The Perfect Ponte Vedra "Players" Weekend: A 3-Day Insider's Playbook

Everyone comes to Ponte Vedra Beach for one reason: to test their nerve against the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. Playing the Stadium Course is a bucket-list item for a reason. But building a truly memorable, first-class golf weekend or corporate outing around it? That takes local knowledge.

This is the home of THE PLAYERS Championship, and a world-class trip involves more than just the main event. It requires blending the iconic with the exclusive, and the celebrated with the private.

As curators of premium golf experiences, we've designed the perfect 3-day itinerary. This is our playbook for an unforgettable Ponte Vedra "Players" weekend.

Day 1: Arrival & The Perfect Warm-Up

Your trip is about building anticipation. You don't just walk up to the 17th green; you earn it.

Lodging: The Premium Choice

Your group will check into the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. While many visitors stay at the (excellent) Sawgrass Marriott, the oceanfront Inn & Club offers a different level of classic luxury, private beach access, and a more exclusive, high-touch service environment perfect for executive and client-facing groups.

Afternoon Golf: Dye's Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass

Don't jump straight to the Stadium. Your first round should be on its sister course, Dye's Valley. This is a Pete Dye masterpiece in its own right (and a former host of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship). It features the same championship-level conditioning and tricky Dye-abolical green complexes, making it the perfect primer for what's to come.

Evening: The Golfer's Local

After the round, you'll head to Nona Blue Modern Tavern. This isn't just any restaurant; it's owned by PGA Tour player Graeme McDowell. The atmosphere is upscale-casual, the food is fantastic, and it's the "insider" spot for golfers. It sets the perfect tone for the trip.

Day 2: The Main Event

This is the day. Welcome to the home of THE PLAYERS Championship.

Morning Golf: The Players Stadium Course

From the moment you walk through the iconic clubhouse, you'll know this is a special place. You're walking in the footsteps of the best players in the world. From the challenging "turn" at 8 and 9 to the risk-reward 16th, every hole is memorable.

And then, you arrive at the 17th.

Insider Tip: How to Play the 17th Hole

Our caddie connections and local pros all say the same thing. Here's the secret to conquering the 17th:

**Forget the Yardage:** The hole is only ~137 yards. It's not about distance; it's about commitment.

**Trust the Wind:** The wind swirls in that bowl. Even if you don't feel it on the tee, it's there. The most common miss is short and right, into the water.

**Take One More Club:** Don't be a hero. A smooth swing with one extra club is the pro play. The back bunker is a much better miss than the water.

**Aim for the Middle:** Don't fire at the pin, no matter where it is. The goal is to be on the green. Your target is the dead center of that island.

Lunch: "Nineteen" at the TPC Clubhouse

After you've signed your scorecard, don't rush off. Head straight to Nineteen, the restaurant inside the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse. Grab a table on the terrace overlooking the 18th green and soak in the atmosphere.

Evening: The Celebration Dinner

After a bucket-list day, a celebratory dinner is in order. We recommend the 1912 Ocean Bar & Rooftop. It's an upscale, oceanfront experience that is perfect for impressing a group and celebrating a round for the ages.

Day 3: The Private Gem & Departure

This is what separates a good trip from a great one. Today, you play the course that most visitors don't even know is here.

Morning Golf: Sawgrass Country Club

Before TPC, the Sawgrass Country Club was the original home of THE PLAYERS Championship from 1977-1981. This is a private, members-only club with a classic, Ed Seay-designed course that winds through the marshlands.

You cannot book this tee time on your own. Through our relationships, we get you access. It's the perfect, exclusive end to a trip, offering pristine conditions and a completely different style of golf—a true "insider" experience.

Afternoon: Departure

Enjoy a post-round lunch at the private clubhouse before a short, 45-minute drive back to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) for your flight home.

This Is What We Do

A world-class itinerary like this is complex. It involves coordinating tee times at both public and exclusive private clubs, managing group transportation, securing reservations at in-demand restaurants, and handling every small detail.

That's what we do.

Sawgrass Golf Experiences is a full-service, luxury golf tour operator. We curate and execute bespoke corporate and group outings to Ponte Vedra's most iconic and private courses. We handle every detail, so you can focus on your clients and your first tee shot.