TPC Sawgrass - The PLAYERS Stadium

Stadium The creation of TPC Sawgrass as host to THE PLAYERS was based on several unique concepts: First, it would be the permanent home of THE PLAYERS, and it would be owned by the players. Second, the course and surrounding areas would be built with spectators in mind. It would be the first true “Stadium Course,” designed and built to improve the overall on-site fan experience. Third, the TPC would be a course of great design and character that would be accessible to all golf fans. Working with golf course architect Pete Dye, Commissioner Deane Beman wanted a course design that would favor no particular player or style of play. To meet this goal, an extensive effort was made to design a balanced golf course. There had to be a selection of short, medium and long holes within the categories of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s. There had to be both right and left doglegs. The course routing was laid out so no two consecutive holes ever played in the same direction. Designed by Pete Dye, Bobby Weed and player consultant Jerry Pate, Dye's Valley Course is the "younger brother" of the Players` Stadium Course. Finished in 1987, Dye's Valley Course has had its share of legends competing on its manicured surfaces, with water on every hole. Dye's Valley Course was host to the Senior PLAYERS Championship at Dye's Valley in 1988 and immediately garnered a prestigious winner, Billy Casper. In 1989, former U.S. Open Champion, Orville Moody shot a course record of 64 in the third round to outdistance Charles Coody and Gary Player. 1990 marked the last year of this event on Dye's Valley. It has also been home to the Cadillac NFL Golf Classic and the United Van Lines Aces Championship.