What's New at The 2025 Players Championship

The 2025 Players Championship is shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions yet, with a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and enhanced experiences for fans of all ages. Whether you’re there for the golf, the food, or the entertainment, there’s something for everyone at TPC Sawgrass this March. Recently, Lee Smith, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship, spoke to the Jacksonville and St. Johns County Chamber of Commerces and talked about some of those exciting additions:

What's New at The 2025 Players Championship

The countdown is on! With just days until The Players Championship returns to TPC Sawgrass, excitement is building for what promises to be an incredible event. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime attendee, this year’s tournament is packed with exciting new features, enhanced experiences, and innovative ways to engage with the championship. Here’s a look at what’s new for 2025!

Enhanced Fan Experience

One of the biggest focuses this year is improving the fan experience, both on and off the course. Based on feedback from previous attendees, The Players is introducing more public bleacher seating and patio access on key holes, including a 360-degree viewing area on holes 10 and 11. This will provide more options for fans to comfortably enjoy the action.

Additionally, the PGA Tour Fan shop has undergone a complete renovation with new fixtures and an expanded lineup of merchandise, including two to three local apparel brands making their debut. If you’re one of the many attendees who love to sport Players gear, be sure to check out the latest collections!

“Last year we sold 49,000 hats in nine days and 33,000 men's polo shirts,” said Smith. “So we're always coming up with new designs so there's always a reason to come in and get a new one.”

Cutting-Edge Technology Integration

The Players is known for blending tradition with innovation, and this year is no exception. A brand-new fan engagement app— called Game the Green^TM —will allow spectators to interact with the tournament in real-time. Users can predict where players will land their shots on the 17th green and earn points and prizes, making for a more immersive experience.

In addition, every shot hit during the tournament (approximately 32,000 over four days) will continue to be tracked using state-of-the-art missile-grade radar technology. This ensures the most detailed data on player performance, adding a new level of analysis for fans and broadcasters.

The Creator Classic – Bringing Golf to a New Audience

One of the most exciting additions to this year’s event is the Creator Classic, featuring 10 of the biggest names in golf content creation competing in a nine-hole event at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course. The competition, open to Wednesday ticket holders, will be broadcast on the PGA TOUR’s YouTube channel and other platforms. Participants include the Bryan Bros, Fat Perez from Bob Does Sports, Gabby Golf Girl, and Roger Steele, with newcomers Grant Horvat, Kyle Berkshire, Tisha Alyn, Soly from No Laying Up, and a Barstool personality. The event tees off on March 12, leading into the start of THE PLAYERS Championship.The first test run of this concept at last year’s Tour Championship in Atlanta garnered over 60 million views, so expect a buzz around this special event!

Global Expansion with the World Feed

The PGA Tour is making a major move to enhance its international presence with the introduction of the World Feed. Starting with The Players Championship, this new initiative will deliver customized international broadcasts, featuring dedicated coverage of global stars like Hideki Matsuyama, complete with localized commentary and graphics. With 50 million broadcast hours consumed worldwide last year, this expansion will only further elevate Northeast Florida’s visibility on the global stage.

“That is more eyeballs on Northeast Florida and on our area so we're certainly excited about that,” said Smith.

Course Updates and Iconic Tree Restoration

As always, the TPC Sawgrass course has undergone enhancements to maintain its status as one of the world’s most challenging and iconic courses. Several holes have been lengthened, ensuring an even more competitive playing field.

One of the most talked-about changes is the return of the iconic tree on hole 6. Originally lost in 2014, a new tree has been transplanted into its place, restoring a memorable landmark that has challenged and frustrated players for years. Be sure to check it out when walking the course!

Expanded Local Food Offerings

Foodies will be thrilled with the addition of two new local restaurant partners, Carolina Jax and R Us, bringing even more variety to the on-site culinary experience. They’ll join a lineup of fan-favorite vendors, ensuring there’s something for everyone—whether you’re craving tacos, burgers, or classic golf-course fare.

Key Dates and Ticket Information

• Opening Weekend: March 7-9, featuring activities, food trucks, and early fan shop access.
• Military Appreciation Day: Tuesday, March 11.
• The Creator Classic: Wednesday, March 12.
• Tournament Play: March 13-16.

Tickets are on sale now at theplayers.com, and don’t forget that parking is sold separately. If you plan to drive, arriving before 9 AM or after noon is recommended for the smoothest experience.

Additionally, The Players continues to offer the best youth policy in sports—each ticketed adult can bring up to two children aged 15 and under for free.