The Most Bizarre Shot on TPC Sawgrass' 17th: Smalley's Ball Dances Before Watery Death
Alex Smalley experienced one of the most unusual and dramatic shots at TPC Sawgrass's iconic 17th hole during the final round of The Players Championship.
Playing the notorious island green with its Sunday pin position - just 13 paces from the front and three from the right edge - Smalley's straight tee shot landed on the firm surface and bounded through the putting surface onto the wooden planks surrounding the green.
What happened next was extraordinary: The ball stopped momentarily against the grass collar before beginning a slow, dramatic roll across three wooden planks. Despite briefly pausing on the second plank, it gained momentum on the third before ultimately falling into the water.
The gallery's collective groan captured the moment's intensity, though Smalley himself remained remarkably composed. He proceeded to take his drop from the designated area, pitched onto the green, and two-putted for a double bogey.
This unusual sequence, captured both in photos and video, showcases one of the most unique interactions between ball and architecture in the hole's storied history, demonstrating why the 17th at TPC Sawgrass remains one of golf's most compelling and unpredictable challenges.
šØš¦š Alex Smalley's golf ball rolled on the edge of the 17th hole for several seconds before coming to rest in the water. pic.twitter.com/EphuH0btaP