Players fan guide: A one-stop shop for everything you need to know about the tournament
Where: The Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass (7,189 yards, par-72; architect, Pete Dye).
When: Practice rounds, March 12-13; competitive rounds March 14-17.
Purse: $25 million ($4.5 million to the winner).
FedEx Cup: 750 points to the winner.
TV: Golf Channel (Thursday-Friday, 12-6 p.m.); NBC (Saturday-Sunday, 1-6 p.m.).
Defending champion: Scottie Scheffler.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
All times are subject to adjustment based on weather.
March 12: Practice round, gates open 7:30 a.m. Military Appreciation Day ceremony (17th green), 4:30 p.m., followed by Cole Swindell concert. All Tuesday tickets are good for admission to the concert.
March 13: Practice round, gates open, 7:30 a.m.
March 14: First round, gates open 7:30 a.m.
March 15: Second round, gates open 7:30 a.m.
March 16: Third round, gates open 7:30 a.m.
March 17: Fourth round, gates open 7:30 a.m.
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS
Stadium Passes: All Stadium Pass tickets are mobile and must be purchased at theplayers.com/tickets. Each fan is limited to purchasing six tickets for each day, per account. Please email ticketsupport@pgatourhq.com or call 1-800-404-7887 for additional information.
Will Call: Located at 830 A1A North near Larry’s Giant Subs, Ponte Vedra Beach.
Youth policy: Up to two youths aged 15 and under will be admitted free with a ticketed adult all week. All youth 6 and under must have a ticket to access hospitality venues.
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP PARKING AND TRAFFIC
Parking: The public lot off State Road 210 is $15 on Tuesday and Wednesday and $40 per day during the competitive rounds. All parking passes must be purchased at theplayers.com/parking in advance of the tournament day fans are planning to attend. No parking will be sold at the public lot and all passes are digital.
Parking passes for the second round on Friday, March 15, and the third round, on Saturday, March 16, are sold out. Passes may be available for sold-out days on The Players verified resale service, ticketmaster.com.
Directions: When using GPS, input 5360 Palm Valley Road, Ponte Vedra Beach. From the Beaches, take Third Street/A1A South. Go 4 miles past the St. Johns County line and turn right on C.R. 210. The lot is on the right. Fans coming from any location west of the Intracoastal Waterway are advised to take I-95 North or South to Exit 329 (State Road 210) and Nocatee Parkway. Go 7 miles to a traffic circle and take the third exit onto Palm Valley Road. The lot is 3 miles on the left. The 210/Nocatee Parkway route is the fastest, least congested path to the tournament. Fans are advised to use FDOT’s 511 Traveler Information System for traffic information or by downloading the free Florida 511 mobile app. Fans also can sign up for text, phone or email alerts through FL511.com.
Disabled Guest Services: The Players will provide shuttles for fans with handicapped parking access. Fans must still purchase a parking pass in advance for general parking. Fans with a handicapped parking hang tag and a Players' parking pass will park in a specific part of the general parking lot. From there, golf carts will take them to one of the designated disabled guest services locations on the golf course.
Carts will run from the time gates open until 30 minutes after play ends and will only pick up and drop off from the below designated locations. They will not stray from the official route under any circumstances:
∎ Behind 16 Green by Couples Gate and The Bier Garden Presented by Hoptinger.
∎ Behind 17 Tee adjacent to the Welcome Experience and the Food Court.
∎ Players left of 9 Fairway by Wine & Dine on 9.
∎ Players left of 9 Green by Past Chairman Hospitality.
∎ Clubhouse area behind 3 Tee.
∎ Players' right of 16 Tee.
∎ Players’ right of 15 Fairway.
If disabled guests need assistance from a location without shuttle access, they should contact any tournament official with a radio.
Rideshare, presented by TruGreen: Drop off and pick up are at the Couples Gate near the 15th hole. Enter The Players Championship as a destination.
Nocatee shuttle: The Players will run a free shuttle for Nocatee and other nearby residents from Friday, March 10 to Sunday, March 12, running continuously from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shuttle parking lots, which are free, are at the Palm Valley Academy (700 Bobcat Lane, Ponte Vedra Beach 32081), Valley Ridge Academy (105 Greenleaf Drive, Ponte Vedra 32081) and Pine Island Academy (805 Pine Island Road, St. Augustine 32095). Dropoff and pickup will be at the Nicklaus Gate. The Valley Ridge Academy shuttle is not available on Sunday. Shuttles are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Downtown shuttles: Shuttles are available from Thursday, March 14 through Sunday, March 17 at the Marriott Jacksonville Downtown on Hogan Street, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront and the Southbank Hotel (which Doubletree guests can access). Round-trip shuttle passes are $20, with passes available at theplayers.com/transportation-parking. Hotel parking fees may apply.
Lexus Loyalty Lot: Lexus drivers will have access to upgraded parking at The Players. They will still need to purchase a parking pass. Availability is first-come, first-served and limited to the first 100 cars.
Pedal to The Players: The Players offers complimentary bike parking in Lot 4W, just past Gate B. Fans should enter the TPC Sawgrass from the entrance off PGA Tour Boulevard. Bike parking is not available in the general parking lot. Bike racks are available free of charge and fans are reminded to bring their own bike locks.
Golf cart parking: Complimentary golf cart parking services are offered Tuesday through Sunday in Lot 4W in the same location as bike parking.
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP FAN CODE OF CONDUCT
Spectators are subject to expulsion and the loss of ticket privileges for the following breaches of etiquette: Making rude, vulgar or other inappropriate comments or gestures; verbally or physically harassing players, volunteers, officials or spectators; districting players or any disruption of play; unruly, disruptive, unsafe or illegal behavior; and failing to follow the instructions of tournament officials, volunteers or security personnel.
THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP AND THE MILITARY
Players Championship for active-duty military and retirees were sold out on March 5. However, returns might be available through The Players verified resale partner, ticketmaster.com.
The Patriots’ Outpost, presented by CSX, will be near the 16th tee for active duty, retired, reserve, National Guard members, veterans and one accompanied dependent. It will offer complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP STADIUM VILLAGE
Food Court: Firehouse Subs, Homespun Kitchen, The Local, Tropical Smoothie, Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q. New this year will be Top Dawg.
17th Hole Challenge: A replica of the 17th hole where fans can take two free shots at the Island Green or purchase an additional chance for a $5 donation to First Tee. Fans can make a $20 donation (or more) for a “First Tee Fast Pass” to bypass the line, take five shots and receive a free sleeve of golf balls. All proceeds will benefit First Tee.
The Grove featuring Maestro Dobel Tequila: Maestro Dobel, the official tequila of the PGA TOUR, will offer three signature cocktails, the Dobel Ace Paloma. While in the lounge, fans can experience Dobel’s history and hone their tequila knowledge with the brand’s tequila experts.
PGA TOUR FAN SHOP
Fans either ticketed or not will be allowed to access the Fan Shop the weekend before The Players on Friday, March 8 from 12-5 p.m.; and Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Hours of the Fan Shop during tournament week will coincide with gate openings.
THE PLAYERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow The Players and coverage at jacksonville.com at the following Twitter feeds: @theplayers, @pgatour, @jaxdotcom, @TimesUnionMedia, @gsmitter, @GeneFrenette and @golfweek.
PGA TOUR APP
The PGA Tour app will be more interactive, bringing users closer to the championship. It will include faster scoring updates and load times, wayfinding technology to find on-course destinations (including step-by-step directions) and where your favorite players are, more statistics, player profiles and a tour of every hole on the course, with imagery and stats.
FOOD AND DRINK OPTIONS
Stadium Village Food Court: Top Dawg, Firehouse Subs, Homespun Kitchen, Tropical Smoothie, Bono’s BBQ and Dailey's.
Taste of JAX: At 11th green/12th tee — Cousins Maine Lobster, Mojo BBQ, Silkie's Chicken & Champagne Bar, The G.O.A.T. Tapas and Bar, Taste of Jax Bar featuring the Bushmills Bar.
Wine & Dine on 9: Presented by Meiomi Wines along ninth fairway. Includes food from Bonefish Grill and Meiomi Wines, the official wine of the PGA Tour, in a garden setting. Area includes a putting green.
Trucks on 10: Along the 10th hole — Twisted Okie BBQ, Mama’s, Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, Tikiz, Pele’s. Top Nacho and open-air Michelob Ultra Mobile bar.
Tacos on 12: On 12th green, featuring food and drink from TacoLu.
Sawgrass Square: By 10th tee, Davis Love III Gate. Food options are Mini Bar and 4 Rivers Smokehouse. This is also the location of the new WHOOP immersive experience. Fans can test their putting skills while using WHOOP’s technology. Don’t leave empty-handed with a free, 30-day trial and your own WHOOP band.
The Patio: Between the 10th tee and 18th green/16th tee — Shaded fan zone with open-air seating and video board to keep up with the tournament. V Pizza and Michelob Ultra bar.
Bier Garden, presented by Hoptinger: Behind 16th green, near the Couples (rideshare) Gate. Craft beer and bar bites from Hoptinger, a locally-owned bier garden and sausage house.
The Oasis and Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge: An air-conditioned venue with signature cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka and food and drink available for purchase.
The Grove: Behind 17th tee, featuring Maestro Dobel tequila with three signature cocktails.
HOSPITALITY VENUES
Intracoastal Club: A new hospitality experience, presented by Shark Coatings, debuts in 2024 between No. 12 and 13. The open-air facility provides views of the drivable par-4 12th and par-3 13th with a sports bar ambiance with TV screens, bar-style seating and options to purchase upscale food and beverage, including beer, wine, and signature cocktails.
The Island Suite: A smaller version of the Players Marquee offers lounge seating, an inclusive upscale menu, personalized company branding, customizable alcohol options and a personal attendant, with a prime location on Holes 16 or 17. Ticket packages start at 40 tickets per day, Thursday through Sunday.
The Championship Club: Overlooking the 16th fairway and green, this location offers a high-end event experience that doesn’t require a fully private suite. Ticket packages start at 4 tickets per day, Thursday-Sunday.
Sold out: The following hospitality venues are sold out — The Deck, Players Marquee, Dye's Pavilion, Greenside Seats at 17 presented by Stellar, Players Club. Passes returned for those venues may be available at ticketmaster.com.
OTHER FAN AMENITIES
Fan lockers: Located by the Nicklaus and Couples Gates and sponsored by Atlantic Self Storage, The Players is offering lockers to fans so they can store belongings while they’re on the course. The items must still adhere to tournament policy regarding what can and can’t be brought onto the property.
Family Lounge presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital: As part of Baptist’s program as the on-site provider of medical services, the Family Suite will extend their services to attendees of The Players with the venue serving as a comfort station for mothers and fathers to care for their babies and have a comfortable venue as needed during tournament week. The venue is open to all ticketholders and will also be providing diapers free of charge.
Kids Zone presented by Nemours Children’s Health, near 8 Green: Open-to-the public featuring activities for kids and families.
Morgan Stanley Fan Experience: Located along the 18th fairway, fans are invited to learn about Morgan Stanley's Eagles for Impact program, benefitting the First Tee's Coach Diversity Initiative and the opportunity to recreate three storied putts at a club-in-hand guided putting green experience.
Fan Bleacher, presented Tito’s Handmade Vodka: Public bleacher with scenic views of the 8th green and 9th tee and handcrafted cocktails for purchase.
PLAYERS SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Lost and found: Visit the spectator information booth near the Nicklaus Gate for items lost on that day. For items lost on previous tournament days, call Will Call at (904) 867-0048. Fans who suspect they may have lost an item after the tournament has concluded should call (800) 404-7887 and select option 3. Items can take up to a week to get to the main lost office.
Autograph policy: Permitted at designated areas near the practice range and scoring at The Perch (the two-story structure behind the 18th green). Autograph requests should not be made of players on the golf course. No memorabilia can be brought into the tournament including pin flags, photos, trading cards, balls and other sports paraphernalia.
Camera/photography policy: Still or video cameras are not allowed Thursday through Sunday during the competitive rounds.
Mobile device policy: All devices (smartphones, pads, pagers) must always be silent. Texting is allowed in all areas. Devices may be used to capture video, audio or photos in all areas, but flash is not allowed. Content may be used for personal purposes, such as posting on social media, but not for commercial use. No live streaming or real-time coverage is allowed. Do not ask players to pose for "selfies" outside the autograph areas.
Photography policy: Cameras, either point-and-shoot, film or DSLR cameras are allowed during Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds but prohibited the rest of the week. Photography during competitive rounds (Thursday-Sunday) is allowed only with mobile phones. No video cameras are allowed all week.
Social media: Fans are encouraged to share their experiences on social media under the photography/video guidelines. Use #THEPLAYERS and mention @THEPLAYERSChamp to see tweets on LED scoreboards throughout the course.
Inclement weather policy: If inclement weather is in the vicinity, spectators will be advised of the appropriate protocols on electronic scoreboards, including guidance about the conditions and the appropriate actions fans should take. Please do not presume that play will be canceled if it rains. Re-entry to the tournament will be allowed following a suspension of play.
Outside food policy: The Players allows fans to bring in their own food in a 1-gallon clear, plastic bag where food items are also wrapped in clear wrap. This policy does not allow fans to bring beverages. Filtered drinking water is available in the permanent restrooms near The Patio near the 10th tee, Taste of Jax near 11 green and Wine & Dine on the ninth hole, behind the 16th green.
Alcohol policy: Alcohol will not be served to anyone under 21 years old. Proof of age is required for anyone younger than 35. Only two drinks can be purchased at a time. Spectators are not allowed to carry more than two drinks at a time. Subject to delays in play, alcohol sales will end at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Bag policy: Purses and small bags must be 6 by 6 by 6 inches or smaller. Clear bags must be 12 by 6 by 12 inches or smaller. Bags for medical necessities and diaper bags will be allowed but subject to inspection.
Permanent Restrooms and Filtered Water Stations: Near No. 10 tee/No. 16 tee; Wine & Dine on 9 (near No. 5 green/No. 9 fairway); behind 16 green (near The Grove); Taste of JAX (Located behind 11 green and 12 tee).
Hydration: The Players will allow reusable plastic or metal cups up to 32 ounces at entry gates, if empty.
First Aid presented by Baptist Health: Near 4 tee, Davis Love III entry, 9 tee, 15 tee.
On-site issues: Text 69050 to reach a staff member during the tournament.
PERMITTED ITEMS
Point and shoot, film or DSLR cameras Tuesday and Wednesday, no cases
Umbrellas, no sleeves
Collapsible chairs, no cases
Binoculars, no cases
Portable radios with headsets
Mobile phones or PDAs
Medically necessary materials
Infant carrier, diaper bags and other baby supplies (infant must be with the carrier)
Motorized transportation devices for handicapped persons
Seat cushions without pockets, without cases
Reusable plastic or metal cups/bottles that are empty upon entry and exit and cannot hold more than 32 ounces.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Noise-producing devices
Fireworks or laser pointers
Coolers or outside beverages
Folding chair bags
Backpacks, camera cases, mesh bags, seat cushions, large tote bags, binocular cases
Weapons of any kind
Signs, posters or banners
Pets (except service animals)
Computers or laptops
Bicycles, skateboards, mopeds, tricycles
Drones or other devices that can be operated in airspace
Selfie sticks
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Players Championship fan guide for tickets, parking, good and fun
