Day 2: Tour and dinner at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse
A buffet dinner was set up in a private room in the clubhouse but before we sat down to that we were treated to a tour of the clubhouse itself by one of a number of very knowledgeable people who volunteer their time to show people around.
The picture on the bottom left is one of Phil Mickelson taking a selfie with three former presidents. I can't imagine the current incumbent ever doing this but maybe I'll be proved wrong?
We spent about 40 minutes learning about the history of the place which involved some interesting stories and some fascinating insight into the mind of Dean Beman who was the PGA Tour Commissioner who had the brainwave to build the course when he failed to purchase a suitable alternative course. Although it's hard to believe now, it was thought to be extremely unlikely that any marsh land in that area could be turned into the spectacular venue we have today. The story goes that the owners sold the land to Beman for $1 which at first glance seems very generous but the developer (and Beman) knew that if the marsh was drained then their other land around the site would be suitable for properties and other developments and would appreciate enormously. And so a plan took shape. Oh and we saw the place-mat on which the 17th was designed in a restaurant and again heard the tale of Pete Dye's wife Alice who had the idea of making it an island green.
We were then led down into the depths of the clubhouse and given a private tour through the caddie's quarters and where the players prepare and get away from the media and fans.
The buffet was great and a bar had been set up offering premium drinks. We tried a bourbon but both decided we'd prefer to stick to single malt in future. In the corner was guy hand making cigars. I don't smoke but gave a couple to friends back home.
The guy making the cigars is top left.
It was a beautiful evening outside. We headed back to the Marriott for a well earned rest (after stopping off for a night cap in the bar with a few others including our hosts from Chase, British Airways and Avios).
