by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
You asked for less expensive food. You asked for water stations on the course. You asked for a break on ticket prices. You asked for longer hours for beer sales. You even asked for free beer.
You are someone who attended The Players in 2008 and took part in an on-line survey that tournament officials have used to make several changes for this year’s tournament, set for May 4-10 in which Spaniard Sergio Garcia will defend his title.
“We are all sensitive to the economic climate and the challenges our fans face this year,” said Players Executive Director Jay Monahan, who went on to explain the on-line survey. He said thousands of comments and suggestions were received and many will be implemented. “We listen to the fans.”
Those headed to Ponte Vedra in May will see plenty of the same consistencies that make The Players one of the top events of the year: a championship-caliber golf course, the best field in golf and over 2,000 volunteers who make it all work. The result is an annual economic impact of roughly $150 million.
Those headed to the tournament will also see plenty of changes. Anyone 16 and under will get in free every day (practice and Thursday-Sunday rounds) as long as they are accompanied by one ticketed adult per child under 16. There is also a $10/day youth ticket for sale. Families of four can get a one-day package for $149 that includes two adult tickets, two youth tickets and a parking pass. There will also be hydration stations located all over the course and bottled water will cost $2.50 instead of $3.50. Finally, the end of beer sales has been extended from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the tournament.
“We have worked very diligently to make a great event even better,” said Monahan, who is overseeing his first Players after being named executive director shortly after the end of the 2008 tournament.
One of the Players’ — and the PGA Tour’s — objectives is to make sure local charities benefit from the tournament. Last year, The Players was responsible for raising $3 million for local charities and nonprofits. In years past, those funds have been distributed at a luncheon — usually held in November — to representatives of 94 charities and nonprofits. However, this past November, The Players held its “Giving Back Week” in which tournament officials personally delivered checks.
While Monahan understands the current economy dictates that raising money for nonprofits is a challenge at best, he also realizes the prestige The Players creates and the affect that prestige can have on people’s willingness to give.
“Looking at the charities, it is clear we are needed more than ever,” he said. “It is also clear we will exceed the $3 million The Players contributed last year.”
Several local organizations and foundations were recognized Monday as multiyear grant recipients for 2009. Baptist Health was one of those named.
”In a time when charitable giving is contracting, and believe me it is, The Players has been creative in ways” to give to charity, said Hugh Green, CEO of Baptist.
Tommy Douglas, chair of the 2009 Players, said this year’s volunteer army is in the process of voting for a single local organization to get a large lump sum. Douglas said the goal is to raise $40,000 alone for that single entity through an initiative dubbed “Mission Impact.” The voting closes April 10.
“The volunteers are determined to raise the bar,” said Douglas.
Speaking of the bar, tournament executives did not listen when you asked for free beer.
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