Why 17 at Sawgrass Is So Notorious

It is the most famous golf hole in America, and if not for another famous 17th, the Road Hole at St. Andrews, it would be the top hole in the world. It's the island green at TPC Sawgrass, and with The Players Championship coming up this weekend, it's in full view.

The thing is, any golfer's opinion of the 17th is displayed firmly on their sleeve. They either love the hole or want to blow it up, but why such black-or-white thoughts? Well, there are a few reasons.

First, the hole could be considered gimmicky. Unlike the Poster Stamp at Troon, which plays a similarly short yardage (relatively speaking), the green on the 17th at Sawgrass is compact and requires a rather controlled short iron to give yourself a birdie putt. The 17th, as Damon Hack recently commented, has a green "the size of the Millennium Falcon." Without the water taunting you, I'd say less than five percent of the field would miss that green all week.

The other problem is the recent winds that have blown up during tournament week. It is one thing to have a 9-iron or wedge into an island green on a calm day, but playing with a crosswind or one in your face isn't going to make it any easier to find the putting surface. A golfer's mind isn't used to putting a shot out over water in hopes that it will be blown back into play. If you think the hole is hard normally, try playing it with any breeze.

Even if you hate the hole, you can't discard the fact that it has created some incredible drama. From the Fred Couples hole-in-three in 1999 to Tiger Woods' incredible putt in '01 to the playoff loss last season by Paul Goydos. Thanks to PGA Tour video, we actually have some of the better moments from the 17th hole below. Enjoy.