The Players Championship: Hayden Buckley sinks hole-in-one at iconic 17th island green

    Hayden Buckley celebrates his hole-in-one on the 17th hole during the first round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass, Florida.

    (CNN)"The Island Green" -- three words that have struck fear into the hearts of even the most talented golfers.

    A short, 125-yard par-three surrounded by water, TPC Sawgrass' iconic penultimate hole has drowned many a dream at The Players Championship for more than four decades.
    On Thursday, Hayden Buckley had other ideas.
      After making a steady start to his first round at the PGA Tour's flagship event, the American --- having started from the 10th hole -- teed up at the 17th at one-under par, tied for eighth.
        One swing later, he was level for the lead.
        Buckley plays his shot from the 17th tee.