WATCH: Fans At TPC Sawgrass Turn Iconic 17th Into A Waterslide

Fans at The Players Championship decided to make the most of their day as the event was hit with yet more rain delays

Fans slide down 17th
(Image credit: Instagram: @arut1218)

The PGA Tour's flagship event may feature the biggest and best field of the whole entire season, but unfortunately, not the best weather, with the tournament being hit by huge rain delays that will see a Monday or even a Tuesday finish.

So far, only the morning wave of groups managed to finish their first rounds at TPC Sawgrass, with Ian Poulter resorting to speed golf on Thursday night to avoid having to come back on Friday to finish his round. 

Although players did manage to get some play in on Friday morning, the rain become too heavy, resorting to the action being suspended for the remainder of the day.

For the fans in attendance, it was obviously unfortunate, especially as they only got to watch a few hours of action. However, it didn't stop them from having some fun at the par-3 17th, as some decided to turn the hill that surrounds the left side of the hole, into a waterslide. 

You can watch the video below.

The video, which was posted to Instagram by a user called arut1218, was shared all over social media, with even the PGA Tour sharing the humorous video to their social channels, with the caption: "Not the entertainment we expected at 17."

Previously, The Players Championship has finished on a Monday seven times, with the last time being in 2005. However, not once in its history has the event carried over for an extra 48 hours.

Looking at the weather forecast, it appears to be very likely that we go to a Tuesday finish, with Saturday expected to be the worst of the four days as wind and cold temperatures sweep through the Jacksonville area. It's also set to get colder on Sunday, but at least the storms should have cleared, meaning we may see a full day of uninterrupted golf. 

Signage warns players and fans

Signage reads, "Inclement Weather Approaching" as fans look on during the continuation of the first round of The Players Championship

(Image credit: Getty Images)
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x