The Players Championship
Florida is the golfing capital of the United States. You’re not going to find a state in the country with more golf courses than Florida. The perfect year-round weather, palm trees, and ocean views make it a dream destination for golfing during all seasons. While none of the four golf majors are played in Florida, numerous professional golfing events are held in the state, including The Players Championship.
The Players Championship is known as the fifth major, one of the biggest golf events of the calendar year. It is a tournament on the PGA Tour that is considered one of the most prestigious in the game. The tournament’s field has 144 players and will typically feature just about all the top fifty golfers on the planet. One of the things that sets this massive golfing showcase apart is the prize fund of $15,000,000, of which the winner of the tournament receives $2.7 million.
Sawgrass Country Club is a stunning country club with some of the best golf courses in the country. The Players Championship course is a stadium course that was built in 1980. It was built to try and maximize the fan experience with great spectating settings and a balanced layout. Its 17th hole is consistently rated as one of the best in golf.
The first iteration of the tournament was played in 1974 in Georgia, but in 1976, the PGA reached a deal to play the tournament at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, 18 miles south of Jacksonville. Sawgrass has been the home of the tournament ever since.
The Players Championship will return to the Jacksonville area from March 8th to the 13th. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and the location but can typically be found for anywhere from $80 to $300 to access the stadium. Up to two children aged 15 and under will be admitted for free with a ticketed adult all week, so bring the young ones!
The Players Championship is arguably the pinnacle of golfing in Florida, a significant tournament that brings the state into the center of the professional golfing world. While it isn’t an official major, this tournament is widely considered the fifth most important golfing event of the year. With the highest prize payout of any event, you know the players will be competing hard.
Other Great Golfing Areas Near Jacksonville
Ponte Vedra Beach isn’t the only place near Jacksonville with top-notch golfing. Jacksonville is the biggest city in Florida, and it is a golf lovers’ dream. There are countless incredible courses in the city, and the areas surrounding are just as full of great options. Many of Jacksonville’s suburbs are serious hotspots for those looking to hit the links, and the Atlantic views, incredible weather, and pristine courses make for time well spent.
Palm Coast and St. Augustine are great areas for golfers. Palm Coast is a rapidly growing city south of Jacksonville. It is a popular retirement destination, with great golfing and beautiful oceanfront property. Golf courses and country clubs like Cypress Knoll and Pine Lakes contribute to its reputation. St. Augustine is a beautiful little city that dates back to the 16th century. It is north of Palm Coast and south of Jacksonville. There are seven different golf courses in this small town and numerous country clubs.
Jacksonville Beach, Daytona Beach, and Atlantic Beach are three more areas near Jacksonville with great golfing. As you can tell from the names, they all offer incredible beach-front property as well. Jacksonville Beach is a resort city just north of Ponte Vedra Beach. It is a hotspot for nature lovers with incredible wildlife and ocean views, and the golfing options are great. There are many courses nearby, including the stunning Jacksonville Beach Golf Club.
Daytona Beach is far south of Jacksonville but still located along the east end of the Florida coast. While it is primarily known as a popular spring break destination and the site of the NASCAR Daytona 500, there are several courses in the area, roughly 20 according to some sources. Golfing options won’t be a problem.
Atlantic Beach is a city that is part of the Jacksonville Beaches community in Duval County. It is a small area primarily made up of oceanfront landscapes, but there are still great golfing options. Atlantic Beach Country Club is great for golfing, and there are many other courses only a short drive away.
