PONTE VEDRA BAEACH, Fla. — Tyson Alexander has been a regular at the Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass.
For the past five years, the University of Florida golfer lived in Jacksonville Beach while he tried to get his PGA Tour card. After finishing last year in 18th place on the Korn Ferry Tour, he finally made it through the final round. He had finished below the top-25 threshold for the previous two years (34th and 57th).
Alexander stated Wednesday that he was very familiar with the area during a press conference for new Players participants. “I practice and play here almost every day that I’m at home.” Although the conditions may be a bit different from what I am used to, I’m eager to get the tournament started and get going.
Players Championship Photos
Alexander spoke about the differences between Stadium Course Week of the Players and other 51 weeks in the year. First Coast residents who regularly practice there don’t have the green speeds or the rough that course agronomy staff seek to give the field of 144 the most difficult test possible.
Does this mean that any perceived home-field advantage may be negligible?
He said, “There might be some truth there,” “I think I still have some advantage with some lines from the tees. Certain winds, I know which lines I should take and which ones not. Chipping is difficult because of the firmness and difficulty of the greens.
Alexander had a full schedule during his rookie year. Alexander has missed five cuts and made 12 starts, including last week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.
He is most proud of his solo second place in Houston. His best finish since then was a tie for 32nd at The Sony Open.
Alexander is 51st on FedEx Cup points and Alexander has earned just over $1 million.
He said, “I’ve hit many good shots, but the two to three bad shots every day have really cost my life.” “If I get rid of the bad shots, it’s been a good thing.”
Alexander is one 32 players who are first time participants. This is a record for Players. However, eligibility requirements for the Players field remain ambiguous.
He said, “None of these men got here by chance or an exception.” It was earned. “I think many of these guys will have a chance on Sunday.”
Alexander stated that the PGA Tour was everything he had hoped for.
He said, “Life on Tour is great.” “I don’t mean to offend the Korn Ferry Tour but I don’t want to go back. It’s all better than the purses and the fields. It’s exactly where you want it to be.
A good caddie has helped. Alexander teamed up with Adam Parmer in mid-season 2022. Parmer said that they are good friends and can also throw cold water at Alexander when his temper gets boiling.
Alexander stated, “He’s very good, well-rounded and very likable by many people.” Alexander said, “He keeps my head down when I act like a baby out here.” He gives me the green light to get back in shape.”
Alexander will also have a strong local contingent of family and friends watching him play this week, which will be led by Buddy Alexander, his father and former University of Florida golf coach.
There’s a family history at Stadium Course. His father was the 1986 U.S. champion. Amateur champion lost to Tiger Woods in the round 16 of the 1994 Stadium Amateur. Woods was 3 up, Buddy Alexander had five holes left to play, before Tiger went on his typical rally.
Tyson spoke of his father, saying that he was driving in on Wednesday and would be at the first Tee. “We are all very excited.”
