The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is one of the most photographed and controversial holes in golf. It is a factor in deciding the winner of the Players Championship every year.

When players tee off to begin their round on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, No. 17 is always in the back of their mind. The short par-3 is lurking at the end of their round to drown their golf ball and wreck their scorecard.

It only plays to 137 yards, a wedge or soft 9-iron at most, for professionals but strikes fear into the hearts of golfers everywhere.

Millions of golf fans anticipate the best players in the world dunking their golf ball into the water surrounding No. 17 every year. Amateur golfers feel a kinship with exasperated professionals and completely emphasize with their frustration.

Over 50 balls were hit into the lake at No. 17 during one round in the 2007 Players Championship.

Tiger Woods made his famous 60-foot, triple breaking putt in the last round to win the 2001 Players Championship. While the putt was traversing the green, announcer Gary Koch uttered the famous line, “Better than most.”

In a playoff for the 2008 Players Championship, Paul Goydos dunked his tee shot at No. 17. Sergio Garcia found the green and claimed the title.

When amateur golfers play No. 17 they hit more than a single shot and it is estimated that over 100,000 golf balls are dredged from the lake annually.

Some golf fans argue that No. 17 is too much of an aberration and should not be the next to last hole at a tournament as important as the Players.

Love it or hate it the island green on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass offers plenty of excitement and never fails to deliver drama to the tournament.

Pete and Alice Dye created a golf hole that captures golf fans’ imagination and strikes fear into the hearts of every golfer.

The eventual winner of the Players Championship must finish the examination and find the green at No. 17.