Composition of silhouette of male golf player over landscape and blue sky with copy space. sport and competition concept digitally generated image. Copyright: xx 1451962
Composition of silhouette of male golf player over landscape and blue sky with copy space. sport and competition concept digitally generated image. Copyright: xx 1451962
Michael Thorbjornsen lives about 20 minutes from TPC Sawgrass, but the PGA Tour rookie still avoids playing the Stadium Course too often before THE PLAYERS Championship.
Instead, the rookie takes a different approach to preparing for tournaments, especially when it comes to practicing at the Ponte Vedra Beach venue.
Thorbjornsen said he tries not to play the course too often. “Yeah, that is exactly why I don't really get out here too much,” he said, explaining that he tries to avoid getting used to the offseason conditions.
He made this confession at a Saturday news briefing at THE PLAYERS Championship, where he reflected on his turnaround after an opening round that he described as challenging.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 08: Michael Thorbjornsen USA looks over his birdie putt on 2 during the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open on February 8, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 08 PGA, Golf Herren WM Phoenix Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602080114
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 08: Michael Thorbjornsen USA looks over his birdie putt on 2 during the final round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open on February 8, 2026, at TPC Scottsdale, Scottsdale, Arizona. Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire GOLF: FEB 08 PGA, Golf Herren WM Phoenix Open EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2602080114
He makes his home in Jacksonville and has played the Stadium Course only around six times since relocating, even though the PGA Tour headquarters is right off-site.
He said the course is rarely in its tournament condition during the offseason, which can make practice rounds misleading for players preparing for THE PLAYERS Championship.
That approach has also shaped how he prepares away from the Stadium Course during the off-season.
Valley Course Plays Key Role in Preparation
Michael prefers the Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass during the off-season because the greens are "faster and firmer," which helps him prepare for the PGA Tour conditions.
He said fellow player Carl Vilips sometimes lets him know when the course is in good shape before he commits to playing a round.
The strategy is working, as he got through a windy Thursday where he "misclubbed a couple times" and then put himself in a position to win on Sunday.
Thorbjornsen is confident in his mental game and swing, stating that the score did not reflect how well he played early on and that he intends to keep "trying your best."
After an outstanding 67, he is at 10-under par and 3 shots behind Ludvig Åberg and is about to have a tough final round battle.
The final round will show whether Thorbjornsen’s unconventional preparation strategy can help deliver his first major PGA Tour victory at THE PLAYERS Championship.
Trending slideshow: 20 Things Fans May Not Know About the Players Championship
Eknoor Juneja
20 Things Fans May Not Know About the Players ChampionshipTPC Sawgrass stands out for its bold design, where Pete Dye’s tough approach meets a $32 million Mediterranean-inspired course. Most people focus on the drama at the 17th hole, but there’s more to this event than meets the eye. The tournament has evolved from moving locations to becoming a permanent, stadium-style challenge. It feels as important as a major, even if it doesn’t have that official status. To really get what makes this week special, check out these 20 lesser-known facts about the PGA Tour’s biggest event. Richard Dole/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoEven though this is the PGA Tour’s most prestigious stop, it isn’t officially a "signature event." It stands out for its status, but it’s not part of that particular seasonal group because the PGA Tour designates it as its "flagship event," maintaining a traditional full field and cut to preserve its unique identity as the "fifth major" while sitting above the signature tier. Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire/ImagoWhen workers removed soil during construction, they left a huge hole. Alice Dye suggested filling it with water, which turned what could have been an eyesore into the world’s most famous island green. Sometimes, mistakes lead to great results. via Pete Dye Golf TrailJacksonville benefits every year when fans come to TPC Sawgrass. The tournament brings in hundreds of millions of dollars for the local area, providing a major financial boost for Florida. Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire/ImagoFans pack this stadium-style course more than any other. It’s always one of the most-watched live sporting events in the world, with people gathering on the hills to see every exciting moment up close. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire/ImagoThe success of TPC Sawgrass led to a whole series of top courses. Once the "stadium" idea proved popular, the PGA Tour created more Tournament Players Club courses nationwide to offer the same special experience. Debby Wong/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoSwitching the tournament from May to March in 2019 changed its whole feel. This move fits better with the current PGA Tour schedule and brings high-stakes action to the start of spring. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire/ImagoSudden death playoffs are no longer used here. Since 2014, if players are tied, they play a three-hole playoff. This way, the winner is decided by steady performance instead of just one lucky shot. via ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoThousands of golf balls end up in the water at the 17th hole. This one hazard is the most dreaded shot in golf, ruining scores and ending championship hopes in an instant. via Icon Sportswire/ImagoThe lineup is set by a mix of performance-based categories and world rankings, so only the best players compete. With almost every top pro taking part, this tournament’s field is often deeper than the majors, making every Saturday round highly competitive. Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire/ImagoWinners receive a special trophy showing a golfer in mid-swing. Set on a solid base, this prize is the highest honor for anyone who manages to win at the Stadium Course. Clem Murray/Philadelphia Inquirer MCT/Newscom World/ImagoThe first event took place at Atlanta Country Club in 1974, well before the tournament moved to Florida. This beginning started a new tradition that later became the biggest week on the PGA Tour. via Atlanta Country ClubIt took years to find a permanent home, with stops at famous courses like Colonial and Inverrary. These early moves helped shape the tournament before it finally landed at the well-known TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. via TPCThe Stadium Course was built because the Tour wanted a permanent home. It opened in 1982 and was designed specifically to host this championship every March. via TPCPete Dye designed the course so fans could see every shot. He used raised mounds for better views, changing how people watch golf and making it much more exciting. via ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoAt first, many people criticized the island-green 17th hole. Some pros thought it was too flashy or "gimmicky" for serious play, but it soon became the most famous and feared par-3 in golf. @tpcsawgrass/InstagramBecause of its prestige and big prize money, this event earned a legendary nickname. It is not one of the 4 official majors, but many people see it as golf’s real "fifth major." Scott A. Miller/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoThis tournament was the first to offer such high prize money, featuring a massive $25 million purse that remains the richest in the regular season. With one of the biggest payouts in golf, the winner receives a $4.5 million check and a major career boost through elite five-year exemptions. David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire/ImagoJack Nicklaus is still the only player to win this event 3 times. His success in the 1970s set a high standard that even today’s top players struggle to meet. Scott A. Miller/ZUMA Press Wire/ImagoTiger Woods made the tournament’s most famous shot on the 17th green in 2001. His long downhill birdie putt is still often replayed, capturing the excitement and pressure of TPC Sawgrass. Christopher A. Record/Newscom World/ImagoRickie Fowler proved his critics wrong in 2015 with the best finish in tournament history. He played the last 6 holes at 6-under par, showing that bold play at Sawgrass can lead to big wins in playoffs. via Icon Sportswire/Imago
