Players Championship delays opening doors amid search for double murder suspect near golf course
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The Players Championship delayed opening the gates for Saturday’s third round after the search for a suspect accused of shooting two people to death in a pharmacy parking lot led police to the grounds of TPC Sawgrass.
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said at a news conference Saturday morning that authorities received multiple calls about shots fired in a Walgreens parking lot, about a mile from the field, around 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Si Woo Kim tees off from the 17th tee during the second round of the Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
“Two individuals were shot multiple times. Both, of course, were transported and succumbed to their injuries,” Hardwick said, describing it as a “domestic violence situation.”
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Authorities chased the suspect, identified as Christian Barrios, 32, well into the night and said the trail eventually led them to TPC Sawgrass.
“Our K-9 units actually tracked to TPC, meaning the PGA Tour headquarters is there. They tracked there.”
Hardwick said the suspect had contact with several people on the course, including groundskeepers and security. Barrios had also allegedly picked up a PGA Tour radio and then dropped it.
Authorities chased the suspect, identified as Christian Barrios, 32, well into the night and said the trail eventually led them to TPC Sawgrass. (Nassau County Sheriff’s Office)
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Barrios then allegedly stole a black BMW and fled. Nassau County authorities pursued the car, causing it to crash in the woods, where Barrios left on foot.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that Barrios was taken into custody shortly before 8 a.m. His charges were not immediately known, but Hardwick suggested he had a long criminal history.
“This thug’s criminal record is disgraceful, disgraceful.”
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The Players Championship cited “operational considerations” in announcing its delay in opening the gates. Departure times remained unchanged.
The 17th hole during the second round of the Players Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, March 13, 2026. (Ben Jared/PGA Tour via Getty Images)
The identities of the victim were not immediately known. Hardwick said the suspect knew both victims.
The News contributed to this report.
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