THE PLAYERS raises record charity amount in 2009

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Nov. 2, 2009

Thanks to dedicated fans, support from the event's three Proud Partners and the hard work of the tournament's volunteer force, tournament officials today announced that THE PLAYERS Championship raised a tournament-record $4.15 million for charity in 2009, bringing the total in charitable donations made by THE PLAYERS since 1977, when the tournament moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., to more than $35 million.

The funds, which increased more than $1 million from last year's donations, will be distributed to more than 100 charities throughout Northeast Florida.

The announcement was made as part of the kickoff to THE PLAYERS Giving Back Month, with tournament staff and volunteers hand-delivering contributions to many First Coast charities during the "Red Coat Ride Out."

"The best time of the year for all of us involved with THE PLAYERS is when we take time to celebrate what this event does for the Northeast Florida community," said Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Jay Monahan. "While our flagship event is played in May, THE PLAYERS Championship is part of this community on a year-round basis. Seeing how these organizations put charitable dollars to work is always a great reminder that THE PLAYERS is much more than a world-class golf tournament."

While much of the $4.15 million comes from funds raised during tournament week, THE PLAYERS and TPC Sawgrass are partnering with local charities throughout the year to help raise additional, significant dollars for the community, and those funds are included in today's announcement. Events like THE PLAYERS Benefit for the Arts in June, the HEAL Valley of Dreams Gala and Golf Classic and Birdies for the Brave in October; donations to The First Tee, PedsCare and the Proton Therapy Institute made by the Proud Partners (UBS, PricewaterhouseCoopers and JELD-WEN); and an increased "Birdies for Charity" commitment made by the fans are all part of the $4.15 million and the significant impact THE PLAYERS is able to make on the First Coast.

"THE PLAYERS is a great example of how together, anything is possible," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "In a time when charitable organizations need funding more than ever, it says a lot about this community that so many show their support of THE PLAYERS, not just during tournament week, but also all year at our partner events. We're proud that THE PLAYERS platform allows worthy causes to benefit and help our neighbors in need."

As the opening event in THE PLAYERS Giving Back Month, Monday's Red Coat Ride Out included Red Coats, past tournament volunteer chairmen, THE PLAYERS volunteers and PGA TOUR staff, who caravanned in five different waves to 25 charities across Northeast Florida delivering nearly $225,000 in grants.

"My involvement with THE PLAYERS, especially as tournament chairman this past year, is one of the great joys of my life, and getting to visit these charities and see how much great work they do and how much they need our support is always a touching and emotional experience," said 2009 Volunteer Chairman Tommy Douglas. "I encourage everyone out there to support THE PLAYERS either by volunteering or attending the event and help more than 100 charities make the First Coast a better place. I know the tournament leadership is in good hands with Harold Tool and will only grow to make a bigger impact on our community going forward."