by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Friday night’s crowd at the Landing certainly didn’t resemble the madhouse that Florida-Georgia weekend can become, but considering Downtown was hosting the first ever Players Championship Downtown Experience, things went well and organizers anticipate the event will only grow.
Landing spokesperson Rachel Kaltenbach said about 5,000 people were at the Landing when the fireworks started at 10 p.m. The day-long event also included transportation from both the Southbank and Northbank to the tournament and back, interactive golf games, drink specials and entertainment. In addition to the Landing and The Players Championship, the event was also sponsored by the City, the Tourist Development Council and the Jacksonville & the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“We had a fabulous crowd,” said Kaltenbach. “It was a great beginning to something we worked with The Players Championship on to increase the experience for those staying at Downtown hotels.”
Brian Goin, executive director of The Players Championship, agreed.
“I think it was a great launch,” he said. “I am really, really, really pleased with the City and the TDC. We took a step, but have to grow it.”
Goin said if The Players Championship is to continue emerging as one of the premier golf tournaments in the world (it is the biggest tournament in both prize money and strength of field that’s actually organized and run by the PGA Tour), including Downtown Jacksonville — and the entire Northeast Florida area — in the week long events is imperative.
“Those guests (that stayed in Downtown hotels) felt The Players Championship environment and that was our goal,” said Goin. “From a tournament standpoint, that environment Downtown helps elevate the event and the tournament.”
Several pro golfers made appearances including Mark McCumber, who won The Players Championship in 1988.
Kaltenbach called the Experience a “great building block” and said the objective now is to look at what went well, what didn’t and make the necessary changes for next year’s event. She said before this year’s Downtown event, the tournament has been identified primarily as a beach event, specifically Ponte Vedra.
“This was a whole different event,” she said. “It will serve as a good base for what worked this year. It’s a learning process.”
Goin stressed the importance of assuring this year’s Players Championship Downtown Experience wasn’t a one-time event.
“We need to learn how to use it,” said Goin. “I hope it’s something we can grow on and it was a nice investment to start on. We’ve got to keep it going.”