Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way: Capturing TPC Sawgrass
Visiting TPC Sawgrass wasn’t exactly on my itinerary—it was more of a hopeful possibility. I was there assisting an old friend and his company as they filmed a corporate conference at the resort, but as a golf enthusiast and photographer, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see one of the most iconic courses in the world. I wasn’t sure if I’d get to play, but I knew I’d at least try to capture its beauty.
The Challenge of Time and Access
Since this was primarily a work trip, I hadn’t packed my clubs, but I had packed my drone and camera just in case. I glanced at our schedule, trying to find a window where I could sneak away to explore the course, but it was tight. On top of that, an APGA event was scheduled on the days we had free time, limiting my chances even more. And when the event wrapped up, the weather had other plans—it rained all day.
Even though playing wasn’t in the cards, I was determined to see the course up close. I set my sights on getting a view of the legendary 17th island green, even if it was just through my lens.
A Game of Strategy and Perseverance
The biggest challenge of photographing TPC Sawgrass wasn’t just getting access—it was a balancing act between weather, scheduling, and technical difficulties. On the first day, we had a two-hour break, so I rushed back to the hotel to grab my drone. The weather was perfect, and I found a spot in the parking lot to take off.
As I ascended, everything seemed fine until I got a dreaded RC signal interference warning. In an unfamiliar area—especially over a prestigious course like Sawgrass—my heart raced. The last thing I wanted was to lose my drone or cause any issues. After assessing the risk, I decided to keep it close and not push toward the 17th just yet. Later, I checked Google Earth to find a better launch spot closer to my target.
The second attempt never even got off the ground. Rain was in the forecast, so I left my drone in the hotel. But, as luck would have it, when our break rolled around, the skies were clear. I didn’t have time to run back and grab it, so I used the opportunity to scout a new takeoff location. That’s when I discovered the villas at the back of the resort, which were significantly closer to 17 than my previous spot.
The Final Shot
Finally, on the last day, everything aligned. The weather was perfect, and I had my plan in place. I made my way to the villas and launched my drone, capturing wide aerial shots as I navigated over the course. I was able to get great footage of holes 12, 13, 14, and 15, but my focus was locked on 17.
As I approached, my controller displayed another RC signal interference warning. This time, it wasn’t the buildings causing the issue—the drone was simply reaching its limit. I hesitated, but my video transmission was still stable, so I inched closer. I framed the shot I wanted: the tee box, the water, the green, and the clubhouse in the background. I was ready to make a slow orbit around the island green when my signal started distorting.
The last thing I wanted was to turn this story into “How I Lost My Drone at TPC Sawgrass.” So I abandoned the move, let the drone hover, and watched my signal stabilize. Then, instead of flying away from myself, I reversed my approach, working my way back while capturing the island green from a different angle. I didn’t quite get the exact shot I envisioned, but I was more than happy with what I captured.
More Than a Photograph
Back at the ballroom, I plugged in my drone with 15 minutes to spare before the event doors opened. I quickly skimmed through the footage and sent a couple of shots to my father-in-law, who shares my love for golf. That was about all I had time for that day, but I knew I had something special.
I would have loved to play the course, grab a scorecard, a flag from the pro shop, or even a cool head cover. But more than any souvenir, I’m excited to frame these images and hang them on my wall. They represent more than just a trip to TPC Sawgrass; they’re a reminder of my passion for both golf and photography.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Whether it’s getting out on the course in any weather or capturing the perfect shot despite obstacles, I always find a way to make it happen. Maybe next time I visit, I’ll have my clubs in hand—and a whole new set of memories to create.
