Tommy Fleetwood Embraces the Challenge of TPC Sawgrass’s 17th Hole, Practicing from the Drop Zone
TPC Sawgrass’s iconic 17th hole, with its intimidating island green, is a mental hurdle for even the most seasoned golfers. Still, Tommy Fleetwood, the current FedExCup champion, has adopted a unique preparation strategy: actively practicing shots from the designated drop zone before the 2026 PLAYERS Championship.
Preparing for the Inevitable
Even as many players avoid utilizing the drop zone unless instructed by a referee, Fleetwood intentionally incorporates it into his practice routine. He believes that mentally preparing for the possibility of hitting a shot from the drop zone can diminish the hole’s psychological pressure.
“I just like the idea of hitting a bunch of those kinds of shots, and that is just the way I feel,” Fleetwood explained to the press at Ponte Vedra Beach. He emphasized that this isn’t about negative thinking, but rather about being prepared for any eventuality given the ever-present water hazard. “Of course, I am not planning on hitting it in the water, but at the same time, I think the hole has its—has enough like mental challenges that if you do hit it in the water, you just want to be prepared,” Fleetwood said.
Learning from Experience and Managing Expectations
Fleetwood’s approach appears to be inspired by the experiences of legendary golfers, acknowledging the pressures inherent in high-stakes tournaments. He reflected on the challenges faced by players like Shane Lowry in closing out major championships, highlighting the importance of preparation.
Fleetwood believes that even a loss while in contention is a valuable learning experience. “I would have rather been in contention on the last hole and hit it in the water and lost by one than, you know, finish 49th,” he stated, underscoring his focus on embracing the challenge and gaining experience, a mindset that contributed to his TOUR Championship victory at East Lake in 2025.
A Hole Defined by Numbers
The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is a statistical anomaly. Since 2003, over 1,000 golf balls have found their way into the surrounding water. Tom Lehman holds the record for the best cumulative score on the hole, with 11-under par across 62 rounds. There have been 14 holes-in-one recorded on the island green, the most recent by Ryan Fox in 2024. Bob Tway holds the unfortunate record for the highest single-hole score, a 12 after hitting five balls into the water in 2005.
Tiger Woods and the 17th
The 17th hole is also known for memorable moments involving Tiger Woods, including a legendary 60-foot, triple-breaking birdie putt in 2001, famously called “better than most” by announcer Gary Koch. Woods also won the tournament again in 2013.