PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – It’s the golden anniversary of The Players Championship, one of the most iconic events in golf.
Here’s what you need to know about the 50th Players this week at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.
When is it?
Tournament week begins Monday when golfers begin arriving for practice rounds but the course doesn’t open to the public until Tuesday.
Tuesday kicks things off in a big way. Gates open at 7:30 a.m. for practice rounds. Military appreciation festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. Country artist Cole Swindell will headline the annual military appreciation concert that begins at 5 p.m.
Wednesday is a practice day for golfers. Gates open at 7 a.m.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday are tournament rounds. Gates open at 7:30 a.m.
RELATED: First-round tee times for The Players Championship on Thursday
All about tickets and parking
Tickets are available through The Players website, which will redirect fans to purchase through Ticketmaster. Current prices as of Friday afternoon are listed below and are standard stadium passes. Upgraded tickets are also available. General parking on Friday and Saturday is sold out and only available through verified resellers.
Tuesday ticket prices: $40 | Tuesday parking prices: $15
Wednesday ticket prices: $30 | Wednesday parking prices: $15
Thursday ticket prices: $97 | Thursday parking prices: $40
Friday ticket prices: $115 | Friday parking prices: $60 (only available through verified resale market
Saturday ticket prices: $117 | Saturday parking prices: $60 (only available through verified resale market
Sunday ticket prices: $100 | Sunday parking prices: $40
Free parking options
Free local shuttle options at Palm Valley Academy, Valley Ridge Academy and Pine Island Academy are available to area residents. Park at any one of those schools and catch a free shuttle to The Players. Those are available Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Valley Ridge shuttle is only operational on Friday and Saturday. The shuttles drop fans off in front of the Nicklaus entrance.
Other shuttle choices
Not in the St. Johns County area? No problem. Shuttles from Downtown Jacksonville hotels will be running, too. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Hogan Street by the Marriott and Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk will be running. Cost is $20 and those shuttle passes can be purchased here.
Rideshare options
Available cars will be on hand for fans. Enter The Players through the Couples entry after being dropped off. For those leaving, exit through the Couples entry and follow the signage to the rideshare vehicles.
What about the kids?
The Players continues its policy of allowing two children 15 and under free admission with a ticketed adult. There is no pre-registration requirement for this. Just show up at the gate, show your ticket and the youth will be admitted free if they meet that age criteria.
Military and veterans tickets all claimed
Limited numbers of those are made available each year but they have all been claimed.
What can I bring in?
Opaque bags measuring 6x6x6 inches and smaller or clear bags 12x6x12 inches and smaller are allowed inside the course grounds.
Can I get autographs?
You sure can. There are designated zones in the practice range and the scoring area.
Cash not accepted
The Players is an entirely cashless experience now. Plan to use digital options or credit cards to make purchases.
Tell me about the golf
It’s the 50th anniversary edition and The Players has been played at five different venues. It was held at Atlanta Country Club (1974), Colonial Country Club in Texas (1975), Inverrary Country Club (1976), Sawgrass Country Club (1977-81) and TPC Sawgrass since 1982.
There has never been a golfer who has successfully defended his title. The final field will be released Friday afternoon.
Who has won The Players?
Scottie Scheffler is the returning champion, carding a final round 3-under 69 to beat Tyrrell Hatton by five strokes. Jacksonville resident Cameron Smith won in 2022. Justin Thomas won in 2021 and Rory McIlroy won in 2019. The 2020 Players was canceled after the opening round due to the pandemic. Here’s a look at the other winners.
As The Players Championship
2018: Webb Simpson (-18)
2017: Si Woo Kim (-10)
2016: Jason Day (-15)
2015: Rickie Fowler (-12)
2014: Martin Kaymer (-13)
2013: Tiger Woods (-13)
2012: Matt Kuchar (-13)
2011: KJ Choi (-13)
2010: Tim Clark (-16)
2009: Henrik Stenson (-12)
2008: Sergio Garcia (-5)
2007: Phil Mickelson (-11)
2006: Stephen Ames (-14)
2005: Fred Funk (-9)
2004: Adam Scott (-12)
2003: Davis Love III (-17)
2002: Craig Perks (-8)
2001: Tiger Woods (-14)
2000: Hal Sutton (-10)
1999: David Duval (-3)
1998: Justin Leonard (-10)
1997: Steve Elkington (-16)
1996: Fred Couples (-18)
1995: Lee Janzen (-5)
1994: Greg Norman (-24)
1993: Nick Price (-18)
1992: Davis Love III (-15)
1991: Steve Elkington (-12)
1990: Jodie Mudd (-10)
1989: Tom Kite (-9)
1988: Mark McCumber (-15)
As the Tournament Players Championship
1987: Sandy Lyle (-14)
1986: John Mahaffey (-13)
1985: Calvin Peete (-14)
1984: Fred Couples (-11)
1983: Hal Sutton (-5)
1982: Jerry Pate (-8)
1981: Raymond Floyd (-3)
1980: Lee Trevino (-10)
1979: Lanny Wadkins (-5)
1978: Jack Nicklaus (+1)
1977: Mark Hayes (+1)
1976: Jack Nicklaus (-19)
1975: Al Geiberger (-10)
1974: Jack Nicklaus (-16)