Ryan Fox Records Historic Ace at TPC Sawgrass
In an awe-inspiring display of skill, Ryan Fox engrained his name in the history books at one of golf’s most iconic holes. The New Zealand golfer notched the 43rd ace at TPC Sawgrass' 17th hole, a feat that will be remembered for years to come. But he didn’t stop there; Fox also became the first golfer to achieve back-to-back eagles at THE PLAYERS Championship.
The moment of magic came with a wedge shot from 124 yards out. Demonstrating precision and control, Fox's ball landed 15 feet past the hole, only to elegantly spin back, striking the flagstick before dropping in for a hole-in-one. This spectacular shot led him to finish the round with a commendable 3-under 69, showcasing his exceptional talent.
Adversity and Achievement on the 17th
While Fox triumphed, the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass presented a formidable challenge to others. Adam Hadwin faced adversity head-on, scoring a double bogey after his ball missed the bunker, landing short. Tom Kim, battling a fever exceeding 102 F, succumbed to the challenges of the day. A water ball and a three-putt triple bogey compelled him to withdraw from the competition, a reminder of how merciless the sport can be.
Scott Stallings, however, exemplified perseverance. After his ball ricocheted off a bulkhead, he managed a par from an impressive 54 feet away, finishing his round with a 2-over 74 thanks to a birdie at the 18th hole. Similarly, Sam Ryder experienced a heartbreaking turn of events when his near-miss for an ace devolved into a double bogey after his ball found the water. Yet, Ryder remained undeterred, finishing with a promising 2-under 70, buoyed by a birdie on the 18th.
The day concluded with 138 players having braved the 17th, with a handful yet to finish due to encroaching darkness. This underscored the unrelenting challenge posed by the course, highlighting the skill and resolve required to excel.
Statistical Highlights from the 17th
On Thursday, the 17th hole was set at an actual yardage of 124 yards. Despite its relatively short distance, it proved to be a stern test for many. The water hazard claimed 10 balls, a testament to the hole's demanding nature. Nonetheless, players managed to score 23 birdies, with Ryan Fox's hole-in-one standing out as the highlight of the day. This performance ranked the 17th as the seventh most difficult hole, boasting a scoring average of 3.087.
Voices from the Course
Ryan Fox shared his thoughts on the crowd's anticipations at the 17th, stating, “Most of the crowd probably either wants you to make a 1 or hit it in the water, so I’m glad to be on the right side of it in that respect.” This sentiment encapsulates the exhilarating mix of hope and dread that defines THE PLAYERS Championship, particularly at the infamously unpredictable 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass.
As the tournament progresses, Fox's historic feats will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of excellence for his peers and successors. His remarkable achievements at one of golf's most iconic stages have not only secured his place in history but also exemplified the spirit of the sport. With every swing, putt, and eagle, golfers like Fox remind us of the relentless pursuit of greatness that defines the world of professional golf.