A major security incident has disrupted The Players Championship in Florida, after a double murder suspect fled onto the prestigious TPC Sawgrass golf course. The shocking events unfolded on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Ponte Vedra Beach, forcing tournament officials to delay the opening of the third round.
Double Murder at Walgreens Car Park
Local police in St. Johns County were called to a shooting at a Walgreens in Ponte Vedra. Two individuals were shot in the car park and later succumbed to their injuries in hospital. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office swiftly launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Suspect Tracked onto Golf Course
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick identified the fugitive as 32-year-old Christian Barrios. According to reports from News4JAX and a video statement on the sheriff's office Facebook page, sniffer dogs tracked Barrios onto the TPC Sawgrass course. Barrios reportedly interacted with PGA Tour staff before departing the area. Police also suggested he stole a BMW, which he subsequently crashed into a wooded area.
Tournament Delayed Amid Chaos
In light of these events, The Players Championship confirmed a later opening time for TPC Sawgrass. "Due to operational conditions, gates for today's third round will now open at 9 a.m. ET," read an official statement. Tee times remained as previously scheduled, with all on-course hospitality venues opening at 11 a.m. ET.
Leaderboard Standings Unaffected
Away from the chaos, the competition continued with Ludvig Aberg currently topping the leaderboard after firing a stunning round of 63 on Friday. The Swede is two shots ahead of Xander Schauffele in second place, sitting at 12-under-par. Cam Young sits third on nine-under-par, whilst Corey Conners and Justin Thomas are locked together in fourth on eight-under-par.
Tommy Fleetwood, Brian Harman, Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick remain firmly in contention, all positioned on five-under-par. However, reigning champion Rory McIlroy, who only committed to competing at the eleventh hour owing to a back problem, has endured a challenging start. The Northern Irishman heads into the third round at one-over-par, having scraped through the cut by a solitary stroke.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who became the first player to claim consecutive Players titles in 2024, is also finding it difficult to build any rhythm. He sits level with McIlroy on one-over-par going into the weekend. The incident casts a shadow over what should be a celebratory sporting event, with security concerns now paramount alongside the athletic competition.
