Sawgrass Marriott Resort

Deane Beman—the PGA Tour's commissioner from '74 to '94—devised a plan to build a course that could create the kind of stadium atmosphere and drama the common sports fan is used to seeing at football, baseball or basketball games. Needless to say, Beman, with the help of Pete and Alice Dye, accomplished that mission. From Tiger's "Better than most" snake putt on the 17th green, Craig Perks needing one putt to finish eagle-birdie-par, or Hal Sutton's "Be the right club today!", the host of the "Fifth Major" has provided the golf fan some memorable moments. This is another case of paying a premium to play where the pros play, but like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst No. 2, or Kiawah's Ocean Course, these are bucket-list experiences for the avid amateur. The course itself is tight with plenty of twists and turns, but the only true forced carries are on the par 3s. As Alice Dye told me, you could almost putt your way from tee to green at the Stadium Course. It's especially fair, and can be fun, if you play to the tees and yardages that match your ability. When you get to 17, which is 5,000 square feet, with the back half of the putting surface acting as a bit of a backstop. All that being dais, play for the middle of the green. The Stadium Course gets almost 45,000 rounds per year and they pull close to 100,000 balls out of that lake...don't be one of them.

Each of the three times I came off the Stadium course at the TPC Sawgrass, I swore I might quit the game. Every time I played the Valley, I vowed I'll play more often. That's the difference between the two TPC courses at Sawgrass. The Stadium is a modern monster; the Valley course a fun and enjoyable experience. All of the troubles lurks to one side, right or left, giving average players like me a chance to bail out if necessary. The Valley doesn't have the epic finish of the Stadium course, but that's probably a good thing. The Valley is good enough to host pro tournaments without all the dirty tricks of Pete and Alice Dye.

Do yourself, your loved ones and your ancestors a favor and play the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.

This is easily one of the best courses in all of Florida with great golf from the moment you step out of your car. While the price tag is steep, the experience is worth it. Despite the difficulty of the course, the pace of play was good - what took so long was my playing partners and I trying to hang on for dear life going around the course.

I know the back nine holes are the most famous, but holes 2, 4, 5, 6 and 9 are probably some of the finest constructed holes on the entire property.

Do yourself and everyone on the course a favor... play as fast as you can 16-17! Take the visuals in with your eyes and not with a camera the entire two holes. I get it... it's a really cool hole but you don't need 64 photos of yourself on the 17th tee.

also, get aggressive on the shot - trust your yardage and try to make birdie. That way you get to go to the drop zone like I did - and play 2 tee shots on the famous 17th.

I am now able to check something else off my Bucket List after playing the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. After attending The Players Championship a few times, I had always wanted to play the famous course, especially the island green at #17, and it did not disappoint. I clearly did not have the chops to play this course competitively, however our group caddy did his best to help the entire group with tips and advice, especially around the greens. If you ever have the opportunity to play the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, do not hesitate.

I played the TPC at Sawgrass Stadium course the week after the Players Tournament. The grand stands on 16 and 17 were still up. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had on a golf course. I birdied 16 and when making the walk around the pond to the 17th tee box was an extremely cool experience. I would suggest everyone to go play the Stadium course at least once.

Great course near the beaches just south of Jacksonville. A Must play when in the area and a really challenging lay out.

This Pete Dye challenges players of every style and caliber. The unique design rarely has two consecutive holes running in the same direction, making wind a constant factor to golfers at every level. The 17th hole and its island green has a cool 'stadium' atmosphere about it; it left quite an impression on me as I was finishing up my round. I'll definitely be returning!

I have played TPC Sawgrass twice. It is a tough course no matter how many time you play it. The holes play very long. You will be hitting a lot long irons and woods into greens. The putting surfaces are undulating and quick. Obviously the par 3, 17th hole gets all of the attention. They usually have the pro tees blocked off with a net so that amateurs wont destroy the tee box. Depending on your caddie you may be able to take a swing. Hitting from the regular tee is not as much fun.

Played TPC Sawgrass with 3 friends and had a world-class experience. One of those is a member and had guest passes allowing us to play for cart fees. From the moment you walk up to the clubhouse you know it's going to be a special day. The staff is extremely friendly and helpful. You can choose to have a forecaddie, but we didn't since several in our foursome know the course. The course was in great condition and we had a great day...well except for a few dunks into the lake at 17...

TV doesn't do this course justice. It's a beautiful venue that is a tough test. Long hitters will have an advantage here, shorter hitters will struggle to reach all of the par-4 greens in 2.

The practice facility is world class, the bar and restaurants available in the clubhouse are fantastic, the pro shop is large. The only downside is expect a long round, but really, it's TPC Sawgrass. Take the day and enjoy it!

This is a MUST PLAY course for anyone who makes their way through Jacksonville... absolutely love Sawgrass.

As lots of people say... it is a shot making golf course that calls for accurate drives off the tee. Course was in great shape and it was obvioulsy a treat to play the Island Green at 17.

The Stadium Course is known for the island green at number 17 as the center point of the dramatic final three holes.

It should also be known as a classic Pete Dye test where there's more to every hole than what you can see. Tricking the eye is a staple in golf course architecture and Pete Dye does it as well as anyone.

Course is difficult, but also fun to play. The final three are great risk/reward holes and you have to love the island green!

I crossed off a destination on my golf bucket list when I played the stadium course. I played it shortly after "The Players", and the stands were still being taken down. This was by far the hardest track I ever played. If you don't hit fairways and greens, it can be a nightmare. The rough, even around the greens was diabolical. I managed to par the front side par 3's but that was all. 16, 17 & 18 are just how I imagined. It took 3 shots to get on 17 but I got there! This is a must for any avid golfer!

The only two positive statements, the staff was friendly and the greens were OK. The fairways and rough were in terrible condition for a course of this supposed stature. Although there were rangers, the pace of play was just below that of a snail. For the price charged one would be advised to drive down the road to Saint Augustine which offers many courses very much superior to this "pasture" at similar or lesser rates.

TPC is always an awesome visit. If you like to take your time warming up and enjoying the facilities the driving range, chipping green and putting green are outstanding. The course is great too! The pace of play can be hit or miss depending on the day but it is well worth the trade off.

great Course, nice Weather, friendly Staff, must play in Ponte Vedra

This might be my favorite Pete Dye golf course. In fact, I consider it a modern classic. The home of The Players Championship has been tweaked many times over the years, and as it's matured, it's gotten better and better. The finishing stretch of 16, 17 (the island green) and 18 are as good as it gets. It's difficult, yes, but not nearly as unforgiving as some of Dye's more recent works like Pound Ridge or French Lick. For the complete experience, take a caddie and walk (forecaddies are required regardless).

Most people know about the Stadium Course, but the Valley Course isn't too shabby either. Also designed by Pete Dye, there's lots of water hazards, lush turf and tour level challenge, since it does host a Web.com event. The difference is that it's not nearly as hard as the Stadium Course. It also costs a lot less to play. If you're making the trip to the resort, you owe it to yourself to play both courses.

This course is the best course I have played in Jax, and I've played every one (except stadium course). Tee boxes are taken very good care of. Fairways are beautiful, narrow, and have a lot of hills making it very difficult, but fun! The rough is unpredictable, you can either be buried or on top, which makes for a great challenge. Bunkers are very well taken care of, nice soft sand, not hard and compact. Last, but not least, the greens are amazing, soft enough to stick the ball or spin it and firm enough to get a good roll when needed. I wish players took care of the greens though, they left a lot of divots, I fixed about 4 every hole, not the ground keepers fault at all. And customer service was awesome, very friendly staff!

Great course. I used my free threesome from GolfNow to play w/ two friends and we had a great time. We will definitely return.