TPC Sawgrass will only be harder to conquer in 2015 thanks to new Bermuda grass

A problem with your golf course greens, which are manicured and meticulously honed each day, is akin to inviting family over to see your brand new house with a wall missing. It doesn't get much worse than a course that isn't ready for four days of competition from the tour pros.

TPC Sawgrass is dealing with exactly that debacle. The improper application of a treatment to damaged greens after a wet and cold winter season left five holes in dire need of some TLC.

It wasn't a problem, it was a crisis. A memo was sent in the second week of May to all tour pros planning on attending The Players Championship. Attention touring pros: the greens are a disaster and we're in tears in Ponte Vedra Beach. That's what the memo tried to mask.

Holes 4, 9, 11, 12, and 14 were damaged by not only old man winter, but the misapplication of a product meant to increase growth and density. High traffic areas are suffering due to the mistake.

The course placed temporary greens on all five holes to try and speed up the recovery process. Without any progress, TPC Sawgrass closed the five holes in April and many trees were removed around the affected areas in an effort to expedite the process. It's not exactly working.

Holes 4, 11, and 12 were still off limits to players getting in their practice rounds Monday. The shortest hole at TPC Sawgrass might be in the worst shape as many photos showed that there was still plenty of work to do before competition began Thursday.

The PGA Tour doesn't want this to be the talking point among players, media, and fans during a week that is supposed to be about golf, not out of shape greens. TPC Sawgrass is making sure this never happens again.

After this year's tournament, the course will switch to a hardy Bermuda grass that can handle another winter like the one that passed. The changes won't end there - TPC Sawgrass will become longer, and more dispersed in an effort to change the foot traffic along the course.

The grass will be harder and tougher, and in 2015 players' balls will run further down the fairway and be more easily lodged in the first and second cut. The ball moves differently on Bermuda grass, and TPC Sawgrass will likely have to use many different varieties when they make the switch.

Along with the new grass, the greens will be lengthened and redesigned in certain areas, effectively changing the course. The tour also notified golfers there will be temporary greens in place as needed, and trees will be removed through the week based on sunlight conditions.

The tournament won't be any easier to win in 2015, and the changes will redefine what it takes to win The Players Championship.