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A general view of the 11th hole prior to THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 10.
Long before the crowds arrive and the world’s best golfers tee it up at TPC Sawgrass, there’s already a familiar face making the rounds across the property. His name is Dexter, and while he doesn’t appear on the official tournament roster, the 7-year-old lab mix has become one of the most beloved personalities at the course.
Dexter belongs to the course superintendent, Lucas Andrews, at TPC Sawgrass, but around the property he’s known for much more than that. With his all-access credential and daily presence on the grounds, Dexter – a rescue dog from Alpharetta, Georgia – has quietly become part of the course’s identity. Staff members, players, and fans who spend time around the facility often recognize him as a friendly, wagging tail that seems to be everywhere at once.
At a place known for hosting one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, Dexter offers something refreshingly simple: a reminder that even at the highest level of professional sports, there’s still room for a little personality and joy. Whether he’s roaming the grounds, greeting staff, or watching the action from the sidelines, Dexter has become something of a four-legged ambassador for TPC Sawgrass.
An All-Access Credential and an Important Job
Unlike most dogs, Dexter has official credentials that grant him access across the entire property. It’s a fitting detail for a dog who spends much of his time accompanying the course superintendent during the daily work of maintaining one of the most famous golf courses in the world.
Of course, Dexter’s responsibilities extend beyond simply tagging along. One of his most important roles is helping keep the course clear of unwanted visitors – particularly geese. Anyone familiar with golf courses knows that geese can quickly become a nuisance, and Dexter has developed a reputation as an expert geese chaser.
When geese begin gathering near greens, fairways, or water hazards, Dexter springs into action. With a burst of energy and enthusiasm, he patrols the property and encourages them to move along. It’s a surprisingly practical role that helps maintain the playing conditions of the course while also providing some entertaining moments for staff who witness Dexter in action.
Beyond that, Dexter serves another purpose that may be even more valuable: morale. Around the TPC Sawgrass team, he’s often referred to as the course’s unofficial morale officer. A quick visit from Dexter, complete with tail wags and friendly curiosity, can brighten even the busiest day of course maintenance.
“He’s just a joy to have out here,” Andrews said back in 2021. “One of the best parts of my job is getting to bring my best friend to work every day.”
A Familiar Sight Around the Grounds
For those who work at TPC Sawgrass every day, Dexter is simply part of the environment. He moves comfortably around the facility, familiar with the routines of grounds crews, staff members, and early morning course preparations.
His presence also reflects the behind-the-scenes world of golf course maintenance. While fans see pristine greens and perfectly striped fairways on television, the reality is that maintaining a championship venue requires countless hours of work from superintendents and their teams. Dexter often accompanies those early mornings and long days, quietly observing the activity around him.
That constant presence has made him something of a local celebrity among those who know the course best. Staff members greet him by name, and visitors lucky enough to encounter him often come away with a memorable story about meeting TPC Sawgrass’ resident dog.
The Players Championship Is Here
Dexter’s home course will soon become the center of the golf world as The Players Championship returns to TPC Sawgrass this week. Often referred to as golf’s “fifth major,” the tournament brings together the strongest field of the season and transforms the property into one of the sport’s most electric venues.
For fans, the centerpiece of the event is the famous 17th hole, the island green that has produced some of golf’s most dramatic moments. Each year, thousands of spectators gather around the water-surrounded green to watch players attempt one of the most nerve-wracking shots in the game.
While Dexter won’t be teeing it up alongside the PGA Tour’s biggest stars, he’ll still be part of the environment that makes TPC Sawgrass special. As preparations ramp up ahead of tournament week, the grounds crew works tirelessly to ensure the course is in perfect condition, and Dexter will likely be nearby as those finishing touches are put in place.
A Certified Good Boy
In a venue filled with elite athletes, massive galleries, and intense competition, Dexter provides a different kind of charm. He doesn’t hit drives, read greens, or study yardage books, but he does bring a sense of warmth and personality to one of golf’s most iconic courses.
Whether he’s chasing geese across a fairway or simply sitting alongside the maintenance team during a morning check of the course, Dexter embodies a quieter side of the game that fans rarely see.
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