Caddie Aces the Iconic 17th at TPC Sawgrass, Stealing the Show Before The Players

Jonathan "JJ" Jakovac, the caddie for world No. 4 golfer Collin Morikawa, experienced a Wednesday he’ll never forget at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. While Jakovac is accustomed to witnessing Morikawa’s dazzling shots and navigating the greens for one of golf’s top players, this time, the spotlight shone squarely on him.

Jakovac’s moment of glory arrived at the famed par-3 17th hole, also known as the Island Green. This iconic hole is a test of nerve and precision, challenging even the most seasoned professionals with its deceptively short yardage and water-surrounded green.

During the annual Caddie Contest, a tradition held the Wednesday before The Players Championship for the past 25 years, Jakovac seized the opportunity to tee off. This contest allows caddies a chance to test their skills and experience the pressure of playing one of golf’s most recognizable holes.

With a swing that belied the high stakes, Jakovac launched his ball toward the green. The shot looked promising from the start, holding a line that suggested something special might be about to unfold. As the ball landed on the green’s downslope, a moment of anticipation filled the air. Then, the ball began to roll, slowly but surely, tracing a path towards the hole.

In an instant, the gallery erupted as the ball disappeared into the cup. Jakovac had achieved the unthinkable: a hole-in-one on the 17th at TPC Sawgrass. According to reports from the Florida-Times Union, he became the first caddie in the contest’s history to accomplish this remarkable feat.

Jakovac himself recounted the moments after his shot, describing the subtle calculations he made as the ball soared through the air. "It had to ride the wind to get there," he explained to Golfweek. "Right as it came off, I was like, ‘That’s a perfect line if it lands the right distance.’ It started spinning, and I was like, ‘This has a heckuva chance.’"

The excitement surrounding Jakovac’s ace was palpable, with fellow players like Min Woo Lee, Isaiah Salinda, and Jason Day joining in the celebration. Even Morikawa, accustomed to his own moments of brilliance on the course, acknowledged the unique significance of Jakovac’s achievement.

"Any hole-in-one is special," Morikawa said. "A hole-in-one on 17 against every other caddie…"

Jakovac’s journey to this remarkable moment is steeped in golfing experience. Before becoming a caddie, he distinguished himself as a talented golfer, earning national player of the year honors twice while competing for Chico State. This background undoubtedly contributed to his poise and skill on the tee at the 17th.

The rewards for Jakovac’s ace extended beyond the immediate thrill of the moment. In addition to an undisclosed pot of money, he received a $10,000 sponsor award. He also earned VIP parking access for the duration of The Players Championship, a perk that undoubtedly made navigating the busy tournament grounds considerably easier.

This story serves as a reminder that golf is a game of surprises and that moments of brilliance can come from unexpected sources. For Jakovac, a normally behind-the-scenes figure, the Caddie Contest provided an opportunity to step into the spotlight and create a memory that will last a lifetime.

The 17th at TPC Sawgrass is known for its drama and the pressure it places on golfers. It has been the site of both triumph and heartbreak for some of the biggest names in the sport. Now, Jakovac’s name will forever be linked with this iconic hole, not as a caddie guiding his player, but as the man who conquered it with a single, unforgettable swing.

While The Players Championship is ultimately about the competition between the world’s best golfers, Jakovac’s ace added a layer of intrigue and feel-good narrative to the tournament. It demonstrated the camaraderie within the golfing community and the unique traditions that make the sport so captivating.

Jakovac’s story also provides a glimpse into the demanding yet rewarding life of a caddie. These individuals play a vital role in a golfer’s success, offering course management advice, club selection guidance, and unwavering support throughout grueling tournaments. Jakovac’s ace was a testament to his skill and his deep understanding of the game.

In a sport often defined by individual performances, Jakovac’s moment highlighted the importance of teamwork and the bonds that form between players and their caddies. It was a reminder that success on the golf course is often the result of a collaborative effort.

As The Players Championship unfolds, Jakovac will return to his role as Morikawa’s caddie, offering his expertise and support as they navigate the challenges of the tournament. However, his moment of glory on the 17th will undoubtedly serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for both of them.

The story of Jonathan "JJ" Jakovac’s ace at TPC Sawgrass is more than just a golfing anecdote. It is a celebration of skill, opportunity, and the enduring magic of the game. It is a reminder that even in a sport dominated by professionals, there is always room for unexpected heroes to emerge and create moments that capture the imagination of golf fans around the world.