Skip to main content

This Golf Hole Has Claimed More Than a Million Golf Balls in Its Surrounding Water

Author:
Publish date:
Video Duration:
1:09

Welcome to one of golf’s most iconic challenges: the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, the famed "Island Green." This par 3 isn't just a part of the course; it's a legend in its own right, notorious for claiming over a million golf balls in its surrounding waters. It's a number that tells a story of challenge, precision and maybe a few golfer sighs and shrugs.

The creation of this iconic hole is a story worth telling. Pete Dye, the mastermind behind the course, originally planned something quite different for the home of the Players Championship. 

But during construction, an unexpected sandpit dilemma arose near the 17th green. Enter Alice Dye, Pete's wife, who saw this not as a setback but as an opportunity. With her ingenuity, she suggested the now-famous island green concept, turning a problem into one of golf's most unforgettable holes.

Today, the Island Green stands as a testament to skill, strategy, and nerve for golfers from around the world. Each year, thousands flock to Ponte Vedra Beach to take on this challenge. 

It's a hole that tests more than just your swing; it's about keeping cool under pressure and making that perfect shot. With about 100,000 balls added annually to its watery collection, the hole is a mix of fear and excitement. 

So, are you up for the challenge of taking on TPC Sawgrass' famed Island Green? It’s time to grab your clubs and see if you can make your mark—or at least keep your ball dry!