Ace at 17, Caleb Williams Cameo at Players Championship

The opening round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida was a star-studded affair, both on and off the course. While Rory McIlroy, Wyndham Clark, and Xander Schauffele shared the lead at 7-under, the day’s highlights extended far beyond the leaderboard.

One of the most unexpected sights was that of Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and presumptive No. 1 pick in April’s NFL draft, walking the course as a spectator. Williams, decked out in glasses and black attire, followed the featured group of Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, and Jordan Spieth, soaking in the golfing atmosphere on the recommendation of his college coach, Lincoln Riley.

“With it being my first golf experience in-person, it was really cool,” Williams told News4JAX, seemingly relishing the opportunity to immerse himself in a new sporting world before his professional football career kicks into high gear.

While Williams’ presence added an extra layer of star power to the proceedings, it was 17-year-old Ryan Fox who stole the show with a historic feat. After a relatively pedestrian start, Fox’s round took a dramatic turn on the par-5 16th hole, where he stuck his approach shot within a few feet of the cup, setting up an eagle.

But Fox wasn’t done there. On the iconic 17th hole, he pulled off a shot that will live in Players Championship lore, hitting a gap wedge that found the bottom of the cup for a hole-in-one – the 14th in tournament history on that hole. In a remarkable twist, Fox became the first player to record back-to-back eagles at The Players, a feat that left him in a state of disbelief.

“I mean, it’s such an iconic hole, and it’s an intimidating shot. I don’t care who you are. You get up there, most of the crowd probably either wants you to make a 1 or hit it in the water, so I’m glad to be on the right side of it in that respect,” Fox said, still trying to process his historic achievement.

As if the on-course drama wasn’t enough, tournament organizers had a surprise of their own up their sleeves, arranging for golfing legend Jack Nicklaus to make an appearance on the first tee. Nicklaus, the only three-time winner of The Players Championship, greeted previous champions Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas, and reigning winner Scottie Scheffler, much to the delight of the gathered crowds.

Nicklaus’ presence was a fitting tribute to the tournament’s 50th anniversary, adding a touch of nostalgia to an already memorable opening round. With such an eventful start, The Players Championship has set the stage for an exciting weekend of golf, where the combination of skill, drama, and unexpected surprises promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.