2011 PLAYERS Championship Spectator Guide

Golf Writer Andy Reistetter and Jacksonville GOLF Magazine Publisher Brian Lamarre sat down with Matt Rapp, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship, to find out what will be different for the spectator for this year's tournament. Here is your insider guide to maximizing fun and enjoyment at the 2011 PLAYERS.

Remember when they tore down the old clubhouse and built the new one between tournaments?

Remember when THE PLAYERS moved from a late March to a mid-May date?

That was 5 PLAYERS ago.

In between then and now Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Tim Clark have won the PGA TOUR's flagship event.

"PLAYERS Passion" is about to take hold in the Jacksonville area with the world looking on.

For the first time in this new era THE PLAYERS will not end on Mother's Day.

Mother's Day celebrations will take place the day before the start of tournament week.

What will be different at THE PLAYERS this year for the spectators with grounds-only credentials?

All patrons will be more comfortable than in any of the previous 37 years of PLAYERS Championships.

"In March it is often cold so people were looking for the sun, in May it is often hot so people are looking for the shade," said Executive Director Matt Rapp.

"The Number 1 thing we have done this year is to create "cool zones" throughout the Clubhouse Corridor to improve the comfort level of our guests."

Those "cool zones" are accessible for all patrons and take advantage of natural cool shady spots.

Another big one is air conditioned.

One of the biggest changes is that the JELD-WEL Stadium Village, including the PwC First Tee Challenge, will be completely tented with air conditioning.

The First Tee Challenge is the scaled down replica of the 17^th hole. The 45-yard hole will be reoriented within the Stadium Village so that fans will walk parallel to the hole and be able to watch the action on their way to the 10^th tee.

More importantly, those inside the air conditioned area can sip their favorite beverage, watch the amateurs dunk a few balls and do some people watching as well.

The best comfort tip is that the "best of the best" in portable restrooms, complete with attendants, running water and air conditioning, will be found near the Stadium Village.

There are four new shaded "cool zones" for folks to cool off and extend their day at THE PLAYERS.

"The Terrace" is a brand new area located on the west side of the clubhouse toward the practice range. This convenient location to meet friends near the clubhouse will feature a cash bar including cocktails. The only other place for grounds only ticketholders to order mixed drinks is in the Stadium Village.

"Four Points: is another brand new "cool zone" area and is located near the 9^th green back towards the landing area of the practice range. In the shade and open to the public with seating and food and beverages for purchase.

"The Patio" which is on the golfer's right after they hit their second shots on 18 will be upgraded this year in the shaded area underneath the grove of pine trees with tables and food and beverages for purchase.

The fourth "cool zone" is far out on the golf course behind the 17^th tee and is called "The Grove." This outdoor shaded area will have tables, chairs and umbrellas and is located next to The Food Court, a venue featuring food and beverage menu items for sale from various local establishments.

There are two huge changes at THE PLAYERS this year- one will be dramatically obvious to the NBC television audience, the other will make meeting your friends at THE PLAYERS significantly easier.

Grandstands will no longer encapsulate the 18^th green. THE PLAYERS is going Masters-style with patrons sitting in lawn chairs or sitting on the grass slopes around the green similar to the 18^th at Augusta National.

Look for a PLAYERS promotion that gives away folding chairs to the first patrons staking out their spot early each tournament day. But remember, like the Masters, there is no running at the PLAYERS Championship.

In addition, "The Bluff" will be a segregated area around the 18th featuring casual seating with wait staff to serve food and drinks.

What can be more convenient than that?

Well, for the first time being allowed to bring your cell phones into THE PLAYERS Championship!

Remember though, no picture taking or video recording except for the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds.

Your cell phone must remain on silent on the golf course to insure that it does not interfere with players competing in what is known as "golf's fifth major.

However, you can text or email your friends to communicate meeting places and times.

Or you can check the PGA TOUR website to get the latest news on how THE PLAYERS Championship is progressing.

In designated areas you are able to call and talk to friends, family or business partners.

How can THE PLAYERS be even better?

How about free access to youth and the military?

At THE PLAYERS, children age 18 and younger are admitted free of charge with a ticketed adult. Any ticketed adult can bring multiple children age 18 and younger to the event. For example, a soccer coach could bring his or her entire team.

THE PLAYERS invites all active duty, reserve and retired members of the armed forces and their dependents to attend free of charge all day, every day. Dependents include children 21 and younger.

Free print-at-home tickets are available online via a link from THE PLAYERS website. Naval Station Mayport will operate a complimentary shuttle bus service from the base to THE PLAYERS on a continuous basis from Wednesday through Sunday.

In addition to free access, THE PLAYERS will offer hospitality to the military and their families at the Patriots' Outpost, located on the hill between No. 16 and No. 18 fairways. The Patriots' Outpost provides complimentary food, beverages and interactive activities. Military ID is required for admittance.

Military Appreciation Day on Wednesday, May 11^th highlights the week-long community celebration known as THE PLAYERS Championship.

Country music sensation, avid golfer and philanthropist Darius Rucker will help the tournament honor the military with a special musical appearance. Rucker recently released Together, Anything's Possible, a song he wrote specifically to support the PGA TOUR's charitable initiative by the same name.

Rucker will be a part of a 5:30 p.m. ceremony on Wednesday to salute America's heroes. The program on TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse Lawn will include pageantry by military personnel, the National Anthem performed by the 82nd Airborne All-American Chorus from Ft. Bragg, N.C, a flyover, as well as remarks by PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem.

One of the most fun parts of Wednesday is the informal caddie skills challenge on the 17^th hole. Caddies get to hit one to the island green and mix it up with their professional golfers and each other. Last year Phil Mickelson hit one righty. Check it out this year.

Monday of THE PLAYERS week is Executive Women's Day in addition to the evening Induction Ceremony for the World Golf Hall of Fame at the St. Johns County Convention Center in St. Augustine.

Tuesday is First Tee Day with many activities planned in the JELD-WEN Stadium Village.

Of course, the main event is the four days of competitive golf starting on Thursday and ending with the crowning of a champion late Sunday afternoon.

How can this year's PLAYERS be even more convenient?

Ride your bike to TPC Sawgrass and support charity.

The North Florida Chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society will be manning bike racks. Parking for bikes is free, although a $5 donation will be greatly appreciated.

If you don't live close enough to TPC Sawgrass, drive to a friend's home nearby and bike in from there.

Parking for your vehicle is free on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

However on tournament days you must purchase a parking pass in advance to gain entry into the lot.  All parking is planned to be on site at THE PLAYERS. The parking lots have been further optimized to create another 600 spots and now total 15,000 spaces.

Carpooling with a designated driver is highly recommended.

Tickets are selling fast and continue to be available at all area Publix Super Markets.

One last tip for enjoying this year's PLAYERS Championship…

Try the "Sawgrass Splash," an alcoholic drink concocted by TPC Nineteen personnel.

Catch the "PLAYERS Passion."

Andy Reistetter is a freelance golf writer as well as a Research and Broadcast Assistant for the major golf broadcast companies. He spends time on all four major American golf tours- the PGA TOUR, Champions, Nationwide and LPGA Tours.

Reistetter resides in near the PGA TOUR headquarters and home of The PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

A lifetime golfer, Andy enjoys volunteering at the World Golf Hall of Fame and THE PLAYERS while pursuing his passion for the game of golf and everything associated with it. He can be reached through his website www.MrHickoryGolf.net or by e-mailing him at [e-mail]