Overview
Located at the Global Home of the PGA TOUR, the Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass was designed by Bobby Weed, Pete Dye and player consultant Jerry Pate (1982 PLAYERS Champion).
Opened in 1987, the Valley Course has proudly hosted professional events including:
- 2020: Korn Ferry Challenge
- 2018-19: PGA TOUR Canada Qualifying
- 2013-15: Web.com Tour Championship
- 2010-12: Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open
- 1994: United States Amateur Championship
- 1988-89: Senior Players Championship
Awards
2021 Golfweek
Top 200 Resort Courses, No. 198
2020 Golfweek
Best Courses You Can Play in Florida, No. 29
2019-20 GOLF Magazine
Top 100 Golf Resorts in N. America, No. 19
Challenge
Some courses don’t receive the attention they deserve. Situated next to the infamous Stadium Course, the Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass fits this bill.
When designing the club’s second golf course, Dye, Weed and Pate had to incorporate a new housing development into a layout that could host touring professionals, resort guests and area members, simultaneously.
Situated on a challenging, boggy-like site similar to the Stadium Course (flat marshland), extensive design work was necessary to contour and drain every hole to counter the site conditions.
Additionally, the excess fill removed from the created lagoon system would be repurposed for tall spectator mounds. These significant elevation changes were particularly unique for northeast Florida.
Approach
While not overly long from the championship tees, players are required to avoid a sizable collection of water hazards. Water is abundant throughout, coming into play on almost every hole.
Bunkers protect many greens up front. However, they also provide safety nets on many holes, serving as buffers between fairways and lakes.
The Valley Course features medium-sized, undulating TifEagle Bermudagrass greens. Bulkheads support and flank many green complexes, similar to the Stadium Course with more forgiving bailout options. Creative pin placements allow for strikingly different experiences each day.
In 2014, the course underwent a “rebirth” with a new irrigation system, improved drainage and updated grasses, including Celebration Bermuda on fairways and tees.
Solution
From the direction of Commissioner Beman, Dye and Weed successfully built a course that favors no particular style of play. It compliments the Stadium Course with similar features and a toned-down version of the championship layout.
This northeast Florida design is all about angles. Players must strategically think their way around the golf course. Good shots are rewarded with shorter approaches, level lies and less contoured putts. Mis-hits are adequately punished.
In the shadow of its ultra-famous neighbor, the Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass offers a fun and memorable experience all its own.
70% Increase in Course Bookings
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