Country artist Sam Hunt brings 'par-tee' to TPC Military Appreciation Day

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. – The stadium golf course at TPC Sawgrass was packed Tuesday night as thousands of people gathered at the 17th hole for an outdoor concert and to celebrate our military.

The Players Championship has made Military Appreciation Day a tradition and brought in Grammy award nominated country music artist Sam Hunt to help start the party.

The daylong military celebration showed appreciation for active-duty members and veterans, like Joseph Smith, who served in the Navy for 26 years.

"This is awesome. I really love that you can come here and hang out and do what we get to do," Smith said.

Military members were able to stroll the greens as some of the top names in golf participated in practice rounds.

Maj. Jane Marchionne, who served in both the Air Force and Air National Guard, appreciated the outposts that were set up.

"When I was 20 I don't think I would've appreciated it, but at 60 now, it really is great to sit down," Marchionne said.

Although everyone who attended The Players practice round may not have been in the military, it's likely they know someone who is and that includes country music star Sam Hunt.

"My grandfather served in World War II and I have two new brothers-in-law that are in the Army," Hunt told News4Jax.

Hunt said he has a lot of respect and appreciation for the men and women who serve our country.

Military Appreciation Day made for a great start to The Players.