If you’re asking when is TPC Sawgrass, you’re probably either trying to watch the world’s best golfers survive the 17th hole or you're trying to play it yourself without losing a dozen balls to the water. Most people assume there's just one "big week" and then the course disappears.
Not true.
The rhythm of Ponte Vedra Beach actually revolves around two very different schedules: the tournament calendar and the resort calendar. Honestly, if you show up at the wrong time, you’ll either find the gates locked for a private event or the greens being punched for maintenance. Nobody wants to pay $600+ to putt through sand.
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The Main Event: When Is TPC Sawgrass Hosting THE PLAYERS?
For the 2026 season, the dates are officially set. THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 takes place from March 10 to March 15. This is the big one. It’s the 50th Anniversary of the tournament, so expect things to be a bit more "extra" than usual. The practice rounds start on Tuesday, March 10, which is also when they do the Military Appreciation Ceremony and concert right there on the 17th hole. The actual competition—where the real stress begins—runs Thursday through Sunday.
- Tuesday, March 10: Practice rounds and Military Appreciation Day.
- Wednesday, March 11: Final practice day (the best day to snag autographs).
- Thursday, March 12: Round 1 of competition.
- Friday, March 13: Round 2 (the dreaded "cut" day).
- Saturday, March 14: Round 3 (Moving Day).
- Sunday, March 15: The Final Round.
If you’re planning to go, you've gotta remember that you can't just buy a ticket at the gate. Everything is digital. Also, parking is a whole separate mission. You have to buy parking passes in advance, and they usually sell out faster than the tickets themselves.
Why March Matters So Much
The move from May back to March a few years ago changed everything about how the course plays. In May, it was hot and the ball flew forever. In March, the wind off the Atlantic is heavy. The grass is overseeded with rye, so it's a deep, emerald green, but it's "sticky." It grabs the ball.
It's basically a different golf course in the spring.
Playing the Stadium Course: When Can You Actually Tee Off?
Outside of the tournament window, TPC Sawgrass is a "resort" course. That means if you have the cash, you can play it. But timing is everything.
The course usually closes to the public about two to three weeks before the tournament starts. They need time to build the massive grandstands and get the turf to a speed that makes pro golfers cry. After the tournament ends, the course stays closed for a short "recovery" period to take all that scaffolding down.
Peak Season for playing: March (after the tournament) through June.
Value Season: December and January.
Kinda funny, but January is actually a great time to visit if you don't mind a 60-degree morning. The rates are lower, and the course is usually in great shape because they’re prepping for the March event.
The Hidden Trap: Maintenance Windows
You’ve gotta watch out for "aerification." This is when they poke holes in the greens to let the soil breathe. It’s necessary, but it ruins a golf trip. Typically, TPC Sawgrass does this in the summer—think June and August. If you're booking a "bucket list" trip, always call the pro shop and ask, "When are you punching the greens?"
If they say "next week," stay home.
Weather and Crowds: What to Expect
Ponte Vedra isn't Miami. It gets legit chilly. If you visit in January or February, you might be wearing a thermal under your polo. By the time when is TPC Sawgrass becomes the top search in March, the weather is usually "chamber of commerce" perfect—around 70 to 75 degrees.
Summer is a different beast. It’s humid. It’s 90 degrees. And at 3:00 PM, it's going to rain. Guaranteed.
- Spring (March–May): Perfect weather, highest prices, most crowded.
- Summer (June–August): Cheap-ish, sweaty, afternoon thunderstorms.
- Fall (September–November): Great sleeper pick. The weather cools down, and the turf is still fast.
What Most People Forget
Everyone focuses on the Stadium Course. But TPC Sawgrass actually has two courses. Dye’s Valley Course is right there, and it’s significantly cheaper.
Is it as famous? No.
Is it easier? A little, but there's still water everywhere.
If you're doing a three-day trip, play the Valley Course on day one to get used to the Pete Dye "mind games" before you tackle the Stadium Course. It’ll save your ego.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Visit
If you are serious about heading to TPC Sawgrass in 2026, don't wait. Here is how you should actually handle it:
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- For the Tournament: Buy your tickets and parking passes now through the official PGA Tour site. If you wait until February, you'll be paying 3x on the secondary market.
- For Playing: If you aren't staying at the Sawgrass Marriott, you can only book tee times 14 days in advance. If you want a guaranteed spot months out, you pretty much have to book a stay-and-play package at the resort.
- For the Experience: Even if you aren't playing, go to the clubhouse for lunch. It’s massive, looks like a Mediterranean palace, and it’s open to the public. You can walk through the halls and see the history without spending a dime on a greens fee.
- Check the Aerification Schedule: Before you wire any money for a golf trip, verify the maintenance dates for June and August 2026.
The "when" of TPC Sawgrass is more than just a date on a calendar; it’s about choosing between the pro-level spectacle of March or the quiet, high-stakes challenge of a personal round in the Florida sun. Just make sure you bring extra balls. You’re gonna need ‘em for the 17th.