During a practice round at the 2026 Players Championship, Ben Griffin attempted an unconventional line on the par-4 sixth hole. He aimed well left of the fairway, starting his shot over the lake between the sixth and seventh holes before curving it back to the middle of the fairway. The approach highlights ongoing discussions about the hole's controversial tree.
The 2026 Players Championship is underway at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, with 123 players competing in one of the PGA Tour's premier events. Ahead of the tournament, attention has focused on the sixth hole, a par-4 where a tree returned to the front of the tee box last year. This feature requires players to execute lower-trajectory shots to reach the fairway, drawing mixed reviews from the professional field. Despite the criticism, the tree remains in place for this year's edition.
On Monday, during a practice round, three-time PGA Tour winner Ben Griffin shared a distinctive strategy via social media. Griffin aimed his tee shot well left of the intended fairway, with his initial line passing over the lake separating the sixth and seventh holes. He then shaped a towering cut shot that brought the ball back into the middle of the fairway. This bold experiment demonstrates a creative way to navigate the hole's challenges, though Griffin proved it is possible to succeed with precise execution.
Whether Griffin or any other player will employ this line during competitive rounds remains uncertain. The source notes that while the shot worked in practice, any imperfection could lead to significant trouble, potentially resulting in a poor outcome from overreaching. The incident underscores the varied preparations among the field's professionals as they gear up for the tournament.
