Fans line up for autographs at The Players

Final day of practice rounds gave fans a chance to meet golfers

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – The final day of practice rounds is in the books at The Players. The relaxed atmosphere from the golfers will soon turn serious and focused on winning.

Wednesday was designated autograph day for fans at the tournament and huge crowds did their best to get as many signatures as they could on whatever they could get the golfers to write on. 

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The event could be described as organized chaos at its finest. Once again this year there were designated autograph zones where fans could wait for signatures, rather than trying to get them all over the course. That makes it easier on the golfers, but for the fans, it ends up being a rush to get the best spot. 

Screaming, then waiting impatiently, hoping that the player coming by will stop and sign an autograph for you. Just a typical Wednesday at The Players. But if you want to make sure you get the most autographs, there's some strategy involved.

"It's sacrificing watching golf to get here before everyone else does. You have to proactively get here when you find someone you want to get a signature from to beat the crowd," Mich Logan, a golf enthusiast, said. 

"It's just like real estate. Location, location, location," golf fan Ben Ayris said.

With the new autograph areas, the key is to find a spot early, and just wait. Then when golfers come by you have to make sure you are ready.

Tournament flags are quick sellers in the merchandise tent because people can get a lot of autographs on them. Sometimes you get lucky and get a few big names all together. 

"They are all pretty good, Jason Day, got the defending champ Martin Kaymer, Nick Watney, Matsuyama, who was near the top at the Masters," Ayris said. 

If it's one of the biggest names in the game that you are looking for, you need a little bit of luck on your side. Mitch Logan was one of the first people by the walkway behind the 18th green when Tiger Woods finished. Logan was able to get his autograph, but he said others weren't so lucky.

"He signed about five, so Tiger, if you're watching, step up your game buddy," Logan said.

For all the disappointed people that weren't able to get Woods' autograph Wednesday, there's a chance that he and all the other golfers might sign a few autographs after they finish their rounds this weekend.