Players 2026: Fatal shooting delays fan entry to TPC Sawgrass

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — Fan entrance to the Players Championship on Saturday morning was delayed due to a fatal shooting outside TPC Sawgrass.

The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office reported a man shot and killed two people in a Walgreens parking lot near the tournament venue at 10:30 p.m. Friday. The suspect then fled onto TPC Sawgrass property, where he encountered and spoke with PGA Tour employees and volunteers and at one point picked up a tour radio.

Sheriff Rob Hardwick said the suspect committed an additional burglary and auto theft while evading police, eventually heading north of town. The stolen vehicle was later found in Nassau County after a pursuit, and he was arrested Saturday morning.

Though no one was hurt on tournament grounds, the PGA Tour delayed gate openings Saturday morning as it assessed the situation.

"Due to operational considerations, gates for today's third round will now open at 9 a.m.," the tour said in a statement. "We have worked closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and appreciate the coordination and partnership from Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his team."

Hospitality tents were delayed until 11 a.m., but tee times for the third round are proceeding as scheduled.