( CNN ) -- This week marks one of the most-exciting non-major events of the golf season -- the Players Championship at the famed TPC Sawgrass . With a deep field and a great course , you wo n't want to miss any of the action . Before the tournament tees off , we had a chance to catch up with TPC Sawgrass PGA Head Professional Matt Borocz , who provided some inside insight on the home of the PGA Tour . PGA.com : Thanks for joining us . This week presents one of the most exciting on the schedule with the Players Championship . What is it that makes the Players such a special event ? Borocz : It 's the Players Championship ... The Players is crown jewel of the PGA Tour . The world 's best golfers are on a course that demands the highest level of shot-making and offers an unbelievable fan experience . It 's also the highest purse in golf with the champion taking home $ 1.71 million at the end of the week . The Players Stadium Course was specifically built to host the Players Championship and offer our fans the best possible viewing . Everyone wants to see the action on the final three holes , especially the 17th . It 's the lure of the hole and watching the best players in the world challenge the island green . PGA.com : We ca n't talk about the Players without mentioning the world-famous , par-3 17th island green , which you just touched on . I recently heard a promo with a player saying , `` 51 weeks a year , No . 17 at TPC Sawgrass is the easiest hole in the world for Tour players . '' I do n't know if I would agree with that , but of course , that 52nd week is the Players . We know why it 's daunting , but it 's less than 150 yards . Is there any truth to what that Tour player said ? Borocz : A few stats on the 17thhole -- it plays 121 yards from the middle of the championship tee to the front of the green . To the back of the green it 's 146 yards . The 17th green is 3,912 square feet compared to the average of 4,500 square feet . The challenge of the 17th hole is its ability to taunt the mental toughness of a player . It 's a very calculating shot because you have to factor the wind , firmness of the green and avoid looking at the body of water surrounding the island green . During the Players , you add in the thousands of fans ! We give tours every day to visitors and the No . 1 comment of amazement is , `` The green looks so small compared to television . '' Making a par 3 on the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass will bring a smile to all players , whether they are a novice or the best players in the world . PGA.com : Henrik Stenson of Sweden is your defending champion . Through the years with the likes of Stenson , Sergio Garcia , Adam Scott , Stephen Ames , Steve Elkington , Greg Norman , Nick Price -- the list goes on -- the Players has had quite a list of international champions . What is it about the course that yields such diverse champions ? Borocz : In the 36-year history of the Players , 10 of the victories have been by international players . The Players Stadium Course does not favor any style of player . The goal of former Commissioner Deane Beman was to create a golf course that had balance in regards to distance , wind direction and shot-making . He wanted to create a goal course that was fair and would challenge every skill of the game . The goal at the end of week is to crown the greatest player in world . The diversity of the field allows the Players and PGA Tour to expand the scope of the tournament to a world-wide audience . PGA.com : In 1994 , Greg Norman won the Players with a remarkable 24-under 264 . That 's by far the best winning score in tournament history . Is there any chance someone could come within a sniff of that this year ? Borocz : In 1994 , when Greg Norman set the overall tournament record , the conditions started off perfect the first round with 76 players shooting under par . Norman started off on Thursday with a course-record round of 63 , followed by three rounds of 67 's to beat Fuzzy Zoeller by four shots . In 1994 , the Players was played in March . With the tournament now being played in May the course is much firmer and faster conditions . In March , we had a lot of inconsistency in weather . It could be in the high 70s and beautiful or in the 50s with rain . The temperatures have become much more consistent , but the golf course plays much differently . When played in March , the golf course was overseeded . It 's now Bermuda grass all year . The golf ball has more opportunity to run through the fairways and the greens . The forecast is shaping up to be a beautiful week . PGA.com : Final question . What 's the best part about working at TPC Sawgrass ? Borocz : Excellent question ... TPC Sawgrass is a very special place being that it 's the home of the Players and PGA Tour . It is a privilege to work around such a passionate and dedicated group of people . Everyone on our team is focused on creating a magical experience for the Tour players , members and guests . Every team member comes to the club with a positive `` can do '' attitude . We have a team that is extremely dedicated and passionate about their role at the club . One of the most special things about TPC Sawgrass is the interaction with all the people that travel from all over the world to visit . Many of them have personal stories and connections why TPC Sawgrass is their favorite course . There are definitely days that you have to pinch yourself . We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to work at such a beautiful place that is showcased to the world every year . As a club and being apart of the PGA Tour , we have a lot of involvement with local charitable organizations . Almost every month we have a charitable initiative that we are giving back to you . It 's an honor and a blessing to be a part of such a great team .
The Players is `` crown jewel '' of the PGA Tour . Sawgrass synonymous with its par three , island green 17th hole . Greg Norman set the overall tournament record in 1994 .