THE PLAYERS Tournament – Family Style

Thanks to THE PLAYERS Championship for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

I spent much of my childhood visiting the First Coast because my closest relatives lived here. Now I live here and can’t imagine living anywhere else. I have many fond memories of my time in Jacksonville, but some of my favorite early memories always centered around one of golf’s greatest sporting events in our own backyard – THE PLAYERS Championship.

When I was a teenager and Tiger Woods was fairly new to the golfing scene, I took my younger cousin out to THE PLAYERS for the day. We were in between holes when Tiger passed nearby and handed my cousin his golf ball. I couldn’t believe it, and by the look on my cousin’s face, neither could he! It certainly made our day and made us golf fans for life. Now, some 20+ years later, I look forward to this week more than ever and each year spend several days out at TPC Sawgrass enjoying the TOUR’S flagship event.

This year, TPC begins May 10th and runs through the 15th. I am even more excited to take my five-year-old son out on the Wednesday of the tournament (which is typically less crowded and very kid-friendly) to experience what I did as a child. You can save the cost of their admission with a paying adult (adult daily passes range from $20-$65.) There is no limit … so grab your kids and your neighbors’ kids and enjoy a world-class sporting event together!

If you’ve got more than one adult looking to attend, you may want to consider the Family Plan package. For just $95, you’ll get two adult Stadium Passes (formerly known as Grounds tickets), unlimited youth admissions and two $10 concession vouchers. Visit a Daily’s convenience store or  to purchase ahead of time. General Parking on Tuesday and Wednesday is free, but it will cost you $30-35 other days and you must purchase your pass here in advance, unlike in previous years, there will be no on-site parking sales.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MAY 08: during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 8, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kristin Balcita/PGA TOUR)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 08: during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 8, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kristin Balcita/PGA TOUR)

Tuesday’s practice round is another great option for families and also honors all active, retired and reserve military personnel and their families. You’ll want to visit the Patriots’ Outpost for well-deserved, VIP treatment. And, stick around for the Toby Keith concert at 6 p.m., which is being moved to the famed 17th hole this year, further offering great views from nearly anywhere in the area.

My son’s favorite player is Bubba Watson, who I’m sure we will follow part of the day. The other part will be spent following my favorite – Aussie, Adam Scott. If tournament officials are reading this – you could save me a lot of time and running around if you could pair them together (a girl can dream, right?). In addition, to getting up close to these pros on a day where their scores don’t matter, they are much more likely to get autographs. Kids have their own designated spot or “kid’s corner” which has been expanded this year at two autograph areas behind the 18th green and also the driving range. Be sure to hit the merchandise shop and pick up a flag for them to hold out or an inflatable golf ball. The players normally carry their own Sharpie markers, so that’s one less thing you have to try and remember to pack. Speaking of packing, here’s a list of what you can and cannot bring inside.

BRING IT:

  • Opaque 6x6x6 bags and clear 12x6x12 bags with clear-wrapped food (no outside beverages)
  • Cell phones – just remember to be respectful of play, silence them upon entering the Welcome Zone and only talk in cell phone friendly zones
  • Cameras on Tuesday and Wednesday

LEAVE IT AT HOME:

  • No radios or noise-producing devices
  • No coolers
  • No weapons
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MAY 10: during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 10, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kristin Balcita/PGA TOUR)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 10: during the final round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 10, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Kristin Balcita/PGA TOUR)

Here are a few things to keep the kids busy when they get tired of looking up for the “birdies” they keep hearing about. Take them over to the McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation Kid Zone featuring Imagination Playground, a putt-putt course, arts and crafts, face painting and a rock climbing wall. You’ll also find kid-friendly food, a restroom trailer, and plenty of shade. Parents can take a break, too, and sit back and watch the action on giant video boards. This is one of the few places on the course that you won’t be asked to keep quiet because of golf play.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MAY 08: during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 8, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Cy Cyr/PGA TOUR)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 08: during the second round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 8, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Cy Cyr/PGA TOUR)

Bring a $5 donation and take a swing at the PwC’s First Tee Challenge – a replica of the famed 17th hole where you’ll get two shots at the Island Green, and support the First Tee of North Florida. With a $20 donation, you can purchase a “Fast Pass” to skip the line and receive a free sleeve of golf balls. Disney-goers know this “skip-the-line” pass as my son calls it, can be priceless when you have tired toddlers and uncooperative kids.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL - MAY 07: during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 7, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jennifer Perez/PGA TOUR)
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL – MAY 07: during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on May 7, 2015 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jennifer Perez/PGA TOUR)

If your kids like sweets, check the merchandise tents for a signature Peterbrooke Chocolatier mini THE PLAYERS Championship trophy replica made out of chocolate, of course. When they need a napkin to wipe off the melted chocolate, use this as an excuse to seek out an adult beverage (and a cocktail napkin or two for them). My favorite is THE PLAYERS Punch available at The Oasis, or a chilled glass of wine at Wine & Dine on Nine, which has doubled its seating area space and just happens to be close to a permanent set of restrooms (win-win!).

A few other helpful tips:

  • Download the free and improved PGA Tour app and get real-time updates and player locations, tee times and scoring, concession maps and more.
  • You can bring in your own food in a one-gallon clear, plastic bag if food items are wrapped in clear wrap. No beverages are allowed. Medically necessary supplies, strollers, small diaper bags, plastic baby bottles, and other necessary baby supplies (infant must be with carrier) – all items subject to search!
  • If you have four or more people in the car, print out ahead of time a “Four for Free” parking pass and head toward the general lot off of County Road 210. A new voucher must be downloaded and printed for each day, but there is no limit to the number of days guests can park for free. It takes less than five minutes to print and saves you $30-$35 depending on the day.
  • Free chilled and filtered water is available in the restrooms near The Patio behind the 16th green and 17th tee. Fill up a cup as many times as you want.
  • Use your MasterCard at on-course concessions and save 10%.
  • Food trucks will be lined up on the 10th hole. Some local favorites Up in Smoke BBQ, Pounders Burgers, Mama’s Food and Mystery Melt. Don’t go there looking for TacoLu’s Banging Bus – they are going to be set up between the 12th green and the 13th tee. Taste of Jax is also in between 11 green and 12 tee (with nice permanent restrooms and a patio here)- you can find pizza here from Pele’s Wood Fire and try out three new eateries there this year, Candy Apple Cafe, Mojo Kitchen and Trasco & Co. Eatery.
  • Don’t forget to wear your pink if you go on Sunday – AKA Pink Out Championship Sunday.

You don’t even have to love golf to have an incredible time at THE PLAYERS. Whether you are a sports fan, golfer, kid, adult, foodie, mom, dad, social butterfly, a fan of the outdoors – there is literally something for everyone to enjoy at one of the most beautifully manicured courses in the world.

If you’ve never gone, this is a great year to start making memories that will last a lifetime.

Kerry Schicker
Boy mom. Household CEO. Corporate leader. Outdoor lover. Social seeker. Sun worshipper. Curious traveler. Champagne enthusiast. These words describe me, Kerry Schicker, and contributor for Jacksonville Mom. I first approached founders Vicky and Megan after a heartbreaking miscarriage a few years ago. I had a very unpleasant experience with my OB at the time and I needed to get it off my chest so I wrote an anonymous blog that resonated with some of our readers. I have since written dozens of blogs mostly about motherhood. I have a passion for writing. My 20-year career has grown through some form of writing including TV news reporting and producing, magazine publishing, public relations, advertising, marketing, blogging and my current day job doing HR and employee communications for a Fortune 300 FinTech company. I am thankful that Jacksonville has such a supportive community for moms like me, and I can't imagine raising my two boys anywhere else.

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