Players Championship Delayed After Shooting Near TPC Sawgrass

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – The opening of gates for the third round of The Players Championship was delayed Saturday morning following a shooting that occurred near TPC Sawgrass. Authorities have identified the suspect as Christian Joseph Barrios, 32, who is now in custody after a multi-county manhunt.

Details of the Shooting

According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Barrios shot and killed two people in the parking lot of a Walgreens located on Florida A1A and Palm Valley Road around 10:30 p.m. On Friday, March 13, 2026. The Walgreens is less than a mile from a main parking area for The Players Championship. The shooting is being described as a domestic violence situation, and the victims were known to the suspect. Neither victim resided in St. Johns County. Golfweek and ESPN reported on the incident.

Manhunt and Apprehension

Following the shooting, Barrios briefly entered the PGA Tour property, encountering employees and briefly possessing a PGA Tour radio before discarding it. He then stole a black BMW and fled northward, leading to a pursuit by law enforcement agencies. Nassau County authorities eventually disabled the stolen vehicle, but Barrios escaped on foot. He was apprehended Saturday morning in Nassau County, approximately an hour north of TPC Sawgrass. The Associated Press detailed the pursuit and capture.

Impact on The Players Championship

Due to the ongoing situation, the PGA delayed opening the gates to fans until 9 a.m. ET on Saturday. Hospitality areas did not open until 11 a.m. Third-round tee times remained unchanged, with the first tee time at 8:15 a.m. ET. ESPN confirmed the schedule adjustments.

Suspect’s Criminal History

Sheriff Rob Hardwick described Barrios’ criminal history as “embarrassing,” noting at least 27 prior arrests and that he was out on probation at the time of the shooting. Court records indicate Barrios was living in Jacksonville during a 2025 drug arrest. Golfweek reported on the Sheriff’s comments regarding the suspect’s background.