Built in 1980 to enhance the fan experience following an idea from then PGA Tour commissioner Deane Beaman, THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, has done just that and more.
The course, which is the permanent home of THE PLAYERS Championship which takes place this week, ends each round with what I feel is the best three-hole closing stretch in golf.
The entire course is a load of fun to watch the professionals battle but the last three are edge of the seat exciting. And I canāt wait to watch this week on my new, 75ā TV.
THE PLAYERS has been referred to as āthe fifth major,ā but for me, it falls only behind The Masters and the U.S. Open each year as the must-see events. Even this, the 50th year of the tournament that may have the weakest field in the history due to the players defecting to the LIV Tour, still figures to be a great one to watch.
Every round is great, but the intensity on Sunday by the time the leaders hit the 16th tee is peaked.
No. 16 is a 523-yard, par 5 that is the best chance to score over the final three holes. Reachable in two, but to do so, itās mostly all carry over a lake that runs along the right side of the hole and protects the green.
Throw in cluster of oak trees that block a clear path to the green. Want to play it safe and lay up? Youāve got a narrow landing area to shoot for with trouble all around it.
Itās a must to walk away with a birdie to give you an ever so slight margin of error for the next two holes.
The final two holes are two of the most visibly intimidating holes you will find.
The 17th, the 137-yard, par 3 with the iconic island green is right up there the 7th at Pebble Beach and the 16th at the TPC Scottdale as the top par 3ās on Tour.
A huge spectator hole awaits the players. The green is wide but not too deep. There is a bunker on the right of the green which has saved several players over the years when they come up short of the green.
With no water, this would be a mundane hole. But, put water surrounding the green and the pucker factor kicks in big time.
Get through the hole and the players face the daunting walk to the 18th tee.
This beast of a hole has the pucker reaching full power.
Standing on the tee you get a visual of a monster lake running the entire length of the hole on the left and what looks like a narrow landing area. To the right of the hole which is the direction so many take, are trees and spectator mounds.
The tee shot is one where you would need a 4-shot lead to even feel a minimal level of comfort.
Even the second shot is uncomfortable, with grass bunkers located front right, with one bunker eating up any left, and long shots.
So, who wins.
Heading into the event, Scottie Scheffler is the prohibitive favorite, followed by Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele.
It is hard to go against Scheffler has he just has such total control of his game, a must for winning on this course.ā
I also expect Justin Thomas to be right there when they hit the 16th tee on Sunday. My personal favorite is Max Homa as he has got to be the most entertaining player on the Tour today.
It is tournament the players embrace and those who have won it, wear it as a badge of honor.
It is just an enjoyable event to watch and one that will keep you captivated from Thursday morning until the last putt falls on Sunday.
By Dennis Miller