17th at Sawgrass…my memories!
The 17th hole in Sawgrass is now probably the most famous hole in golf. The island green has become an iconic hole, both for those who play golf and even for those who dont. I was fortunate enough to play the 17th hole last year on my trip to Sawgrass. Standing on the tee, I wasnt particularly phased with a 9-iron in my hand. However, as soon as I started my backswing, my mind filled with all sorts of notions. I managed to stay dry from the professional tees but then proceeded to dunk one in the water from the medal tees. We must have hit ten balls across to that tiny little green in search of that elusive hole in one….it wasnt to be unfortunately.
Anyway, here I am on the 17th, kness slightly flexed, club facing square at the target, feet aligned parallel to my square club face, back straight and head slightly elevated to allow my full shoulder turn. Keeping the lower body steady and rotating around from the hips I thought to myself….a nice fluid action, full swing, crisp strike…the thoughts continued. The ball would fly off the clubface, straight as a die…one bounce alongside the pin and then a bit of backspin…..2 feet from the hole. The crowd applauds, I fist pump and Woods marvels at me…..okay this is the dream land you enter as you get ready to hit.
Reality was more like this - I grip my nine iron so tightly it seems Ive made an indent into the grip. At 100mph I rush the club back, get it back half way before remembering the water…cant go left, cant go right, cant be long, cant be short….aaaagh, my brain wont stop sending me messages….quickly, get the club on the ball Im telling myself, so I do. I stop half way and swing as fast as I can downwards this time. The club meets the ball somewhere between the sweetspot and the hozzel. Ive mishit it and its leaking right….Im in trouble. No wait its hanging on. Get left, get down Im thinking…no wait, get up. I dont know….just land god damn you, I cant take this anymore. It lands a foot over the water and ends up 20ft from the hole…..eat you heart out Tiger!!
This is why its the greatest hole in golf and if you offered anyone on the Tour the result I had, regardless of whether its a beautiful shot or not, they would gladly take it this week at the Players Championship. Its a great hole, it really is. Some professionals say its too punishing at that stage of a Championship…….blah blah blah….you are paid to entertain so get on with it…..we all just want to see you put one in the water anyway.
So if Messrs Woods, Mickelson, Garcia et all do happen to put a ball in the water on 17 this week, I will have a sly little chuckle with my Dad and my brother and debate how much our shots onto the treacherous green last year would now be worth to them…..ahh, the memories.
Seven of those were mine. I lost five of them.
I think it may have even been more than that!!!