Coastal Companion

Your ultimate guide to the coast

The Players Championship 2010 at TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra

by

The 2010 THE PLAYERS Championship at the TPC Sawgrass takes place on May 6th – 9th, 2010, in Ponte Vedra Beach.

golfThe creation of TPC Sawgrass as host to THE PLAYERS was based on a few unique concepts. First, it would be the permanent home of THE PLAYERS, and it would be owned by the player. The course would be built with spectators in mind creating the first true “Stadium Course,” designed especially for the  fan experience.  Then the TPC would be a course of great design and character accessible all all golf fans. All these ideas were combined into the design.

The famous golf course architect Pete Dye was assigned the task. Commissioner Deane Beman wanted a course design that would favor no particular player or style of play. To meet this goal, an extensive effort was made to design a balanced golf course. There had to be a selection of short, medium and long holes within the categories of par-3s, par-4s and par-5s. There had to be both right and left doglegs. The course routing was laid out so no two consecutive holes ever played in the same direction.

The Players Downtown Experience – Jacksonville, Florida

by

As you know, it’s nothing but golf – golf – golf – this week and as part of the upcoming PLAYERS Championship, THE PLAYERS Downtown Experience returns for the third time to Downtown Jacksonville on Tuesday, May 5, through Sunday, May 10.

Tuesday
On Tuesday, May 5, you can visit the beautiful Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens for free from 4-9 p.m. sponsored by THE PLAYERS.

Wednesday
On Wednesday, May 6, the celebration continues at The Jacksonville Landing in conjunction with the First Wednesday Art Walk. The party begins at 5:30 p.m. Golf fans can enjoy highlights of THE PLAYERS on the big Jumbotron in the courtyard. There is also live music by Teddy Washington on the main stage. For those of you who want to play, how about trying out the “Nine Hole Challenge” (a nine-hole putting experience for fans of all ages) in the center Courtyard.

Besides participating in the art walk, you’ll also have the opportunity to actively participate and create art during Hospital Art PaintFest. At this event everyone is invited to help paint a series of murals that will be donated to a local hospital. No experience is necessary. The PaintFest will take place in the center Courtyard area and will be open to the public from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Golf

Thursday – Friday
The Golf Channel’s live coverage will be shown on the Jumbotron throughout the day on Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8. The fun “Nine Hole Challenge” is open from 5-9 p.m. both days, and while you’re playing you can enjoy live music on the main stage.

Saturday
On Saturday, May 9, it’s all about the family from 4 – 8 pm at the Landing. Enjoy the “Nine Hole Challenge,” Jax4Kids.com activities with exciting activities such as SNAG Golf, face painting and bounce house, “You Made the Cover,” and Wii Games. An expo will also be set up by PGA TOUR Charities. Live music begins with Park Street from 4-8 p.m., followed by Freeze Frame from 9-2 a.m.

Sunday
NBC Sports’ coverage of THE PLAYERS will air live on on the Jumbotron on Sunday, May 10, and Gypsy Highway will play on the Courtyard main stage from 5-9 p.m.