News
Is a new green to blame for the carnage on the 17th hole at The Players?
During the first round of The Players at TPC Sawgrass, there was an unusual amount of shots hit into the water around the island green 17th hole, especially considering the relatively calm conditions that mother nature delivered.
In total 35 balls found the drink – and it should be noted that there are a couple more groups that still need to finish their first-round since it was suspended due to darkness.
During the first-round (to this point) the total of 35 balls in the water puts it only second behind the 2007 first-round where the final tally was 50 – but the difference being it was a much windier day. It had a lot of players questioning whether it was the fault of the green?
The reason is the 17th green was rebuilt this past summer of 2020 to improve the overall health of the green complex. The contours and shaping were kept identical to the previous design, but new greens take time to mature and although it might look the same as others on the course it’s what’s underneath that counts.
From the USGA
“New putting greens are highly susceptible to thinning and wear injury because they have not yet developed a thin layer of organic matter between the grass and the soil. This thin mat layer is necessary for the grass to be resilient and receive incoming shots without experiencing exploding ball marks and collapsing edges around the hole. The mat layer is formed as the grass goes through its normal growing processes, depositing old leaves, stems, and roots. Maintenance practices such as aeration and topdressing make sure that the mat layer has enough sand intermixed amongst the old plant material, so it does not become excessive and hold moisture.”
This underlying layer could be just that much firmer than other greens around The Stadium course which is causing players issues in judging bounce and roll-out. Although it’s a small sample size the majority of the balls that did find the water did so over the back vs short so the data would suggest it is a likely cause.
One player that took notice was Justin Thomas who brought up the 17th green during his post-round press conference.
“That green is substantially firmer than the rest of them, I would say. I had a 5-iron on 2 today that rolled out probably eight paces and then I had a pitching wedge on that hole that rolled out like six. So that, it doesn’t add up.”
Whether firmer or not, the 17th green always creates lots of drama and excitement at The Players and the rest of the tournament is going to be exciting to watch.
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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Rory Mcllroy
Mar 15, 2021 at 6:27 pm
It’s all Bryson’s fault!
Ondra
Mar 13, 2021 at 3:06 am
Why is JT complaining ? No practice round before Players ?
Slap Happy
Mar 14, 2021 at 3:32 pm
JT will cry his way around the course.
Throat Puncher
Mar 12, 2021 at 7:50 pm
I want to punch Jimmy Roberts in the throat.
Ty Tryon
Mar 12, 2021 at 10:28 am
They all should have figured that out during their practice round(s). The health of the course comes first, the players have to figure out how to handle those changes
sprcoop
Mar 12, 2021 at 11:08 am
Exactly what I was thinking. Not rocket science. It’s not like all the greens are identical. What about high spots on the green being harder etc.? Whiner.