TPC at Sawgrass, Stadium Course, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida - A Golf Experience Usually Reserved for PGA Tour Players

TPC at Sawgrass is one of the top golf destinations in the world, and the Stadium Course is the home of one of the most recognized and challenging holes in golf: the famed 17th Island Green. The Pete Dye course is also home to The Players Championship, which ranks as one of the sport's most coveted titles. Because it's open to the public, however, the Stadium Course allows the average golfer to experience a course usually reserved for PGA Tour players.

That means the course was created to challenge even the very best players in the world, so there's more than ample challenge for the average golfer. In 2006, the course underwent a summer-long renovation that saw the tees, fairways and greens rebuilt. New sand and a modern drainage system were put in place, making the course play "firm and fast.'' Now, wayward shots are more likely to roll into difficult lies among more than 200 newly planted pine, oak and palm trees. Plus, the renovation puts the course's lower-level bunkers, natural waste areas, water hazards, and greenside chipping areas more in play.

The 18-hole, par-72 course plays to 7,215 yards with a USGA rating of 76.8 with a slope of 155 from the longest tees, ranking it among the country's most challenging courses. It has also received numerous awards and honors, such as: Rated No. 45 in "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses,'' Golf Digest, 2009-2010; Rated No. 9 in "America's Greatest Public Courses,'' Golf Digest, 2009-2010; Rated No. 2 in "Best in State of Florida,'' Golf Digest, 2009-2010; Rated No. 14 in "50 Toughest Golf Courses,'' Golf Digest, 2009-2010; America's Best Top 100 Modern Courses, Golfweek Magazine, 2006; America's Best Public-Access Courses for Florida, Golfweek Magazine, 2006; and America's 100 Greatest Public-Access Golf Courses, Golf Digest, 2005-2006.

The course also features a full range of practice options, as well as instruction via one of the finest instruction facilities in the world - the TOUR Academy at TPC Sawgrass. The facility features an expansive learning area, and offers the latest in teaching and club-fitting technologies, including indoor hitting bays, dedicated driving range, private practice area, and a putting and chipping green.

The TPC at Sawgrass Golf Shop is also top-rate, and can fit golfers with the latest golf equipment from leading manufacturers. Staff teaching professionals can also help determine the best personal equipment specifications, from grip size to launch angles, for every club order.

In addition to golf, the TPC at Sawgrass is one of the top resort destinations in the country. It has been honored by Travel + Leisure Golf magazine as one of the Top 10 Best Golf Resorts in the World, and is a blend of Southern charm, elegance and first-class amenities and service. The clubhouse offers 77,000 square feet of Mediterranean Revival style, and is said to be an experience in itself.

There are a number of options for dining, whether it be a light snack before or after a round, or dining in one of the resorts' restaurants, where some of the finest in Florida-inspired cuisine can be found.