TPC Sawgrass is a truly unique golf facility, consistently ranking among the best in the world. Nestled in picturesque Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, this course is renowned for its challenging layout, breathtaking scenery and rich golf history.
The highlight of TPC Sawgrass is undeniably the famous 17th hole, known as the "Island Green," which presents a nerve-wracking and thrilling challenge for golfers of all skill levels. The course's meticulously manicured fairways, strategic bunkering and pristine water features add to the allure of this must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
Aside from the world-class course, TPC Sawgrass offers top-notch amenities and hospitality, ensuring that visitors have an unforgettable experience both on and off the course. The expansive clubhouse, with its state-of-the-art locker rooms, pro shop and exceptional dining options, and the luxurious accommodations at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa make it a truly world-class destination for golfers and visitors alike.
In addition to hosting the prestigious PLAYERS Championship, TPC Sawgrass is a testament to excellence in golf course design and management. Its almost automatic inclusion in discussions about the world's best golf facilities is well-deserved.
We recently caught up with PGA Assistant General Manager and Director of Golf Matt Borocz to chat about an aspect of the facility not always highlighted when talking about TPC Sawgrass - youth player development. Although this One Great Idea isn’t as unique as some of the others we’ve highlighted here, the importance of all facilities, regardless of stature, promoting youth player development is vital to the future of the game.
"Over the past five years, TPC Sawgrass has made a significant commitment to youth player development,” Borocz explains. “With the dedicated support of our PGM Interns and PGA of America Assistant Professionals, we've more than tripled the size of the PGA Jr. League program and are now in the fourth year of Operation 36, with more than 90 students being enrolled annually. I've had the privilege of mentoring our Assistant Golf Professionals who lead the coaching of these programs."
For most of his life, Borocz has been significantly influenced by PGA of America Golf Professionals and mentors in the industry. Those interactions played a significant role in preparing him for a career in golf.
"I have been fortunate to have several PGA of America Golf Professional mentors throughout my life,” he says. “At the age of eleven, the local PGA of America Golf Professional, Steve Brzytwa at Pine Hills Golf Club, in Hinkley, Ohio, offered me an opportunity to pick the practice range in exchange for access to the golf course. From then on, my passion for the game and business continued growing. From my time as a junior golfer and PGM student at Coastal Carolina University to my professional career with TPC Myrtle Beach and TPC Sawgrass, I have had mentors who instilled belief and encouragement in me. I love being around the game and the opportunity to be with great people."
Matt has always remembered the positive experiences he had with PGA of America Golf Professionals when he was young and growing up playing the game. Those memories have guided him into his professional life, especially when it comes to passing on what he was given as a kid to today's young generation of golfers.
The expanded player development programs at TPC Sawgrass have not only enhanced the youth offerings at the esteemed facility but have also provided valuable coaching and teaching experience for interns and assistants and increased income for them, as well.
"These programs are impacting our interns and assistants by giving them autonomy to plan, execute and build relationships,” Borocz shares. “Additionally, we are sending juniors who aspire for more personalization to our Performance Center PGA Professionals for the next level of fitness and instruction."
A club like TPC Sawgrass could easily rest on its reputation and elevated status in the world of golf. To do that, however, at least in the eyes of Matt Borocz, would be doing a disservice to his facility, his role as a PGA of America Golf Professional and the next generation of golfers.
"One of our greatest gifts as PGA of America Golf Professionals is the opportunity to coach new golfers and help better players improve,” he boasts proudly. “The juniors who participate look up to the coaches, and in turn, the coaches are learning how to be role models and impact the lives of others. Our goal through expanding our youth player development reach is to create golfers for life by having fun and showing them that golf is cool."
