With the World Cup set to kick off on June 12, squads from around the world are getting in some final friendly warm-up matches before taking the big stage in Brazil. The final stop for the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team brought it to Jacksonville, Fla., where it will face Nigeria on Saturday.
Before the match, the team decided to pay visit to one of golf’s most legendary courses: TPC Sawgrass. The team received a tour of the Champions Locker Room before heading to the tee box of the famous 17th hole island green.
The @ussoccer team is in #THEPLAYERS Champions locker room pic.twitter.com/E3fmYw9oUz
— THE PLAYERS (@THEPLAYERSChamp) June 5, 2014
Oh @gzusi, is that #lefty‘s locker? #THEPLAYERS #tpcsawgrass pic.twitter.com/In581V5TTw
— THE PLAYERS (@THEPLAYERSChamp) June 5, 2014
#USMNT are getting a first class tour of @TPCSawgrass before playing the famous par-3 17th. Who will hit the green? pic.twitter.com/83J9mJp3RL
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 5, 2014
Was at @tpcsawgrass locker room today and came this close to meeting @tigerwoods pic.twitter.com/AREoQf4pAh
— Mix Diskerud (@MixDiskerud) June 6, 2014
Thanks @TPCSawgrass #hole17 #OneNationOneTeam pic.twitter.com/7dmjqERdIE
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) June 5, 2014
As expected, the players were excited to get their shot at the island green, asking for tips and just hoping to hit the ball, never mind the green.
Tee off at hole 17 @TPCSawgrass in a bit!! #holeinone #FOR
— Aron Jóhannsson (@aronjo20) June 5, 2014
Off to hole 17 @TPCSawgrass … Goal-> hit the ball. #imnottiger
— DeAndre Yedlin (@yedlinny) June 5, 2014
Anybody have any pointers for hole 17 at @TPCSawgrass ?
— Nick Rimando (@NickRimando) June 5, 2014
Excited that I get to play hole 17 at TPC sawgrass (the island green) one of the most exciting holes on the @PGATOUR #where‘sthedroparea
— Chris Wondolowski (@ChrisWondo) June 5, 2014
Apparently, forward Aron Johannsson didn’t think he needed two attempts to hit the green …
“@TPCSawgrass: .@aronjo20 two tries to hit the green!” Only need the one!! ……..
— Aron Jóhannsson (@aronjo20) June 5, 2014
… but he did.
Johannsson wasn’t the only player to find the water. Defender DeAndre Yedlin whiffed on his first attempt, and hit his second attempt into the hazard.
Three players did find the green, however. A job well done by Brad Guzan, Mix Diskerud, and Michael Bradley.
#USMNT players @bguzan @MixDiskerud & Michael Bradley all landed safely on the island green @TPCSawgrass. Well done! pic.twitter.com/lpv5e9f14J
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 5, 2014
Forward Chris Wondolowski plans to keep his day job as a professional soccer player after finding the drink twice.
Very disappointed that I put 2 balls in the water @TPCSawgrass. Such a fun hole and thank you for having us out. #alotharderthanitlooks
— Chris Wondolowski (@ChrisWondo) June 5, 2014
I do love golf but I am for sure sticking with day job. 130 yards away is way too far I need to be 18 yards and in.
— Chris Wondolowski (@ChrisWondo) June 5, 2014
Here are some other photos of the team’s visit to TPC Sawgrass:
Thanks @TPCSawgrass for giving us a tour this afternoon. Had some fun on the 17th! pic.twitter.com/eA6V4C4lD4
— Matt Besler (@mbesler) June 5, 2014
And of course, the team drove off in style in its coach bus.
Good time had by all, thanks @TPCSawgrass! Now it’s back to work for the #USMNT. pic.twitter.com/FLtJyjbWWy
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 5, 2014
Related Link: U.S. Soccer Team Unveils Nike Golf Shirt Jerseys
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