Changes aim to alleviate traffic hassles for The Players Championship

Officials again pushing free parking for carpoolers policy

If you're making plans to attend The Players this week, as always, you can expect a lot of fun, but a lot of traffic. Channel 4's Ashley Mitchem has what you need to know about driving to the tournament and parking.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – With more than 150,000 fans expected to make their way to TPC Sawgrass for The Players Championship this week, motorists are sure to see heavy traffic in the Ponte Vedra Beach area, especially on A1A.

"Friday and Saturday there is increased traffic in that area, so again if you're out and about on Friday or Saturday, just expect delays and have patience or leave earlier," said Sgt. Catherine Payne with the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office.

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Fans attending the tournament this week should be aware of some changes.

Volunteers in the parking lot will no longer be able to sell parking passes, as tournament officials have determined this is a main contributor to congestion and delays.

"Try and carpool if you can," said Matt Rapp, executive director of The Players Championship. "We have a four or more for free policy, so if you have four or more, you go online and download a voucher and you can park for free Thursday through Sunday."

Also new this year, fans are required to obtain parking passes, both free and paid, in advance.

Fans can park for free Tuesday and Wednesday in the general parking lot and no parking pass is required. It's $30 to park Thursday and Sunday and $35 to park on Friday and Saturday, but any vehicle with four or more occupants can download a pass to park for free. (Link for all parking passes)

Due to heavy traffic congestion on A1A Southbound, The Players recommends all patrons along the I-95 corridor and I-295 beltway take I-95 to Exit 329, C.R. 210 east toward U.S. 1, proceed on U.S. 1 then merge right onto Nocatee Parkway and continue onto Palm Valley Road to the tournament at TPC Sawgrass.

Police will have a heavy presence to help fans get around.

"We've assigned about 25-30 auxiliary units, that is from our volunteer division, from FHP to assist (the) St. Johns County Sheriff's Office with traffic," Sgt. Dylan Bryan with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Fans who don't want to drive to The Players can take advantage of shuttles from Downtown or an available streamlined taxi service.