by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Thursday marked the first drives on the fairway by golfers at The Players. Golf enthusiasts who couldn’t make the opening-round pilgrimage to Sawgrass watched their favorite golfers on television.
The Jacksonville Landing was one location where workday golf fans went to see live coverage of the tournament, and many went for a glimpse during their lunch breaks.
“I’m a golf freak,” said Will Landry of the Duval County Health Department, while he watched the big screen from his outside seat. “I just came by for lunch and didn’t even know they were showing the tournament here, but it worked out just right.”
Landry said he has been an avid golfer and enthusiast for over four years and though he couldn’t make it for Thursday or Friday rounds, he was going to see the tournament live on Sunday.
Others, like David May of Progress Rail Services, knew the Landing was showing the tournament and met friends Downtown for lunch and a peek at the standings.
“Actually, I found out about it last night (Wednesday) during Art Walk when they were celebrating Mark McCumber for winning it 20 years ago,” said May. “So we decided to come down here and watch.”
May, along with friends Tom Bailey and Dustin Oaks of Interline Brands, Mark Nesz if Optimus Solutions and Gerald Chance of CSX, took in the golf from the indoor food court. Unable to go Thursday or Friday, they all said they would try to make it for the Saturday round.
Some decided to enjoy the tournament during their lunch break inside one of the Landing’s restaurants.
Jason Wegehoft, along with co-workers Kevin Wallrath, Whit Barker, Lyndsay Nader and Mike Hampton from the accounting firm Ernst & Young, had patio seating at Hooters while they waited for live tournament coverage to begin at 1 p.m. Wegehoft, Wallrath and Barker said they wanted to go for Saturday’s rounds, but didn’t want to miss much of the action Thursday.
“I’ve been a golf person for about 20 years,” said Wegehoft. “We couldn’t be there, so we wanted some place to watch.”
Increased business is one of the perks for area vendors, but the Landing is also hoping to attract those who can’t make the tournament back to the entertainment venue by offering differing attractions as part of a Players Downtown Experience.
One of the biggest attractions will be the “Nine Holes at The Landing,” a nine-hole putting green with prize giveaways. According to Visit Jacksonville’s Carrie McLaren, one of the holes will be a replica of the famed 17th hole at the Stadium Course, complete with water and rocks.
“I’ve heard it is going to be quite a scene, almost 50 feet,” she said.
Other attractions include official merchandise stands, golf swing demonstrations and tips from GolfTec and live music each evening through Saturday.
For more information on all the attractions and events, go to www.jaxdowntownexperience.com.