TPC Sawgrass $600

[Rob Marshall]

If had a thousand dollars left to spend on golf for the next 6 months, I wonder if I'd choose to play only twice, but on 2 great/expensive/famous courses (say, Pebble and Pacific); or play 10 times, on 10 different but merely 'good' $100 courses; or if I'd choose instead to play 20 times, but on an only-decent home course I'm already very familiar with? I think I'd probably pick the middle one. I definitely wouldn't play Sawgrass if I had to make $1000 last me for 6 months of golf, or even 3 months for that matter.

Sounds like a man who did not just have to write a $5000 check for annual dues to a club that won't be open for another four months, and which I'll be lucky if I play ten times this year.


There is no point in questioning people's financial decisions about where to play golf and what to pay for it.  For many, it's entirely irrational, and the business could not exist if it were any other way!

Don’t think I’ve read truer words about golf than your last paragraph.

[Daryl David]

There is no point in questioning people's financial decisions about where to play golf and what to pay for it.  For many, it's entirely irrational, and the business could not exist if it were any other way!

Mic drop! That is the truth. Enough said about golf and cost.

[Peter Pallotta]

Tom, Daryl -
you're both right, and it's true, and I was implying that in my post, i.e. that the question of whether Sawgrass is 'worth' $600 -- or the 'rationality' of Tom D seeing 'value' in his membership at Crystal Downs, given the yearly dues, or the lowly 'practicality' of choosing to play an inferior course 20 times instead of a great one twice -- is totally besides the point.

The point is that our 'calculations' (rationale or otherwise, or some combination of both) are precisely that: ours, i.e. subjective and personal. Those calculations don't, necessarily, have anything at all to do with 'architecture' or 'quality' or even 'value for the money' -- or they might have everything to do with them, as much as loneliness or pride or physical well-being have to do with them, or just a little to do with them, or a lot to do with them this year but not next etc.

[Sean_A]

Tom, Daryl -
you're both right, and it's true, and I was implying that in my post, i.e. that the question of whether Sawgrass is 'worth' $600 -- or whether Tom D sees 'value' is his membership at Crystal Downs, given the yearly dues -- is totally besides the point.

The point is that our 'calculations' (rationale or otherwise, or some combination of both) are precisely that: ours, i.e. subjective and personal. Those calculations don't, necessarily, have anything at all to do with 'architecture' or 'quality' or even 'value for the money' -- or they might have everything to do with them, or just a little to do with them, or a lot to do with them this year but not next etc.

Maybe yer right, but Rick asked people for their opinions. Just sayin dude.

Ciao

[Peter Pallotta]

Yup, Sean -- and so that's mine, ie that our choices may have very little to do with the quality of the course. Obvious, I know, but perhaps as worth sharing (or not) as any other opinion so far.

[Sean_A]

Yup, Sean -- and so that's mine, ie that our choices may have very little to do with the quality of the course. Obvious, I know, but perhaps as worth sharing (or not) as any other opinion so far.

Rick was also soliciting opinions of those who played course. It's not a bad question. I am sure Rick understands the baggage issues.

Ciao

[Steve_Lovett]

Maybe another way to ask the question is, are there many holes that you would gladly pay $33 to play. 1-no, 2-no,3-no,4-yes,5-no, 6-no, 7-maybe, 8 is a good hole but a part three. 9-yes,10-no,11-yes, 12-yes,13-no, 14-no, 15-no, 16-18-yes.

5, 7, 8, 13, and 14 would all be yes for me - FWIW

[Tim Martin]

Yup, Sean -- and so that's mine, ie that our choices may have very little to do with the quality of the course. Obvious, I know, but perhaps as worth sharing (or not) as any other opinion so far.

Rick was also soliciting opinions of those who played course. It's not a bad question. I am sure Rick understands the baggage ussues.

Ciao

Rick’s original post clearly stated in the last sentence “is it worth it to those that have played it” yet many that haven’t opined anyway. Are those replies of any use to Rick in the context of his question?

[Sean_A]

Yup, Sean -- and so that's mine, ie that our choices may have very little to do with the quality of the course. Obvious, I know, but perhaps as worth sharing (or not) as any other opinion so far.

Rick was also soliciting opinions of those who played course. It's not a bad question. I am sure Rick understands the baggage ussues.

Ciao

Rick’s original post clearly stated in the last sentence “is it worth it to those that have played it” yet many that haven’t opined anyway. Are those replies of any use to Rick in the context of his question?

You are asking the wrong person.

Ciao

[Peter Pallotta]

Threads evolve all the time. After 18 replies to Rick's question and the thread treading water with no sign of substantive posts to come, I thought there was no harm in shifting the focus a little and suggesting a point that Tom later picked up on. Ironically, you both did exactly the same thing with your few posts -- but to even less purpose, utility or interest, IMO.

[Sean_A]

Threads evolve all the time. After 18 replies to Rick's question and the thread treading water with no sign of substantive posts to come, I thought there was no harm in shifting the focus a little and suggesting a point that Tom later picked up on. Ironically, you both did exactly the same thing with your few posts -- but to even less purpose, utility or interest, IMO.

Not at all. I offered no opinion other than Rick's isn't a bad question. You and Tom seemed to suggest it's poor question. I read the thread hoping for interesting responses because I just had a conversation about the course in question with a mate who played it for the first time.

Ciao

[Tim Martin]

Threads evolve all the time. After 18 replies to Rick's question and the thread treading water with no sign of substantive posts to come, I thought there was no harm in shifting the focus a little and suggesting a point that Tom later picked up on. Ironically, you both did exactly the same thing with your few posts -- but to even less purpose, utility or interest, IMO.

I’ve been to the course and spent a full day walking the holes during the Players Championship. The request made specific reference as to the opinions of those who have played the course. In an effort to adhere to the spirit of the thread I didn’t offer any opinion as to the value of the greens fee. I haven’t learned anything from anyone who hasn’t met that that requirement as it pertains to the question although I have enjoyed and attach different degrees of value to the responses from those that have played TPC Sawgrass.

[Kalen Braley]

I don't really understand the blowback on this one.

Everyone on this site has payed top dollar to play and see all kinds of top notch golf all over god's green earth.  I don't think its too much of a stretch for others to chime in on the perceived value proposition, even if they haven't played it.  We already make these judgements with other courses we consider playing.  There are courses I wouldn't pay $10 to play, and others where I would drop $600 in a hot second ...and the latter would probably be the better value proposition with the courses that come to mind. 

[Lov Goel]

Maybe a different way to answer this is, would you rather use $600 in golf expense for something else.


My personal answer to this is yes.  I'd rather use $600 for an overpriced tee time at Pebble, a dukes membership and 2 rounds at spyglass, or what I'm guessing is the tab for 3 beers and chicken wings (adjusting for inflation) at the tap room.


I was very fortunate to play Sawgrass using vouchers from a Charles Schwab promotion several years back.  My buddy and I went and had an excellent experience with the group/friends we met there to play with, but the course was unremarkable and in frankly terrible condition.

[Tom_Doak]

Threads evolve all the time. After 18 replies to Rick's question and the thread treading water with no sign of substantive posts to come, I thought there was no harm in shifting the focus a little and suggesting a point that Tom later picked up on. Ironically, you both did exactly the same thing with your few posts -- but to even less purpose, utility or interest, IMO.

Not at all. I offered no opinion other than Rick's isn't a bad question. You and Tom seemed to suggest it's poor question. I read the thread hoping for interesting responses because I just had a conversation about the course in question with a mate who played it for the first time.

Ciao

Actually, my response was to Peter and not to Rick.  I didn't think Peter's ideas about budget were necessarily on point for Rick, and that is always the problem.  For one thing, Rick might not have time to play ten rounds on less expensive courses, so he wants to know whether it makes more sense to pay up for the best course, or save his money for his next trip.


That's kinda what the numbers in The Confidential Guide are for . . . they are RELATIVE ratings, but it's up to you to decide how much more you'd be willing to pay to play an 8 versus two 6's.  There's no way I can make that call for you.  Many, many golfers are happy with a 3 and don't want to pay more for high-falutin' architectural snobbery.


As to the OP, when the TPC at Sawgrass opened in 1981, I had been pen pals with Deane Beman for a while, and he suggested I join as a national member, which didn't provide free green fees but significantly reduced them.  [There was no attached resort at the beginning.]  It was $100 to join, and IIRC, the green fee for the first year or two was $75.  So, it would be hard for me to pay $600 now.

[Mike Hendren]

Sure $600 is a little steep, until I remember the Jimmy Buffett lyric:  "They're freezing up in Buffalo still stuck in their cars while I'm lying  near 'neath the moon and the stars."  The cure for cabin fever infecting our friends from the north sporting black socks and sandals ain't cheap.  Even the alligator farms charge higher entrance fees in the winter. 


That said, I think it is a fantastic golf course and must-play for any serious student of golf course architecture.  While the 3rd is relatively pedestrian, the other three one-shotters are stronger than new rope.  The par fives are very strategic and Dye repeatedly offers angles notwithstanding fairways that are not abundantly wide.  In addition to the 3rd the two shot sixth is the only other hole I would consider average.  Highlights for me include the artistic shaping, particularly around some of the greens as well as the way Dye offset/jogged the fairways at 1, 2, 9, 11 and 14.  The final three holes loom from the car park and I remain proud of negotiating them in one over par. 


I cannot speak for others' application of discretionary income, but this golf course is easily a one-of-a-kind 8 in Bogey's Book.


Mike

[Mark Smolens]

I was a non-resident member at TPC for about 4 years back in the '90s. A lawyer in my office had a house on the beach in Ponte Vedra. It was a great spring trip to shake off the silly winter weather we tolerate here in Chicago. A non-resident member bringing three paying guests played free, so we basically got a free tee time for the group, and the membership paid for itself in two rounds at the Stadium Course. None of the guys in the group I was with had handicaps below 20, but from the correct tees the course was playable, and great fun.


$600 is certainly a lot for a single round of golf, but if you've never been there, it's definitely worth a play imo.

[Matt MacIver]

Aside from having all the $ you can ever need, and “relative value”: what other public courses are asking $600/round. I don’t think any but Pebble could come close. And they both great and yards apart.

[Eric Smith]

The Wynn is now $600 and Shadow Creek is a grand in peak season.


https://golf.com/travel/wynn-golf-club-rates-costs-play-bryson-brooks-match/


https://www.golfdigest.com/story/shadow-creek-green-fees-

[Steve_Lovett]

I checked yesterday and the Kiawah Ocean Course is $500. If TPC Sawgrass is $600 the Ocean Course would seem a real bargain.

[John Foley]

This weeks unplanned expenses so far, and remember it's only Wednesday!


$4500 for a new transmission in my wife's car (which she was supposed to replace last fall but decided it get one last winter out of it!!)
$800-1000 for the new motor and capacitor for the furnace that failed yesterday. Still in process to source the parts and estimate labor so it may go up.


I think Sawgrass is a DEAL!! As bogey says it's a one of a kind 8!!


BTW - played Kiawah last Feb (last week before the rates went up) and it was $250 on a cloudless very slight breeze 72 degree day. Well worth the investment.

[Rick Sides]

Cascata is up to $ 599

[Jeff Schley]

Cascata is up to $ 599

Yeah but the replay rate is a steal!
$199 per person plus the forecaddie gratuity. Standby basis only. Based on availability. Prevailing rate applies to all replays booked in advance.

[Rick Sides]

😆

[Richard Hetzel]

I checked yesterday and the Kiawah Ocean Course is $500. If TPC Sawgrass is $600 the Ocean Course would seem a real bargain.

I was thinking The Ocean Course was a bit steep at $500, but not now. I'd choose Kiawah and add in the Charleston Muni, and maybe have enough left over for a beer after a round. TPC Sawgrass is on my list, but there are many other courses I am interested in playing first. I guess if I wasn't spending so much of my disposable income on myriad sports cars, $600 "might" work for a round on TPC Sawgrass.