The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is perhaps the single-most iconic hole in all of golf.
It’s a 137-yard par three completely surrounded by water, as these players look to fire a dart into this small target with the world’s pressure on their shoulders. It’s a spectacular sight, and an incredible challenge, one that Rory McIlroy rose to at last year’s Players in a playoff vs JJ Spaun.
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It’s hosted some of the most historic moments in The Players Championship’s history, from Rickie Fowler’s playoff-winning moment to Tiger Woods’ legendary putt.
67 players in this year’s field have played the 17th at Sawgrass at least 10 times. Some have conquered it repeatedly, and some have floundered. Here is a breakdown of the best and worst performers at this legendary hole.
Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR
Brooks Koepka is the worst performer on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass
In one of the more shocking stats from this year’s Players Championship, Brooks Koepka has the single worst scoring average on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass among players who have played it 10 times in this year’s field.
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He has averaged a four on this hole during his career, and has made a seven on this hole twice. The second worst in the field is Tony Finau, who averages a 3.54, followed by Patrick Rodgers, Aaron Rai and Michael Kim.
An honourable mention goes to Andrew Putnam, who isn’t among the five worst players, but he’s never recorded a birdie in 14 attempts.
The best player on the 17th in this year’s field is Kurt Kitayama, whose average is just below a par with 2.7. He’s followed by Matt Hubbard, Ryan Fox, 2015 winner Fowler, and Joel Dahmen. Fox and Hubbard have not bogeyed the hole yet in 24 combined trips.
Interestingly, only one of the top five players on this hole has won the event, suggesting that success at The Players is more about surviving the 17th than excelling on it.
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Brooks Koepka explains his terrible record on TPC Sawgrass’ 17th hole
Speaking before this year’s Players Championship, Koepka was asked to explain why the 17th hole has given him so much trouble over the years.
He replied, “Between 17 and 12 at Augusta, it seems to be the par-3s. But then again, I’ve hit — I think the last time we played here, I think I hit 5-iron on the hole. It was the year it was blowing like crazy.
“We stopped I think we were on 16 green. I want to say I was playing with Scottie or maybe Rory, one of the two. Somebody hit 6-iron I think came up short, so I hit 5, then it went over. I mean, it’s kind of tough to argue when it’s blowing 35.
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“But yeah, my friends bust my chops about it pretty good. So I mean, it’s all fun and games. Then just got to go out and go do it.”
In perfect conditions, it’s still a tricky shot, but the way the wind swirls above this island green can make it impossible for players. Expect it to be no different this year.
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