PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — On Thursday, 154 of the world’s best golfers will tee-off from TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship with a $15 million purse at stake.
You may expect things to run a little differently this year after the COVID-19 pandemic sidelined the tournament last year, and you’d be right.
Action News Jax has complied a comprehensive guide on everything from new COVID safety protocols to parking changes and dining options.
TICKETS
They’re sold out. At least normal priced tickets are.
Now those wishing to attend must purchase tickets through verified re-sale on secondary sites like Ticket Master.
Complimentary admission will be provided to active duty, retired, reserve, and National Guard members and one dependent on Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10. Valid identification and credentials are required.
Veterans with valid identification will receive discounted admission on Tuesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 10.
Kids under the age of 15 are free with a ticketed adult on Tuesday and Wednesday.
[ RELATED: Tickets for THE PLAYERS sold out ]
ATTENDANCE
Attending this year’s event? Consider yourself lucky.
Tickets for the Championship sold out in less than 30 minutes.
In previous years crowds could swell as high as 60,000; in 2021, admission is capped at 20 percent capacity.
Executive Director Jared Rice told Action News Jax that the reduction “gives an opportunity to execute the tournament safely and to consider not only that our players and caddies, but also our volunteers and fans.”
MASKS
Masks must be work at all times during the day, unless actively eating or drinking. Even then, people must be at least ten feet from the ropes of the course to protect caddies and players who undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. Everything is contactless.
A PLAYERS spokesperson says to think of the 3 W’s:
Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.
TEE TIMES & SCHEDULE
The tournament begins Thursday, March 9 and ends Sunday, March 14.
Thursday: 6:40 a.m.
Friday: 6:40 a.m.
Saturday: 7:50 a.m.
Sunday: 7:50 a.m.
Tee times are typically posted the day before tournament play begins. The official groupings and starting times are posted at the tournament site.
PARKING
Parking passes are required for entry and can only be purchased online. The tournament will not be selling parking passes in the lot, and parking will not be sold at Publix or Will Call.
Parking space is limited and carpooling is encouraged.
‘Four or more for free’ vouchers nor preferred parking will be available for purchase in 2021.
For more parking information or to make a parking purchase click HERE.
PARKING: 5360 Palm Valley Road in Ponte Vedra Beach.
[ RELATED: Fans find parking alternatives at The Players Championship ]
WEATHER
Beautiful. Action News Jax First Alert Meteorologist Mike Buresh says players and attendees can expect fantastic weather through the final round Sunday.
Oak pollen will still be in full force but temperatures will be mild with highs in the 70s & plenty of sun each day.
Winds off the Atlantic will keep temperatures cooler than inland areas. This is the 3rd March (cancelled on Friday last year because of the COVID-19 shutdown) tournament since the move from May in 2018 (was also in March before 2007).
For the latest Buresh Blog, click HERE.
AUTOGRAPHS
PLAYERS officials say for the health and safety of everyone on property, no handshakes, first bumps, autographs, photographs or selfies with golfers are permitted at this time. Please respect their space and watch your distance.
COURSE
#MATCH4MILITARY
On Tuesday, March 9, THE PLAYERS will host a daylong fundraising campaign in honor of military appreciation to generate support and awareness for northeast Florida military organizations like K9s for Warriors, The Fire Watch, Greater Jacksonville Area USO, Wounded Warrior Project, Operation New Uniform and others.
THE PLAYERS will match, dollar for dollar, all donations up to $250,000.
You an help make an impact at www.theplayers.com/match4military.
[ THE PLAYERS kicks off the week with Military Appreciation Day ]
FAN SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE
Only certain bags can be brought in to the tournament: opaque bags that are 6 x 6 x 6 or smaller, clear bags that are 12 x 6 x 12 or smaller, a gallon-sized plastic freezer bag, medically necessary bags, or diaper bags.
Infant and medical supplies will be allowed, following an inspection. The gallon bag can contain food that fans bring in, if the food is in clear wrap.
Outside water bottles or beverages are not allowed in to the tournament.
Fans can be expelled or lose ticket privileges for violations of the code of conduct. Making rude or vulgar comments or gestures, verbally or physically harassing anyone, distracting players, disrupting play, acting unruly or unsafe, or failing to follow instruction from officials all qualify as violations.
Fans can report on-site issues to THE PLAYERS by texting 69050.
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FOOD AND DINING
The 2,550 square-foot restaurant’s outdoor veranda offers panoramic views of the expansive presentation lawn and both the 9th and 18th holes. NINETEEN is open to the public for casual dining breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week from 7:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Taste of JAX – 11 green/12 tee
- Cousins Maine Lobster – serving up its 100% premium, wild-caught, sustainably harvested lobster from Maine.
- MOJO BBQ – a premier barbecue, southern food, and craft cocktail destination with eight locations in North and Central Florida.
Wine & Dine on 9 presented by Meiomi Wines – 9 fairway
Enjoy food from Bonefish Grill and a glass of wine from Meiomi Wines, the official wine of the PGA TOUR, in a beautiful garden setting. Freshen up at the permanent restrooms here as well.
Food Court – THE PLAYERS Welcome Experience
- Homespun Kitchen – Healthy fast food. Vegan, gluten free or paleo available.
- Firehouse Subs
- Daily’s
Trucks on 10
This venue offers flavors from local, favorite food trucks and an open-air Michelob ULTRA Mobile bar.
- Twisted Okie
- Carolina Jax
- Mama’s
- Tikiz
Tacos on 12 – 12 green
One of the most well-trafficked food venues on the course, featuring food and drink from TacoLu.
Sawgrass Square – 10 tee
Located at the Davis Love III Entry, grab a donut from Mini Bar and/or some BBQ from 4 Rivers Smokehouse.
Remember: Fans can refill up their empty water bottles at the filtered water stations: No. 10 tee, No. 9 fairway, behind 16 green, behind 12 tee). In addition, THE PLAYERS will allow reusable plastic or metal cups up to 32oz at entries, as long as they are empty.