In the world of golf, few events command as much reverence as the PLAYERS Championship. The esteemed tournament has been aptly described by Xander Schauffele as “the best field in golf. Period.” And this year, the championship, held on the notoriously challenging TPC Sawgrass course, provided a spectacle that has left fans and fellow golfers alike buzzing with excitement.
One golfer in particular grabbed the spotlight. Justin Lower, a rising star in the golfing world, achieved a feat at the iconic par-3 17th hole that has been seen only once in the event’s 26-year history. Not since Fred Couples accomplished it in 1999 has such a shot been made, and the fans erupted in a frenzy as the news spread.
Lower, who already has a hole-in-one to his credit from the AT&T Byron Nelson Tournament in 2022, was eager to demonstrate his prowess on the notoriously tricky 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. Known for its water hazards, the hole has a scoring average of 3.077 and has only witnessed one eagle in its history. Lower, however, was undeterred.
Despite his first shot ending up in the water, Lower remained calm. Penalised and left with just one stroke to maintain his par streak, the golfer stood 89 yards away in the drop zone. His next shot was nothing short of spectacular – a perfect hit that traced a straight line to the hole and rolled in smoothly. His result? Zero putts, one water ball, and two swings.
The incredible feat, reminiscent of Fred Couples’ 1999 shot, was celebrated widely by fans. The official PGA Tour account tweeted, “@JustinLower_1. Zero putts. One water ball. Two swings. Three. Take a bow (and a breath).”
Lower’s achievement made waves within the fan community, sparking a flood of adulation. One fan lauded him, saying, “Wow – what a comeback…drive in water then come back to stick it!! Nice!!.” Another chimed in with a tongue-in-cheek comment: “Par the easy way.”
This accomplishment puts Lower in a league of his own. It’s a testament to his precision and consistency, especially given the daunting statistics surrounding the 17th hole. Since 2003, professionals have hit more than 920 balls into the water hazard, while amateurs have racked up an eye-watering number of 120,000.
Lower’s consistent performance, which earlier saw him placed T3 at the American Express, has kept his par streak alive, despite the initial water hazard. He currently stands at T34, but with his recent display of skill, many are wondering if Lower could clinch his first PGA Tour win.
His par save at the 17th hole has certainly cemented his position as a golfer to watch in the remaining rounds of the championship. Will this serve as a springboard to his first PGA Tour victory? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, fans and observers are eagerly awaiting the outcome, their interest piqued by this exceptional golfer’s rare achievement.
