Island green strikes fear into many golfers

Island green strikes fear into many golfers

One of the most famous in the world is the 17th hole at the TPC Sawgrass course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.It measures just 137 yards, but with an island green, the hole strikes fear into many golfers who play it.That group includes Tim Clark, who played the hole during the final round of last year’s Tour Championship.“The pressure I felt on the Miller Think Tiger Will Win 17th tee, particularly, is something I’ll never forget,” Clark said. “The fact that I was able to make contact and hit it on the green was quite nice.”Clark made par on the hole and won the tournament by 1 stroke over Robert Allenby.As this year’s Players Championship tees off today, No. 17 likely will play a key role in determining the distribution of a $9.5 million purse.

The way the course sets up, players on No. 16 can look to the right and see golfers ahead of them hitting to the hole. While the view may help them get an idea of how the wind is affecting shots, it is also a reminder of what lies ahead.“I’m looking at the crowd, saying, ‘Look at all the people that came to watch the car wreck, basically,’ ” Jim Furyk said. “You Woods Is Feeling Better As Players Awaits just get to feel the buzz, and the people are waiting to see you hit it in the water. That walk kind of just makes me chuckle, because you can hear it. You know what they’re looking for.”The PGA Tour has kept track of the number of balls hit into the water on No. 17 since 2003, when there were 29. There were more than that in subsequent years until there were 29 again last year.“What is tremendous is the reactions after the tee shots land,” said Gary Koch, who calls action at the hole for NBC Sports. “I’m not sure it’s the best hole in the world, but for television it’s great theatre.”