PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP MORE THAN JUST GOLF FOR MANY LOCALS
Whether you love golf or not, chances are you wait patiently all year for the PGA TOUR’s flagship event to come back to the First Coast every May. The PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP is unmistakably the TOUR’s biggest tournament, and for the golfers who tee it up in hopes of winning the tournament, it is one of the most desired titles in all of golf. But for many locals, the tournament is much more than just a golf tournament.
Kids from all over the First Coast get to go out and see their heroes. They wait in line for an autograph from their favorite players and they walk the entire golf course watching the action, dreaming of one day being in the same position.
Phil Mickelson takes time to sign autographs and make some kids very happy!
Music lovers wait all year to see what band is going to play on Military Appreciation Day, then they go out to hear the music or show their support for the troops who are honored as part of the weeklong festivities. The PGA TOUR makes a very special effort every year to honor our military and always has a star performer come to the event to play for the crowd during Military Appreciation Day.
Fans show their support while posing with Naval Aviators during Military Appreciation Day
Past players go out and reconnect with old friends. North Florida is home to so many current and former PGA TOUR stars that the PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP becomes a meeting place where old friends gather and rekindle friendships that blossomed over years of playing in the same events.
Billy Maxwell, seven time winner on the PGA TOUR enjoys catching up with old friends during the PLAYERS!
The PLAYERS begins next week with practice rounds on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Beginning on Thursday and going through Sunday the tournament will be in full swing. Whatever your reason for anxiously anticipating the return of the PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP (say that fast ten times!), go out and enjoy yourself, be safe and remember to be respectful of the players!
