Executive Director's Message

Dear Community Champion,

Today marks 25 days until the 2021 edition of THE PLAYERS Championship. For the past several years, we have collaborated with our local media partners to produce a 50-day countdown, which spotlights a different charitable beneficiary of THE PLAYERS on each of the 50 days leading up to the championship. This countdown affords us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible work our nonprofit partners like you are leading in northeast Florida. I am grateful to our local media members who share our enthusiasm for the impact our championship makes on our community.

As the clock ticks closer to THE PLAYERS Championship, March 9-14, we continue to be thoughtful and diligent about our plans to host an event that delivers a safe and high-quality experience for all. With a limited capacity plan, a number of our programs and offerings have been amended including suspension of our Military Appreciation celebratory activities, youth admission, and Chip in for Youth program. We are, however, delighted, to offer our “Birdies for Charity” program, which includes a $150,000 bonus pool. There is still time to register. See “News to Know” for more information.

While THE PLAYERS 2021 will indeed be different this year, our mission to serving and supporting all of you remains strong.

We thank you for your continued support and understanding and look forward to a successful 2021 championship.
 
All the best,
 
Jared Rice
Executive Director

As our nation gathered on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to celebrate the contributions of the civil rights hero who asked “what are you doing for others,” THE PLAYERS Championship, in partnership with First Tee – North Florida, answered that question by hosting Lunch on the Links, an open house and clinic for Duval County middle school students in order to introduce them to First Tee’s programming and offerings.

As a result of THE PLAYERS’ charitable giving to First Tee – one of the tournament’s longest-served charitable beneficiaries – the youth development organization has created a plan to introduce the game of golf and their character building programs to more diverse young people and communities. Specifically, new in 2021, First Tee — North Florida is collaborating with Duval County Public Schools to launch “Rising Leaders of Jax.” This program identifies 30 middle school students in Duval County public schools and introduces them to the game of golf, using it as a powerful vehicle to empower kids to build inner strength and life skills they can carry to everything that they do. The free, one-year accelerated program will use First Tee’s curriculum and will include students selected from schools within close proximity to Brentwood Golf Course, where their instruction and mentorship will take place.  

An alumnus of the Duval County school system herself, Mombo Ngu has experienced firsthand the critical role First Tee played in her development as a person and a leader, both on and off the golf course.

“Throughout my life, I have faced difficulties that I believed I couldn’t overcome,” said Ngu. “First Tee has always been a key factor that has helped guide me through it all. The coaches and mentors have taught me that giving back to the community is crucial, and to be a power for good for at least one person makes everything worthwhile.”

Ngu, a graduate of Darnell Cookman Middle and High School, is now a sophomore at the University of Florida studying Sociology, with a pre-medical track. She spent more than 10 years with First Tee — North Florida as a participant and continues to stay involved, serving as a coach with the organization when she is home from college. During the open house, the middle school students had the opportunity to chat with First Tee — North Florida alumni like Ngu, as well as staff members and current participants. In addition, stations were set up on the range and putting green, affording the students the opportunity to take a few swings of their own.  PGA TOUR winner and First Tee — North Florida ambassador Len Mattiace, and First Tee alumnus and current PGA TOUR employee Drake Mosley, were present. Additionally, lunch was provided courtesy of Firehouse Subs, a longtime food partner of THE PLAYERS.

After Ngu shared her story , leaders from First Tee, THE PLAYERS, City of Jacksonville and Duval County Public Schools addressed the group, including First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin, THE PLAYERS Executive Director Jared Rice, Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju'Coby Pittman (District 8), and Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Diana Greene.

“Take advantage, young people, of this opportunity of learning the game of golf,” said Dr. Diana Greene, Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. “Because not only will you learn the game of golf, but you’ll learn the game of life.”

The open house concluded with ceremonial tee shots to officially kick off the 50-day countdown to THE PLAYERS.  

Charlie, a volunteer since 2006, always wanted to volunteer at THE PLAYERS and joined the “vol family” immediately following his retirement from CSX.  Since he started, Charlie has volunteered within the Vehicle Procurement committee and this year will be his first year as its Chair. In addition to Vehicle Procurement, he also served on the Shotlink committee for two years, which he says remains one of his greatest memories as a volunteer.

Charlie stays in touch with his volunteer family throughout the year, even playing golf with two fellow  committee members on a weekly basis. When he isn’t golfing, Charlie enjoys reading and conducting research on his family history.  He and his wife Gretchen have two kids, Chip and Meagan, and live in Atlantic Beach.