PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The Players week is teeing off at TPC Sawgrass as the PGA Tour honors those who serve in uniform on Tuesday with the annual Military Appreciation Day.
Crews were putting the final touches on decorations around the iconic No. 17 Island Green on Tuesday morning in preparation for the evening’s ceremony and a concert by hip-hop superstar Ludacris.
Lee Smith, executive director of The Players, said that for the fans, the annual event is more than an international golf tournament, so it’s all about creating a fan experience that evolves year after year.
“We take a look at how all of our fans really consume the product,” Smith said. “They consume it on site, they consume it in and around the tournament, and they consume it at home. So the opportunity to continue to add new technologies — and four drones are going to be flying around here, capturing footage for those watching on TV at the local level or on site.”
Smith said having fewer players this year – 123 instead of the typical 144 – should help the tournament run more smoothly.
“(It) will generate even a lot better flow for our pace of play and storylines making the cut on Friday and being able to get done with the amount of daylight that we have,” Smith said.
What you need to know
If you are heading out to the tournament in Ponte Vedra Beach this week, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Gates open at 7:30 a.m. each day.
- Parking is not included. You must buy a pass online ahead of time. And a separate pass is required for each day of the tournament you attend. You can purchase passes here.
- Fans with a handicap parking hang tag must still purchase a parking pass for the general parking lot (off CR 210). Once parked, golf carts will transport them to designated locations on the course.
- If you’re taking a rideshare, drivers will drop you off at the Couples Entry — that’s right by the 15th hole.
- Coming by bike or golf cart? There’s free parking inside Gate B near the Sawgrass Marriott. But remember to bring your own bike lock.
- Everything is cashless, so you’ll need digital or card payment.
- Bags must meet tournament size rules. Clear bags can be up to 12x6x12 inches, and opaque bags can be up to 6x6x6 inches.
- Fans are allowed to bring their own food in a 1-gallon clear plastic bag, with food items wrapped in clear wrap.
- Reusable plastic or metal cups (up to 32 oz.) are also permitted, but must be empty when you enter.
- Free fan lockers are available by the main parking lot and the rideshare area.
- Express Entry is now available with PGA Tour photo validation that lets you skip the line. Here’s how to sign up for free
- You can review the Fan Code of Conduct here.