The excitement ahead of the 51st edition of the Players Championship could hardly be greater. Even before the “fifth major” officially begins at the TPC Sawgrass in Florida, two hole-in-ones on the legendary 17th hole cause a stir – one by a tournament debutant, the other by a caddie.
Premiere ace for Tosti and a dip into the water
The 28-year-old Alejandro Tosti experiences an unforgettable start to his first Players Championship. On Wednesday afternoon, during his practice round, the Argentinian hits a 52-degree wedge from 121 meters. The ball lands behind the flag, rolls back – and disappears into the hole! Tosti’s joy is boundless, and he keeps his promise: He jumps into the water full of enthusiasm. The crowd roared as he resurfaced and raised his arms; his caddie helped him out of the pond and they hugged on the lawn. It was the first hole-in-one of his career – and he was also making his debut at the Players Championship.
Come for the ace … Stay for the swim! 💦
Alejandro Tosti makes a ONE at the Island Green! pic.twitter.com/0p19iEz4og
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 12, 2025
“I’ve been telling people that if I make it in the hole on 17, I’m going in the water, so I had to 100% go in the water, and I was so happy, and really cool to have that moment today.”
First ace in the history of the Caddie Challenge
But Tosti wasn’t the only one with an ace on the day. JJ Jakovac, Collin Morikawa’s caddie, made history when he hit the first hole-in-one in the 26-year history of the Caddie Challenge. His pitching wedge shot spun smoothly back towards the hole and triggered a real celebration. Never before had a caddie managed to hit an ace on this legendary hole.
Collin Morikawa’s caddie JJ Jakovac just ACED the 17th at Sawgrass! 🤯
(📹: @collin_morikawa) pic.twitter.com/RNcHJvn8hb
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) March 12, 2025
The Caddie Challenge is a firm Players Championship tradition. Every year, the caddies swap their usual role for a moment and compete on the par-3 17th hole themselves.
