Watery grave awaits even the best

It measures just 137 yards. It is the largest green on the course, or so they say. It is surrounded by water, except for a narrow walkway off the back that attaches it to man-made hills where spectators congregate to watch the torture.

It is the 17th hole on the Stadium course at the TPC at Sawgrass, a mischievous piece of work that causes heartache and pain and, occasionally, joy - and, invariably, proves to be the difference between winning and losing the Players' Championship.

In it's short history, the short hole - with a full carry over water to a green that dips severely from back-to-front - has become one of the most famous in golf. So much so, indeed, that on Monday evening last, a group of caddie's met there to fulfil the final wishes of one of their own.

Brad Krosnoff, known as "The Russian," died three weeks ago after a short battle against leukaemia. In his career as a caddie, he carried bags on the US Tour, Seniors Tour and US LPGA Tour numbering John Huston, Tom Purtzer, Danny Edwards and David Ogrin among his masters. His last wish was that he be cremated, and his ashes scattered around the pond at the 17th here at Sawgrass. His wish was granted in a short ceremony Yesterday, as is tradition at this tournament, the caddies had a shot at the island green using a club out of their employer's bag. A bit of fun before the serious business starts. For, make no mistake about it, this little golf hole possesses one of the meanest bites in the game. In the practice days, players tend to find the putting surface with more regularity than when competitive play starts.

The reason for the 17th's ability to bite hard is not just that it is surrounded by water. In this part of the course, the wind has a tendency to swirl. "I've been on that tee and hit as low as a pitching wedge and I've hit as high as a chip five-iron. It is a very interesting hole," insisted Tiger Woods, who sealed his one and only Players' title there in 2001 when holing a raking 60-footer for birdie.

"The 17th is one of the only par threes I've played that I am thinking about 10 holes before I get there," insisted the defending champion Craig Perks. "The thing that amazes me is that you can see some of the most horrendous shots you've ever seen in your life from some of the best players in the world, just because of the intimidation factor. If there was grass where the water is, it would be one of the most nondescript par threes you'd ever see."

Darren Clarke has a very big incentive to have a late tee-time for Sunday's final round - he wants to see the Ireland-England Grand Slam decider on television. Clarke has made arrangements to watch the game on television (it starts at 9.00 a.m. Florida time) locally if his tee-time on Sunday permits.

Clarke played as a number eight and as an open side flanker - "I was a little bit slimmer and a little bit quicker in those days," he said - for the Royal School in Dungannon, but never figured in the Ulster Schools Senior Cup having concentrated on golf by then.