherwise it is open year-round. Book well ahead for the pleasant autumn-to-spring season.
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Pinehurst Resort (Course No. 2)
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Bandon Dunes
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The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
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Pebble Beach Golf Links
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St Andrews — Old Course
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass (official)
- TPC at Sawgrass — Wikipedia
- What it costs to play TPC Sawgrass in 2026 — Golf News Net
Hero image: Craig ONeal, CC BY-SA 2.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.