Ever find yourself staring at a screen, watching a tiny white ball disappear into a lake, and wondering where on earth that iconic island green actually is? It’s a common question. Honestly, the tournament's name is so generic—The Players Championship—that it doesn't give you much of a geographical clue. But the location is everything. It’s the heart of the event’s identity.
So, where is the players tournament held? It’s tucked away in the marshy, pine-covered landscape of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Specifically, it lives at TPC Sawgrass, a place that looks like a pristine park but plays like a psychological horror movie for some of the best golfers in the world.
For 2026, the tradition continues. The tournament is set for March 10–15, 2026, right when the Florida sun starts to feel perfect and the humidity hasn't quite turned into a steam room yet. This isn't just another stop on a tour bus. It’s the permanent home for a reason.
The Magic of Ponte Vedra Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach isn't your typical Florida spring break destination. You won't find neon signs and massive boardwalks here. Instead, it’s an upscale, somewhat quiet corner of Northeast Florida, located about 30 minutes southeast of Jacksonville.
If you're looking for it on a map, search for the area between Jacksonville Beach and St. Augustine. It’s part of what locals call Florida’s Historic Coast. Most people just fly into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), grab a rental car, and head south. The drive is easy, but the vibe changes the second you hit A1A. It goes from city bustle to "golf-is-life" pretty fast.
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TPC Sawgrass: A Stadium Built for You
When people ask where is the players tournament, they are usually talking about the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. This isn't just a golf course; it’s a stadium. Back in the late 70s, PGA Tour Commissioner Deane Beman had this wild idea. He wanted a course where fans didn't have to stand on their tiptoes behind a hedge to see a shot.
He hired the legendary (and somewhat diabolical) architect Pete Dye. Together, they built massive grass mounds—literally "stadium seating"—around the greens.
It was revolutionary. Before this, golf was notoriously hard to watch in person. Now, you can sit on a grassy hillside at the 17th or 18th hole and see every single ripple in the water and every beads of sweat on a player's forehead. It’s intimate and grand at the same time.
The Notorious 17th Hole
You can't talk about the location without mentioning the Island Green. Fun fact: it wasn't even supposed to be there. During construction, they dug up so much sand from that area to build the mounds that they ended up with a giant crater.
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Alice Dye, Pete’s wife and a brilliant designer in her own right, supposedly looked at the hole and said, "Why don't we just make it an island?"
That "accident" became the most famous 137 yards in golf.
What to Expect if You're Visiting in 2026
If you’re planning to trek to Ponte Vedra Beach for the 2026 event, there are some logistical realities you’ve gotta know. This isn't the kind of event where you just show up and find a spot.
- Tickets are Digital-Only: Don't expect to buy a paper ticket at the gate. Everything is managed through the PGA Tour app.
- Parking is a Mission: You have to buy a parking pass in advance. They won't even let you into the lot without a pre-purchased digital pass.
- The 50th Anniversary: 2026 marks a massive milestone for the tournament. Expect the 50th-anniversary celebrations to make the grounds even more crowded and the merchandise even more expensive.
- Weather Wildcards: March in Florida is beautiful, but it's fickle. One day it’s 80 degrees; the next, a "nor'easter" blows in and you're shivering in a windbreaker. Pack layers.
Why the Location Actually Matters
Golfers often talk about "horses for courses." Some players love the desert; others love the links of Scotland. TPC Sawgrass is unique because it doesn't favor any specific style. It’s a "democratic" course.
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Pete Dye designed it so that no two consecutive holes play in the same direction. This means the wind is constantly hitting the players from a different angle. You can't just find a rhythm and cruise. It keeps everyone off balance. That’s why you see world-class players shooting a 64 on Thursday and an 80 on Friday.
The location—this specific patch of Florida swamp—is the ultimate equalizer.
Getting Around the Tournament Grounds
The course is actually pretty walkable compared to massive properties like Augusta National.
- The Clubhouse: It’s a 77,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style monster. Even if you don't have a pass to go inside, just standing near it makes you feel like you’re at a royal palace.
- The Fan Shop: In 2026, they’re expecting the merchandise tent to be over 36,000 square feet. Basically, a golf-themed department store.
- Food: Forget sad hot dogs. They usually bring in local favorites like Mojo’s BBQ or Cousins Maine Lobster. You can eat well while you watch people lose their cool over a missed putt.
Planning Your Trip for 2026
If you’re serious about going, start looking at hotels now. Ponte Vedra Beach itself has the Sawgrass Marriott, but that fills up with players and VIPs almost instantly. Most fans stay in Jacksonville or down in St. Augustine and commute.
St. Augustine is actually a great "secret" base. It’s the oldest city in the U.S., full of cool bars and history, and it’s only about 20–25 minutes away from the course.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Download the PGA Tour App now: You’ll need it for tickets and to track the leaderboard in real-time while you’re walking the mounds.
- Book a "Practice Round" ticket: If you want to see the players without the massive weekend crowds, go on Tuesday or Wednesday. It’s cheaper, and the players are way more relaxed—sometimes they’ll even chat with the fans.
- Buy your parking pass the same day you buy your ticket: They sell out. Seriously. Don't be the person trying to find a spot at a nearby gas station; you'll get towed.
- Hydrate: The Florida sun is sneaky in March. Drink more water than you think you need.
The Players is often called "The Fifth Major." It’s got the biggest purse and the toughest field. But more than that, it has a home that is inseparable from the game itself. Whether you're there for the golf or just the social scene at the 17th hole, TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach is the only place it could ever be.