Trying to choose between TPC Sawgrass, Players Club East, or Players Club West? You are not alone. Each enclave in the Sawgrass area offers a different mix of home styles, amenities, costs, and daily lifestyle. In this guide, you will learn how these communities compare, what costs to expect, and which questions to ask before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Sawgrass in context
Sawgrass sits within the Ponte Vedra area of St. Johns County in northeast Florida. You are a short drive from the Atlantic, with most neighborhoods about 3 to 8 miles from Ponte Vedra Beach. Central Jacksonville is roughly 15 to 25 miles away depending on your exact route.
A signature landmark here is TPC Sawgrass, home of the Stadium Course and THE PLAYERS Championship. That tournament week brings prestige and energy to the area. It can also bring temporary traffic spikes, event noise, and short-term rental demand around the course.
TPC Sawgrass community
The TPC Sawgrass community includes residential pockets built around or near the TPC course. You will see primarily higher-end single-family homes on medium to large lots, with some luxury custom builds and a few villa or coach-home clusters nearby. Architecture ranges from 1990s and 2000s styles to renovated homes and newer custom designs.
Living near the course puts you close to tournament action and practice facilities. Ownership does not automatically include club membership. If you want golf or social privileges, you will apply and pay separately through the club. During tournament week, expect more visitors on nearby roads, guest traffic, and temporary structures around the Stadium Course.
This enclave often appeals to golf-focused buyers who want course adjacency, as well as investors who plan for high-demand rental weeks. If you are considering rental income, be sure to confirm HOA and county rules on leasing and short-term stays.
Players Club East overview
Players Club East is a gated, amenity-driven part of the broader Sawgrass Players Club. You will find a wide range of homes, from single-family residences to villas, townhomes, coach homes, and many patio-home options. The mix often suits buyers seeking lower maintenance as well as second-home owners and families.
Many sections include a clubhouse, pools, fitness facilities, and tennis or pickleball courts. Neighborhood social programming and internal walkability are common features. Golf is available through separately operated facilities. Membership, if offered, is optional and fee-based rather than bundled with your HOA.
Owners typically pay HOA dues, and some areas may carry a Community Development District (CDD) assessment. Fees vary by sub-neighborhood and home type, so be sure to verify exactly what is included and whether exterior maintenance is covered for the property you choose.
Players Club West overview
Players Club West shares the same master-planned concept as East with some differences in lot sizes and home styles. Housing includes single-family homes, villas, and townhomes, with pockets that emphasize larger yards and family-oriented floorplans.
Amenities in West generally include a clubhouse, pools, and fitness spaces with optional, fee-based golf and social offerings. Like East, HOA dues vary across the sub-neighborhoods. Architectural standards, guest policies, and rental rules differ by HOA, so reviewing the documents for a specific address is essential.
Buyers who like the Players Club lifestyle but want a bit more yard space or a different home inventory often favor West. The best fit depends on your preferred lot type, maintenance needs, and how you plan to use the home.
Costs and memberships to verify
Every property within TPC, East, and West has its own mix of fees. Use this as a guide and confirm the details for any home you consider.
- HOA dues: Amounts vary widely by product type and amenity package. Villas and condos may include some exterior maintenance. Single-family neighborhoods with active amenities can run higher monthly dues.
- CDD assessments: Some Sawgrass-area communities use CDDs to fund infrastructure. These appear as annual assessments on your property tax bill. The amount depends on the specific lot and district.
- Club and golf memberships: Membership is typically optional and separate from HOA dues. Initiation fees can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands. Monthly or annual dues vary. Golf memberships often cost more than social-only options. Confirm waitlists and transfer rules.
- Special assessments and reserves: Review HOA financials and meeting minutes for planned projects like road resurfacing or pool updates. Check reserve funding.
- Insurance: In a coastal region, wind and hurricane coverage can be higher. Some areas may fall in flood zones that trigger lender-required flood insurance. Salt air can accelerate exterior wear, so factor maintenance and materials into your budget.
- Property taxes: St. Johns County rates apply. Remember to add any CDD assessments and special district fees to your total cost.
Lifestyle and access
- Golf and clubs: TPC Sawgrass is a major tournament venue with international recognition. Living nearby offers prestige and energy, but membership benefits are not automatic for adjacent homeowners. In Players Club East and West, neighborhood clubhouses and golf options focus on resident life. Services, access levels, and pricing vary by club.
- Beaches and water: Ponte Vedra Beach is the closest ocean access for most Sawgrass neighborhoods. You are typically 10 to 20 minutes away, depending on your exact address and traffic.
- Schools, shopping, and healthcare: The area is served by the St. Johns County School District. School assignments depend on your address, so verify with the district. Shopping and dining cluster along A1A, in Ponte Vedra Village, and in nearby Nocatee and St. Johns retail centers. Regional healthcare, including the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Beach, is within a reasonable drive.
- Commute and traffic: Driving is the norm. Proximity to A1A and major connectors influences your commute to Jacksonville. Expect traffic spikes during THE PLAYERS week and some local events. If commute time matters, test routes at different times of day.
- Short-term rentals and events: Many HOAs regulate leasing with minimum stays, registration requirements, or event-week rules. The tournament week can bring road closures, temporary structures, and more foot and vehicle traffic around the Stadium Course. For some owners, that is a plus if they plan to rent. For others, it is a consideration.
Which enclave fits your goals
Use these quick profiles to narrow your search:
- Choose TPC Sawgrass if you want course proximity, prestige, and high-end single-family options. You value being near the tournament scene and accept event-week traffic as part of the tradeoff. Membership is separate and not guaranteed.
- Choose Players Club East if you want gated convenience, a wide mix of housing types, and strong neighborhood amenities. Maintenance-light homes and social programming may fit second-home buyers, active adults, and families.
- Choose Players Club West if you want similar amenities to East but prefer pockets with larger lots or different floorplans. This can be a strong match if you prioritize yard space.
Sawgrass buyer checklist
Work through this list for any TPC, East, or West property you are considering.
Property and neighborhood basics
- Confirm the exact legal neighborhood name and whether it is Players Club East or West.
- Identify the lot type: interior, corner, lake, marsh, or golf-facing.
- Note the year built and any major renovations or upgrades.
- Clarify the property type: single-family, villa, townhome, or condo.
- Review comparable sales in the immediate sub-neighborhood.
HOA, governance, and fees
- Find the current monthly HOA dues and what they include, such as exterior maintenance, lawn care, cable, or security.
- Check for a CDD. If present, confirm the annual assessment and remaining term.
- Ask about any planned special assessments. Read recent board meeting minutes.
- Review reserve funding and recent capital projects.
Club and golf access
- Confirm whether membership is required, optional, or unavailable for this address.
- Request the current initiation fee, monthly or annual dues, and any waitlists.
- Learn about membership transfer rules and any transfer costs.
- Ask about blackout periods for resident events or rental restrictions during tournaments.
Financial and insurance
- Review the current property tax bill and whether a CDD is included.
- Verify the flood zone designation and get a flood insurance quote, if applicable.
- Request recent homeowner and wind or hurricane insurance premiums for comparison.
- Confirm utility specifics, including water, sewer, and irrigation sources.
Lifestyle and practical items
- Time the drive to nearby beach access points in Ponte Vedra.
- Map proximity to the TPC Stadium Course and areas where event traffic gathers.
- Verify school assignments with the St. Johns County School District.
- Review HOA rental policies and local short-term rental regulations.
- Understand architectural review rules for exterior changes.
- Check parking, guest policies, and any boat or RV rules.
Property condition and inspections
- Note the age and condition of the roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and windows. Ask about hurricane protection.
- Look for signs of salt-air corrosion or accelerated exterior wear.
- Review irrigation, landscaping constraints, and any conservation easements or marsh setbacks.
- Order pest and wood-destroying organism inspections, which are common in Florida.
Resale and marketability
- Ask how many days on market similar homes average in the specific sub-neighborhood.
- Consider how tournament-week demand influences values or rental potential.
- Check for recent HOA litigation or special assessments within the last five years.
Next steps
- Work with a local agent who knows the differences between TPC, Players Club East, and Players Club West.
- Request HOA documents early, including covenants, financials, meeting minutes, reserve studies, and rental rules.
- Pull the current property tax bill and verify any CDD assessments.
- Speak with club managers to obtain written membership terms, fee schedules, and transfer policies.
- Get insurance quotes for homeowners, wind, and flood coverage during your offer period.
- Schedule a full home inspection focused on coastal wear, roof tie-downs, hurricane protection, and pest issues.
- If you plan to rent, confirm HOA and county rules along with realistic occupancy projections, including tournament-week policies.
- Visit during peak times, including a tournament week if possible, and during weekday rush hour to gauge traffic and noise.
Whether you lean toward TPC, East, or West, the right fit comes from matching your daily lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans. If you want a seasoned, local guide who can help you compare homes, model ownership costs, and set up a smart rental or management plan, connect with Claudia Hilbert for a personal consultation.
FAQs
What is the difference between TPC Sawgrass and Players Club East and West?
- TPC centers on course-adjacent single-family homes near the Stadium Course, while Players Club East and West are gated, amenity-rich neighborhoods with a broader mix of housing and optional, separate club and golf offerings.
Do homeowners near TPC automatically get club membership?
- No. Living near TPC Sawgrass does not include golf or social membership. Access, initiation fees, and dues are handled separately through the club.
How close are Sawgrass communities to the beach and Jacksonville?
- Most Sawgrass neighborhoods are about 3 to 8 miles from Ponte Vedra Beach and roughly 15 to 25 miles from central Jacksonville, depending on your location and route.
What ownership costs should I plan for in Sawgrass?
- Expect HOA dues that vary by home type and amenities, possible CDD assessments, separate club or golf fees, coastal insurance considerations for wind and flood, and St. Johns County property taxes.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Sawgrass neighborhoods?
- Many HOAs regulate rentals with minimum stays, registration rules, and potential event-week restrictions. Confirm the policy for the exact sub-neighborhood before you purchase.
How does THE PLAYERS Championship affect daily life nearby?
- Tournament week brings more visitors, temporary structures, and traffic changes around the Stadium Course. Some owners view this as a benefit for rental demand, while others see it as a periodic inconvenience.
