Events Calendar

HE PLAYERS has grown to be much more than four days of professional golf played on a spectacular course. While that’s still the central reason for fans to flock to Ponte Vedra the second week in March, the tournament now includes numerous other happenings. Among them: T

OPENING WEEKEND March 7-8 The PGA Tour Fan Shop will be open to the public before the tournament for fans to stock up on merch. No tickets required, and parking is free in the general lot.

Prior to tournament week, retired, reserve, veterans and military spouses are invited to TPC Sawgrass on Saturday, March 7, 11 AM to 2 PM, at the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost presented by United Rentals, to participate in the ninth annual Military Job Fair. More than 50 companies will be on hand, all with hiring opportunities.

MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY AND CHAINSMOKERS CONCERT Tuesday, March 10 Members of the nation’s armed forces receive special thanks from THE PLAYERS with a day dedicated to them and their service. A concert by Grammy award winning artists The Chainsmokers follows the Military Appreciation Ceremony at 5 PM.

BIRDIES FOR THE BRAVE PATRIOTS’ OUTPOST PRESENTED BY UNITED RENTALS Tuesday through Sunday Throughout tournament week, all active duty and reserve military members, military retirees, veterans and their dependents are invited into the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost presented by United Rentals, a hospitality tent reserved exclusively for the military and offering complimentary food and beverages. Located near the tee at No. 16, last year more than 20,000 military members and their families were hosted here. Patriots’ Outpost officially opens on Tuesday at 10 AM.

17th HOLE CADDIE COMPETITION Wednesday, March 11 Each year at THE PLAYERS (during the Wednesday practice round) players and caddies switch roles when they arrive at the famous 17th Hole and its iconic Island Green. On this afternoon the caddies get the opportunity to take a swing. Each player contributes to a prize fund and the caddie who ends up closest to the pin takes the money home. This tournament tradition honors Tom Watson’s longtime caddie and friend Bruce Edwards, who passed away in 2004 from ALS. Fans can keep track of how the caddies are doing, as closest-to-the-pin information is provided on the leaderboards surrounding No. 17.

CHAPEL SERVICE Sunday, March 15 For the 36th year, THE PLAYERS will stage a Sunday morning service prior to the tournament’s final round, this year in Stadium Village located in THE PLAYERS Welcome Experience. Fans are encouraged to gather on the lawn for a sermon given by a local pastor. Seating is provided and complimentary coffee and donuts are available to all. 7-8 AM

CLOSING CEREMONIES Sunday, March 15 When the final putt drops on Sunday, there’s still more for fans to experience as the tournament champion is presented the winning trophy. THE PLAYERS closing ceremonies are held on the Lower Clubhouse Lawn (approximately 6 PM). Stick around as the 2020 winner signs a limited number of commemorative pin flags to distribute to some lucky fans.

THE PLAYERS 5K WITH DONNA Saturday, May 9 THE PLAYERS continues its partnership with The DONNA Foundation, hosting a 5K race expected to draw a capacity field of 1,750 runners. The race starts at 8:30 AM and winds through THE PLAYERS Stadium Course’s back nine holes at TPC Sawgrass. Net proceeds go to breast cancer research at Mayo Clinic and care for those living with the disease. To date, the event has raised nearly $500,000 for the foundation. Participants receive a t-shirt and a ticket to the tournament. A postrace celebration and awards ceremony takes place near the finish. u photo by PGA TOUR