Tragic Incident Near TPC Sawgrass Leads to Delayed Entry for The Players’ Third Round

A fatal shooting that occurred on Friday evening near TPC Sawgrass, the venue for The Players Championship, resulted in a delayed opening of the gates for spectators on Saturday morning. The incident, which took place at a Walgreens less than a mile from the golf course around 10:30 PM on Friday, claimed the lives of two individuals.

Authorities quickly identified a suspect, who was known to law enforcement and had prior contact with TPC Sawgrass employees. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot, stole a vehicle, and was eventually apprehended in Nassau County on Saturday morning at approximately 8 AM ET, following a police pursuit.

St. Johns County Sheriff Robert Hardwick stated that deputies responded to multiple calls reporting shots fired in the Walgreens parking lot. Upon arrival, they found two victims who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and later succumbed to their injuries. The Sheriff indicated that the suspect was involved in a domestic violence situation at the parking lot prior to the shooting. It was also noted that the suspect had brief contact with TPC Sawgrass employees and picked up a PGA Tour radio, which was later dropped and used by canine units for tracking.  “Last night at approximately 10.30pm at 860 A1A, which is the Walgreens…we received multiple calls in reference to shots fired in the parking lot of the Walgreens.

“Our deputy sheriffs arrived on scene. Two individuals were shot multiple times, both of those individuals were transported [to hospital] and have succumbed to their injuries.

“At that time we were given information in reference to a possible suspect, known through a domestic violence situation that went on in that parking lot.”

He added: “We know he made contact with some employees in there [TPC Sawgrass]. He picked up – we believe it was a radio that belonged to the PGA Tour, not one of our radios and we know he dropped it after that. Our canines used it as a scent when they came in there.”

Despite the unfortunate events, the third round of The Players Championship commenced as scheduled at 8:15 AM ET. However, the PGA Tour announced that spectator gates would open later than usual, at 9 AM ET, due to “operational considerations” and in close coordination with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Tee times remained as planned, and on-course hospitality venues were set to open at 11 AM ET.

This situation highlights the significant impact that off-course events can have on major sporting tournaments, emphasizing the close collaboration between law enforcement and event organizers to ensure safety and manage the situation effectively.