Executive Director's Message
When Justin Thomas was declared winner of THE PLAYERS Championship 2021, I was struck by the cheers, chants, and celebrations throughout the Stadium Course. They seemed louder and more exuberant. All week long, you could feel this positive energy from every spot on the golf course.
One year prior, THE PLAYERS Stadium Course was empty, devoid of players and fans. The entire property was in picture perfect position, poised to host a 2020 championship that was slated to be a record-setting week. Instead, we were facing unprecedented challenges - the onset of a global pandemic, the cancellation of a celebrated community event, and the overall uncertainty of what the next few weeks, months and year would bring.
In the face of unforeseen challenges, our entire team worked hard to reimagine every single part of this championship to move forward in a safe and responsible way.
During March 9-14, 2021, we did just that. Together, we showed the world that Northeast Florida could safely and successfully deliver a live sporting event. The perseverance, determination, collaboration and creativity that our community displayed in hosting our 2021 championship was nothing short of incredible.
THE PLAYERS’ success is shared with each of you. Whether you are a volunteer, charitable beneficiary, media member, or local business leader, all of you are Community Champions of the PGA TOUR’s flagship event. Thank you for helping to make THE PLAYERS an internationally recognized event that positively impacts our community 365 days a year.
Sincerely,
Jared Rice
Executive Director, THE PLAYERS Championship
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Charity Spotlight: #Match4Military raises nearly $140,000 for Northeast Florida military nonprofits
For more than a decade, THE PLAYERS has kicked off tournament week with a Military Appreciation ceremony and concert, which includes a charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization chosen by the concert artist. In light of the reduced capacity and health and safety protocols that resulted in the suspension of the 2021 ceremony and concert, THE PLAYERS developed the #Match4Military campaign to demonstrate a shared commitment to area military. Thanks to support from the entire community and amplification from our media partners, #Match4Military raised nearly $140,000.
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Volunteer Spotlights
THE PLAYERS Championship 2021 was a significant milestone for two members of THE PLAYERS volunteer family. Lee Nimnicht, Vice Chair of Volunteer Services, and Nancy Nichols, Chair of Gallery Management, both celebrated their 45th anniversaries as volunteers. Click the links below to learn more about their valuable contributions to this championship, their favorite memories from over the years, and what keeps them coming back year after year.
Nancy Nichols
Click here to watch First Coast News’ interview with Nancy.
Lee Nimnicht
Click here to watch News4Jax’s interview with Lee.
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Beyond the Ropes
Long after the final putt is made at THE PLAYERS Championship, the impact of PGA TOUR’s flagship event extends throughout the year. With a commitment to support the communities in and near where it hosts its internationally-recognized tournament, THE PLAYERS has supported nonprofit organizations in the five-county area with more than $100 million. Each month, we will spotlight a charity making a difference in the lives of citizens and communities.
A friendship at the rope lines
Twenty-five-year-old Bender Middlekauff, a patient undergoing treatment at Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, thought he was attending Wednesday’s practice round of THE PLAYERS to cheer on his favorite golfer and fellow University of Alabama graduate, Justin Thomas, from afar. Little did Bender know that Justin Thomas would call him by name and invite him to walk alongside him at the rope line as Justin played the 16th hole. A new friendship was formed, and Bender even returned for Sunday’s final round to cheer Justin on to his PLAYERS victory.
Click here to watch.
Dreams Come True at THE PLAYERS
When Christian, a 13-year-old Nemours patient, was asked by the Dreams Come True organization to share his life’s dream, he advised of his interest in attending a golf tournament. A hemophiliac whose condition prevents him from playing contact sports, Christian discovered golf, which became his lifeline. Christian’s dream was granted when he was surprised with a weeklong, VIP experience at THE PLAYERS, which included a special, surprise meet and greet with his favorite golfer, Dustin Johnson, as well as a brand new set of TaylorMade golf clubs (which Christian used to make his very first par during his trip!).
Click here to read more.
‘Training U Powered by CDW’ exposes over 50 area high school student-athletes to career opportunities beyond sport
More than 50 high school student-athletes selected from Duval and St. Johns county schools and youth development organizations (First Tee and MaliVai Washington Youth Foundation) participated in a sports and education forum the PGA TOUR annually hosts to introduce youth to career opportunities beyond the sport they play. For the first time since its establishment in 2018, “Training U, Powered by CDW,” was hosted during the week of THE PLAYERS, which included a course tour led by PGA TOUR employees. During the forum, PGA TOUR pro Harold Varner III made a surprise visit and announcement, revealing that student attendees would receive a free laptop courtesy of CDW and Intel, the forum’s sponsors.
Click here to watch.
2019 PLAYERS Champion Rory McIlroy participates in press conference with First Tee - North Florida
Optum and First Tee - North Florida hosted a "Kids Press Conference" with THE PLAYERS 2019 champion and Optum Brand Ambassador Rory McIlroy. Rory answered questions about health, fitness, and what super power he would want to have. In addition, Optum provided a donation to the new Blue Cypress facility and tickets to the kids from First Tee - North Florida to enjoy THE PLAYERS.
Click here to watch.
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News to Know
Red Coat Grants
Plans for Red Coat 2021 grants will be announced in the coming months. Information will be posted on our website and included in The Hole Story.
Troy Smith featured in UF Alumni Magazine
2021 Tournament Chairman Troy Smith was featured in the latest edition of the University of Florida alumni magazine- click here to read the story. UF Health recently presented Troy with a framed photograph of the feature.
FOX Business broadcasts live from THE PLAYERS
FOX Business traveled down to Ponte Vedra Beach to conduct live interviews from TPC Sawgrass, highlighting steps THE PLAYERS and the PGA TOUR were taking to safely host fans. Click here to watch one segment featuring Executive Director Jared Rice.
Jimmy Fallon - “Drop it in” segment at THE PLAYERS
Jimmy Fallon had various PGA TOUR pros drop weird phrases into their pre-tournament press conferences ahead of the 2021 championship. Click here to watch the segment.
Jordan Spieth joins the TODAY Show live from THE PLAYERS
Jordan Spieth joined Mike Tirico live from the 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass for an interview that aired on the TODAY show. Click here to watch the interview.
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Photos of the Month
Thank you to the TPC Sawgrass agronomy team for their tireless efforts in getting the Stadium Course in pristine condition. As Justin Thomas put it, "It's the most pure I've ever seen the golf course."
12 members of the golf team at Florida A & M University, home to four of the top five Black golfers in the APGA Collegiate rankings, received a behind-the-scenes experience at THE PLAYERS, including a meet and greet with PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan.
Thank you to our 2021 volunteer leadership team for their hard work, commitment, and dedication in leading the team of Golf's Greatest Volunteers that makes THE PLAYERS possible.
THE PLAYERS provided 75 tickets for participants and families from First Tee – North Florida for each day of the championship, courtesy of one of the tournament’s Proud Partners, Optum.
Stars light up the famous Island Green 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course.
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Look Who's Talking: Marjorie Dennis
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of THE PLAYERS team, Marjorie Dennis! Marjorie is the Community Relations Manager, where she leads and manages the community outreach efforts and programs with charitable and non-profit partners. Get to know Marjorie in this month’s Staff Spotlight.
- Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
- Where did you go to college: I graduated from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. *Rattler strike*
- What did you do before working at the TOUR: I was the Public Communications Officer – Media Relations for the City of Jacksonville.
- What’s your favorite sport team: I keep cheering for the home team – GO JAGS
- What is your favorite thing to do in Jacksonville: I’m always up for a night of karaoke.
- What are you most looking forward to in your new role with THE PLAYERS: THE PLAYERS has affected positive change in Northeast Florida for decades through thoughtful and strategic funding, relationship building, and volunteerism. I’m excited to help strengthen THE PLAYERS’ philanthropic and outreach efforts, and witness its community impact continue to grow.
- Favorite Hobby: I love watching and analyzing films.
- Favorite vacation spot: This is a hard one; it’s between Asheville, NC and New Orleans.
- Bucket list item: I have to attend a Muse concert somewhere in the UK.
- Fun fact about you: It took three trips to a small town in Iceland to view them, but I finally saw the Northern Lights in 2018!
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