Players Championship: Shooting Near Course Delays Entry, Round 3 Underway

The third round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass got underway this morning, albeit with a delayed start, following a fatal shooting near the course the previous evening. The incident prompted heightened security measures and a temporary hold on spectator access.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that two people were killed in the shooting, which occurred around 10:30 PM on Friday night at a Walgreens less than a mile from the golf course. Authorities quickly identified a suspect and initiated a search that briefly involved canine units tracking onto the TPC Sawgrass grounds. As of this writing, the suspect remains at large.

The PGA Tour responded swiftly to the situation, announcing a delay in opening the gates for Saturday’s third round. Originally scheduled to open at 8:00 AM ET, gates did not open until 9:00 AM ET. A statement released by the Tour acknowledged close collaboration with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, specifically praising the coordination with Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his team. On-course hospitality venues were further delayed, opening at 11:00 AM ET.

Despite the disruption, the third round commenced as scheduled at 8:15 AM ET, with Seamus Power leading the field. Notable players including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy were among the early starters, both entering the round at one over par after navigating the challenging conditions of the first two days.

The incident adds an unsettling layer to an already compelling tournament. The Players Championship, renowned for its demanding layout and prestigious field, consistently draws significant attention from golf fans worldwide. The presence of top-ranked players like Scheffler and McIlroy underscores the event’s importance on the PGA Tour schedule. The delayed start and increased security presence are a stark reminder of the broader challenges facing sporting events in ensuring the safety of both participants and spectators.

The focus now shifts back to the competition on the course, but the shadow of Friday night’s events will undoubtedly linger. The tournament organizers and local law enforcement are working to maintain a secure environment, allowing players to concentrate on their performance. The outcome of the championship, while paramount, is now intertwined with the community’s response to a tragic incident.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was also involved in a separate investigation earlier this year, as reported in June 2025. JSO released video footage seeking information about a white mid-sized SUV connected to a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 40-year-old man. Brandon Venegas was fatally struck while walking in the parking lot of a Walgreens on Merrill Road near Townsend Boulevard on May 26th. While unrelated to the events at TPC Sawgrass, this case highlights the ongoing law enforcement efforts in the region.

Further afield, the broader Jacksonville area has been experiencing a surge in sporting activity, projected to generate nearly $55 million in economic impact and boost tourism. This positive economic trend contrasts sharply with the somber news surrounding The Players Championship. The Nocatee community recently rallied around a resident who sustained a brain injury in a golf cart accident, demonstrating the strong community spirit prevalent in the region.

In March 2019, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office helicopter made an emergency landing on the 17th fairway of the Dye’s Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass, a separate incident that temporarily disrupted play. While the circumstances differed significantly from the recent shooting, it underscores the potential for unforeseen events to impact the tournament.

The PGA Tour’s statement emphasized its commitment to working with local authorities to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the tournament. The delayed opening of the gates and the adjusted hospitality schedule were implemented as precautionary measures, prioritizing the well-being of players, caddies, staff and fans. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex logistical and security considerations involved in hosting large-scale sporting events.

As the third round progresses, all eyes will be on the leaderboard, but the events of the past 24 hours have added a layer of gravity to the competition. The Players Championship is not just a test of golfing skill; It’s also a reflection of the community’s resilience and its ability to reach together in the face of adversity.