The PLAYERS came to a predictable end Sunday afternoon as Webb Simpson cashed in on his spectacular play over the first 54 holes, closing with a steady 1-over par 73 for a 19-under par 263. His winning margin was four strokes over the trio of Charl Schwartzel, Jimmy Walker and Xander Schauffele.
Simpson’s seven stoke lead at the start of Sunday’s play drained most of the drama out of the day before play even started. Even though the outcome was fairly certain, closing out with an historic lead wasn’t easy for Simpson. But he got the job done in workmanlike fashion Sunday, where he had been super-human over the first three days.
If the competition on the course was less than compelling for some there was ample opportunity for fans on the grounds to entertained in other activities.
The Stadium Course Village compound situated not far from the clubhouse offered fans ample diversion with a pint sized version of a TopGolf course, a putting green and, most impressive of all, a large air conditioned pavilion where food and drink were on offer.
And the general public was invited. You didn’t need a wrist band that identified you as a lucky guest of some corporate entity or a special, over priced ticket which cost twice as much as a general admission pass.
That’s a big deal, in my opinion, to have a place of cool refuge from the heat on what are very long, tiring days.
The PLAYERS also set’s itself apart from other championships in a number of other ways.
Food choices are diverse and generally high quality, with permanent dining pavilions in various areas. Food trucks are on the grounds bringing favorite local restaurants on site.
TV kiosks are situated around the grounds and, perhaps most impressive, are the permanent restroom facilities in place around the course. I can’t say for certain that there weren’t any portable toilet farms on the grounds (which are ubiquitous at other golf venues) but I didn’t run across any.
Of course there are ample opportunities to slake your thirst but over serving didn’t seem to be a huge problem – at least there weren’t too many outbursts of ‘ mashed potatoes’ and other foolish utterances that should embarrass the speaker but never do.
The southern ladies also seem to view The PLAYERS as a fashion venue, as they break out their finest wear. I was surprised to see so many young ladies in dresses and high heeled platform shoes. Don’t know how they managed to get around the course in those but there are many things that remain a mystery to me.
The PGA Tour has put an emphasis on the fan experience here at their flagship event and corporate home. The most impressive manifestation of that concern and focus is evident in the design of the course and the surrounding property.
The name of the Stadium Course is no exaggeration. The moguls, mounds, hills and hole surrounds have been contoured to offer great sight lines and viewing angles to the highest number of fans possible. And the area around the the clubhouse, where the driving range and multiple putting and chipping greens are located, are expansive and uncluttered. You won’t encounter numbing pedestrian traffic jams that are commonplace at other venues. It’s obvious that Mr. Beman and Mr. Dye had the fan experience front and center when this property was designed.
I’ve had the good luck to have attended many golf tournaments, from regular tour events, U.S. Opens, PGA championships, the President’s Cup and even a Ryder Cup but no other venue has been as fan friendly as The PLAYERS.
If you have the opportunity to go, you won’t be disappointed.
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