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“A tournament for the players, a course for the fans” via Garry Smits of The Florida Times-Union.

The 46th edition of THE PLAYERS Championship, taking place March 12-17 at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, is not only one of the biggest sporting events of Northeast Florida, it is also one of the most impactful to the local community.

Its local impact is massive as the tournament has an annual economic impact of $151 million and more than $100 million raised for charity since 1977.

Last year, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry proclaimed July 13 as THE PLAYERS Championship Charity Day in celebration that the tournament had reached more than $100 million in total donations, surpassed a 10-year goal of $50 million generated for local non-profits that promote youth education, health and wellness and character development, and that the 2018 tournament generated a record-setting $9 million to local charities.

THE PLAYERS also has become a worldwide sporting event. It is broadcast to more than 1 billion households in 226 countries and in 30 languages.

The top 56 players in the world and the winners of the last 25 major championships lead the lineup at this year’s tournament.

In the relatively young history of the tournament, 11 winners have been enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame located in St. Augustine. More are sure to come, such as Tiger Woods, Sergio Garcia, Adam Scott and Jason Day. The feeling is strong among the members of the PGA TOUR — the namesake of its “Gold Standard” tournament — that it will elevate the event even more.

More information can be found at The Players Championship.