History
The Sawgrass tennis complex had 12 courts when it opened in 1974, and a 13th was built in the late 1970s when the Club wanted a stadium court to accommodate crowds that it expected to draw to professional tournaments. Individually tiered courts prevent tennis balls from flying into and disrupting tennis play - a feature that led the Sawgrass tennis facilities to be nationally recognized.
The first Beach Club opened in July 1975 as a two-story, 3,500-square-foot facility. Its roof featured cedar-shake shingles, and the second floor housed a cocktail lounge and a restaurant with seating for 65 guests. Outside, tiki huts provided a tropical touch, alongside a 25-meter L-shaped pool and a hot tub.
From 1977 to 1981, the Tournament Players Championship (TPC) was held at Sawgrass Country Club before it moved to its current home at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. During this period, the event helped establish the tournament as a major stop on the PGA Tour. The tournament was notable for its challenging layout and weather conditions. The time spent at Sawgrass Country Club marked a key chapter in the development of what would become one of the most prestigious events in professional golf.
The Lipton World of Doubles was hosted at Sawgrass from 1980 to 1982, following the announcement of a three-year deal with the tournament's debut in September 1980. To accommodate the professionals and the anticipated crowd, Sawgrass constructed a new stadium court featuring private boxes, bleachers, and a total seating capacity of 4,000. The inaugural event took place in September, with 64 of the world's top professionals competing for a $175,000 purse. A crowd of 3,500 spectators watched as Brian Gottfried and Paul Ramirez defeated US Open Doubles champions Sam Smith and Bob Lutz, securing the $41,000 first prize.
In 2012-2013, Sawgrass Country Club underwent significant renovations, including the demolition and rebuilding of its Fitness Center. The original Fitness Center, which had become outdated, was demolished to make way for a new, state-of-the-art facility. The new center was designed to enhance the club's amenities, offering modern fitness equipment, expanded space for exercise classes, and additional features to accommodate members' needs for wellness and fitness activities.
This renovation was part of a broader initiative to improve the club's facilities, which also included enhancements to the clubhouse and other areas of the property. The new Fitness Center played a key role in providing members with an upgraded experience, helping the club maintain its reputation as a premier destination for both golf and leisure activities.
In 2016, Sawgrass Country Club undertook a major renovation of its Beach Club, which is located along the Atlantic coastline. The renovation project was aimed at enhancing the member experience and modernizing the facilities. Key improvements included the addition of new dining spaces, expanded outdoor seating areas, and updated lounge areas with better views of the beach and ocean. The Beach Club's pool area was also renovated, offering a more luxurious and relaxing environment for members.
The redesign emphasized creating a more open and inviting atmosphere while also preserving the club's connection to its coastal surroundings. The overall goal was to provide members with a top-tier beachside experience that complemented the club's other offerings, making it a true all-encompassing leisure destination.
