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Modern Classics: TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium) After an extensive renovation, Pete Dye's masterpiece will be an even tougher exam for the Players' new May date
By Tom Cunneff Few courses test PGA Tourists-or everyday tourists-more than the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium course. To make it around Pete Dye's exacting design in one piece, or even three pieces, is quite a feat. From the tips, the course has the USGA's highest maximum Slope Rating, 155. This ultimate target-golf layout demands that you put your ball in the correct spot with each swing. It isn't so much a case of whether you'll find trouble as much as how you'll handle it when you do. That's what's so fun about watching the Players. Where else do you see pros with real fear in their eyes? With the tournament's move to May, the course will look and play better than ever, especially after a renovation that included rebuilding the greens and fairways with a drainage system to promote firm, fast conditions. In addition, Dye restored bunkers, lake banks, bridges and bulkheads. How appropriate that he became famous for his railroad ties here: There isn't a more perfect place for a train wreck. Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Par: 72 Yardage: 7,215 Year founded: 1980 Architect: Pete Dye

Modern Classics:
TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium)
After an extensive renovation, Pete Dye's masterpiece will be an even tougher exam for the Players' new May date

By Tom Cunneff

Few courses test PGA Tourists-or everyday tourists-more than the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium course. To make it around Pete Dye's exacting design in one piece, or even three pieces, is quite a feat. From the tips, the course has the USGA's highest maximum Slope Rating, 155.

This ultimate target-golf layout demands that you put your ball in the correct spot with each swing. It isn't so much a case of whether you'll find trouble as much as how you'll handle it when you do. That's what's so fun about watching the Players. Where else do you see pros with real fear in their eyes?

With the tournament's move to May, the course will look and play better than ever, especially after a renovation that included rebuilding the greens and fairways with a drainage system to promote firm, fast conditions. In addition, Dye restored bunkers, lake banks, bridges and bulkheads. How appropriate that he became famous for his railroad ties here: There isn't a more perfect place for a train wreck.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,215
Year founded: 1980
Architect: Pete Dye