Hi Dolls! Have you heard? Tiger Woods won the Masters a few weeks ago! I was able to experience some of the excitement this year at The Players Championship back in March and I have to admit, I have been seriously missing out on all the fun that surrounds the golfing community! Last year I attended Taste of The Players preview but this year I got the opportunity to not only experience the new and improved Players Preview, but the actual Players Championship as well and I’m telling you…it may be my new thing! Let me tell you about both!
The Players Preview was very similar to the Taste of The Players preview I attended last year. It was a fun-filled day leading up to the big event, that gave the attendees a sneak peek at what was to come at The Players Championship that weekend! From a foodie’s point of view, it was right up my alley because I got the opportunity to sample a lot of my local favs who were setting up around TPC Sawgrass for the tournament!
Really quick, before I get into the events, I have to mention that this year there was a nice and breezy boardwalk leading up to the Players Stadium! Ok! So now, without further delay, let’s jump right into the food! Affectionately referred to as The Taste of The Players, here is where you can find some of Jacksonville’s best restaurant vendors serving up delicious fare for all of the attendees! These were a few of the vendors I had a chance to visit while at The Players Preview:
Mojo’s BBQ: Back by popular demand, Mojo’s BBQ was in attendance with their infamous pulled pork sliders, beef burnt ends (my favorite), and smoked turkey wraps. The dipping sauce that accompanied the wraps was the perfect compliment!
Cousin’s Maine Lobster: I believe they were new at The Players this year but wow, what a treat! Up until this day, I had never had a lobster grilled cheese but I know it won’t be my last because it was delicious, especially with the clam chowder on the side!
4-Rivers Smokehouse :This crowd fav kept the party going with the same amazing concoction from last year! It was the delicious 6-shooter, named for containing only 6 ingredients including: Baked cheese grits topped with pulled pork, coleslaw, pickles, jalepenos, and BBQ sauce. It was very tasty and very filling!
V’s Pizza: I was over the moon when I found out my favorite pizza spot would be in attendance this year. If you are local, or ever find yourself in Jacksonville, looking for a great place to have pizza, V’s is my recommendation. They are so good and their wings are out of this world, delicious!
Minibar Donuts: My favorite mini donut shop was new to The Players this year as well and a welcomed treat! I love these little guys, especially the caramel popcorn mini donuts. They are seriously the perfect size to get your sugar fix and not feel guilty afterwards.
The crowd favorite cocktail for The Player’s Championship is the Sawgrass Splash! It’s made with Grey Goose, various citrus juices, and simple syrup, this drink is super light and refreshing.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, you’ll want more than one of these but would have to proceed with caution as it is so light and refreshing, you’ll consume a lot of them but it’s the kind of drink that will creep up on ya!
Once again, I was thoroughly impressed with the preview and everything I had to look forward to, at The Players! I was especially excited because this year was the first time I’d be attending the actual Championship!
The Players Championship took place on the beautiful grounds of TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, Florida. There was an overcast that day which was perfect. It wasn’t too hot or too cold, but just right! Everyone was there for a good time and everyone was dressed to impress. I saw a lot of polos and “boat” shoes, aviators, and Lily Pulitzer! I kept my look super simple with a tropical-esque skater dress and flats. I was cute and comfy! This year, they had a new Fan Shop where you could purchase souvenirs, golfing attire, and The Players memorabilia!
One of the things I really appreciated was that as a novice in the world of golf, it was still an amazing time! Just being among golf enthusiasts was an exciting and new experience that I won’t soon forget!
I learned that traditionally, early on in the week of The Players, there is a Military Appreciation Ceremony held to honor the brave men and women in our military. As an “Army brat”, that is pretty special to me and I love that they do this! I would love for my dad to come down and attend the ceremony and championship next year!
I also noticed that there were lots of kids around which was pretty cool because this year they had a “Kids Zone” sponsored by The First Tee with lots of activities to keep the little ones entertained! There was literally something for everyone making The Players Championship a family affair for sure!
I truly enjoyed my first experience at The Players Championship! It was a fun time for sure, and I am looking forward to attending again next year! I really wanted to see Tiger Woods but by the time I navigated my way through parking and made it into the event, he was finishing up at the last hole. I saw him on the Jumbotron but that was it. Nevertheless, it was a great time and I would recommend attending The Players for golf enthusiasts and novice golf fans alike!
As always, thanks so much for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!
XOXO
