Players Championship Gates Delayed After Fatal Shooting Near TPC Sawgrass
A manhunt for a double-murder suspect forced the PGA Tour to delay spectator entry at The Players Championship on Saturday morning, though tournament play proceeded as scheduled.
Authorities in St. Johns County, Florida, were searching for Christian Barrios, 32, who allegedly shot and killed two people Friday night in a Walgreens parking lot about one mile from TPC Sawgrass. The shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. and was described by St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick as a domestic violence incident.
Barrios, who Sheriff Hardwick said has an extensive criminal history and was currently out of prison on probation, was pursued by canine units onto the golf course property after fleeing the scene. At one point during the pursuit, Barrios picked up a PGA Tour radio before stealing a black BMW and fleeing northward.
Nassau County deputies used a PIT maneuver to force the stolen vehicle into a wooded area in the far northeastern tip of Florida, but Barrios escaped on foot and remained at large as of Saturday afternoon. Sheriff Hardwick emphasized that both the suspect and victims were not from St. Johns County.
In response to the ongoing search, the PGA Tour delayed opening gates for the third round until 9 a.m., citing “operational considerations.” Hospitality areas were further delayed until 11 a.m. However, tournament play was unaffected.
“Due to operational considerations, gates for today’s third round will now open at 9 am ET. We have worked closely with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and appreciate the coordination and partnership from Sheriff Rob Hardwick and his team.”
— PGA Tour Statement
The third round began at 8:15 a.m. as originally scheduled, with Irish golfer Seamus Power the first player on the course. Notable early starters included world number one Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, both of whom made the cut at one-over par.
Sheriff Hardwick stated that Barrios knew both victims, who were shot multiple times and transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced dead. Deputies responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at the Walgreens on Palm Valley Road.
The suspect, who turned 32 on Saturday, made contact with PGA staff and may have touched other items before stealing the vehicle, according to local law enforcement. Additional details about the investigation are expected to be released later Saturday.
The Players Championship, often referred to as golf’s “fifth major,” is being held at the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, approximately 25 miles southeast of Jacksonville.
