Surviving Sawgrass - How the Amateur Scores on One of Golf's Toughest Course

The early morning sun peeks through the towering pines, casting golden hues over the pristine fairways of TPC Sawgrass. The dew still clings to the rough, and a gentle breeze ripples across the water hazards that lurk around nearly every corner. You step up to the first tee, heart pounding slightly faster than usual, knowing you’re about to take on one of the most iconic and challenging courses in golf. The pros make it look tough, but just how difficult is Pete Dye’s masterpiece for the everyday golfer?

Using Arccos data from 5 to 15 handicaps, we can get a glimpse into just how challenging this course is. Let’s just say there are some double bogeys (and likely a few lost golf balls) in the mix.

Several holes at Sawgrass prove to be absolute scorecard wreckers for amateurs. The biggest culprits? Holes 5, 7, 14, and 18, all of which see average scores of 1.21 strokes or more over par. That means a lot of 6s on par 4s and some bruised egos leaving those tee boxes.

Hole 18, in particular, is notorious. The closing hole, with its intimidating tee shot and water lurking down the left, is a tough one for amateurs who may or may not have already lost a few balls earlier in the round. With an average amateur score of 5.22 (+1.22 over par), it stands as one of the hardest finishers in golf.

If you think that par 5s usually offer up easy birdie looks, think again. Amateurs average close to 1 stroke over par on each of them at Sawgrass. That means instead of walking off with a routine par or the occasional birdie, many are grinding just to save bogey. It could be a mix of length, tricky green complexes, and, of course, a splash of water hazards to keep things interesting. But remember bogey isn’t that bad!

As Arccos’ data analyst Lou Stagner often notes, minimizing penalty shots is a key to turning a frustrating day into something better. Keep the ball in play off the tee and avoiding trouble on the approach is essential. Many amateurs try to be heroes, attempting to reach in two or squeezing a shot into a tight landing zone. But the ones who keep their scores in check? They play for position, avoid costly mistakes, and give themselves a chance to walk away with par (or better). They are playing SMART!

Now for the famous 17th: Are These Scores for Real?

Arguably the most famous hole in golf, the island green 17th is pure drama—whether you’re a tour pro or a weekend warrior. According to the data, amateurs average 3.78 strokes (+0.78 over par) here. But let’s be real—do we really believe that number?

Anyone who’s played Sawgrass probably knows the reality: standing on the tee at 17 is terrifying. The green looks tiny, the wind is swirling, and there’s nothing but water waiting to claim any slightly mis-hit shot. Yet, somehow, the data suggests amateurs are only just under a bogey on average? It’s hard not to suspect that an extra mulligan (or two)—especially when the caddies are around—might be “helping” this stat…(We won’t judge—we’d probably do the same.)

TPC Sawgrass is a Beast. If you’re an amateur looking to take on TPC Sawgrass, be ready for a battle. Between the demanding par 4s, deceptive par 5s, and the heart-pounding island green, it’s a course that will test every part of your game—and likely, your mental toughness too.

So, if you ever get the chance to tee it up at TPC Sawgrass, go in with a strategy: Keep the ball in play, manage expectations, and maybe…allow yourself a second swing on 17. You won’t be the first one to do it.