Built in 1987, the Sawgrass Marriott has gone through some changes, but still remains an integral part of the Ponte Vedra Beach community. General Manager Todd Hickey said that almost everyone in the area has a connection to the resort ― often through weddings, other celebrations or maybe a first job. He’s been with the Marriott brand for 25 years and at the Sawgrass property since 2014.
In a 2017 Recorder article about the hotel’s 30th anniversary celebration, then-editor Jon Blauvelt wrote, “In 1987, Ronald Reagan was the president of the United States; a gallon of gasoline cost 89 cents; “Lethal Weapon” and “RoboCop” were playing on movie theatres across the country and the Sawgrass Marriott had just become a new destination in the Ponte Vedra Beach community.”
A two-year, $48 million renovation of the 511-room resort was completed in time for the 2016 PLAYERS championship. The spa was built where tennis courts used to be. Many of the most noticeable changes were made in the hotel’s lobby, which had large cement planters, a waterfall, island bar and palm trees that rose up to the fifth floor.
“There used to be birds in the lobby,” Hickey said.
Outside, the façade changed significantly because aging windows and worn sliders needed to be replaced. Architects decided to eliminate Juliet balconies and extend guest rooms, adding 30 square feet to each room. The dated blue-green accent colors outside were replaced with updated muted tones. Inside, the rooms were redecorated in modern hues and upgraded to provide Wi-Fi and streaming services.
Once named Café on the Green, the restaurant was upgraded and renamed Vernon’s First Coast Kitchen & Bar, after Vernon A. Kelly, one of the original developers of TPC Sawgrass. Just off the lobby is Alice & Pete's Pub, the namesake restaurant of World Golf Hall of Famers Alice and Pete Dye. Alice is the one who suggested making No. 17 an island green.
What used to be known as the 100th hole is now the American Gator Club, which overlooks the lagoon and 13th hole at The Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. There used to be a pontoon boat from the dock across the lagoon to the 13th tee box during THE PLAYERS. Hickey said they still get asked about it even though it hasn’t operated since 2013.
“Old memories never die,” he said.
