The Players Championship Returns to Ponte Vedra
TPC SAWGRASS HOSTS THE PLAYERS 2020 THIS MARCH
Image from PGA Tour
One of the most anticipated tournaments of the PGA Tour, The Players Championship, returns to Sawgrass Stadium in Ponte Vedra Beach this March. Many consider this five-day competition as an opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life - a beautiful day of watching golf, dressed to a tee while enjoying the company of friends and family. An event for both golfers and viewers, The Players Championship is not to be missed.
About THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass
The design of the course was a collaborative effort between the well-known golf course architect, Pete Dye, and the PGA tour commissioner at the time, Deane Beman. The course was carefully designed in a manner that does not favor a particular style of play or player. This has made for many exciting finishes in an environment created with both players and viewers in mind.
Since it is not an official event on the European tour, The Players Championship has been named the unofficial fifth major of golfing tournaments. It is the second of these tournaments which are The Masters, The Players, the U.S. Open, The Open Championship, the PGA Championship and the Tour Championship. Even though it is not internationally recognized, contestants flock from all over the world to play their way towards a whopping 12.5 million dollar prize. This prize amount tops all other PGA tournaments, including the U.S. Open which awards the winner with 12 million dollars. In addition to a monetary prize, winning also grants a five-year exemption from the PGA Tour, a three-year invitation to the Masters Tournament, a three-year exemption from the U.S. Open and The Open Championship, an exemption to the next three PGA Championship tournaments and 600 FedEx Cup points, if a PGA Tour member.
Why March?
As many recollect, TPC is typically held in May. After 13 years, the date has been switched back to March due to a realignment of the golf season. The exact dates for 2020 are March 12th to March 15th. The PGA Championship is now held in May as opposed to August. This means that the Players no longer has a chance of being held on Mother’s Day, which brought about the tradition of wearing pink apparel.
History of The Players Championship
The Players Championship teed off in 1974 at the Atlanta Country Club. For the following years, the location of the tournament changed until the PGA signed a multi-year contract with Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach. In 2006, the course underwent construction which included a 77,000 square foot Mediterranean style clubhouse. This renovation was very well received by players.
Image from Quint Events
Memorable Moments
In 1982, Jerry Pate celebrated winning the Inaugural Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass by tossing PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman into the lake beside the 18th hole. He then followed by jumping in himself along with course designer Pete Dye.
On March 24th, 2001, Tiger Woods played a long birdie putt at par-3 17th which was followed by announcer Gary Koch’s declaration that the putt was “better than most.” This call made Woods’s stroke historic.
Lunch Break
When it is time to take a break from the excitement, fresh food is right around the corner. Timoti’s Seafood Shak is ready to serve you tasty wild-caught sea-fare. Stop by to try some of our amazing tacos, poke bowls, fried favorites and more!