Justin Lower’s Incredible Par Save on the Iconic 17th Hole at TPC Sawgrass

Justin Lower’s Incredible Par Save on the Iconic 17th Hole at TPC Sawgrass

Golf fans witnessed an exceptional moment during the first round of The Players Championship on Thursday as Justin Lower miraculously made par on the notorious 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. His path to par, however, was anything but conventional.

At 35 years old, Lower hit his tee shot over the famed island green, situated 137 yards away, landing straight into the water.Facing this daunting challenge, he needed an extraordinary shot to salvage par.

Astonishing Recovery from the Drop Area

From the designated drop area, about 80 yards from the pin, Lower executed a remarkable wedge shot. The ball took two significant hops on the green before gradually rolling into the hole. In a stunning twist, Lower achieved this feat without even needing his putter.

The Challenge of the 17th Hole

The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is renowned for its difficulty, a reputation that proved true again this year. Many players encountered the water surrounding the island green, but none recovered as brilliantly as Lower did. His ability to turn a potential disaster into success truly stood out.

Lower’s round began with impressive consistency as he recorded 11 straight pars, showcasing his skill and focus. After a double bogey on the fourth hole, he remained steady and played his way to a respectable score of 1-over through 13 holes.

Standout Performers at The Players Championship

As of the latest updates, Lucas Glover found himself leading the tournament at 4-under par through 10 holes. Lower, however, continued to capture the attention of spectators and analysts alike with his resilience.

Turning professional in 2011, Lower’s journey led him to the PGA Tour a decade later in 2022. The native of Akron, Ohio, has an impressive record, having made 60 out of 102 cuts throughout his career on the tour.

Although he has yet to secure a tournament victory, Lower has come close, finishing as a runner-up once and achieving two third-place finishes. Additionally, he boasts one top 10 finish in the current 2025 PGA Tour season.

Scottie Scheffler Pursuing History

Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler entered The Players Championship with the ambition of claiming his third consecutive victory at this prestigious event. Having won the previous two tournaments, Scheffler aims to make history as the first player to achieve three wins in a row.

Scheffler will tee off on Thursday at 1:29 p.m. ET, alongside fellow competitors Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele, as they all vie for the championship in this highly competitive field.

A Day to Remember

Justin Lower’s phenomenal par save on the treacherous 17th hole not only added a thrilling chapter to his own career but also contributed to the excitement of The Players Championship. As the tournament unfolds, fans eagerly anticipate further outstanding performances from Lower and other top players. Golf enthusiasts are reminded of the unpredictable nature of the sport, where miracles can happen at any moment.