The PGA TOUR recently announced Jared Rice, director of sales and marketing for THE PLAYERS Championship, as its top sales person for the 2012 season. Of the 15 events that the PGA TOUR owns and operates, Rice was the top sales person for his sales achievements with THE PLAYERS in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and other TOUR network events. This is the second consecutive year that Rice was recognized as top sales person by the PGA TOUR.

“I am honored and humbled to have once again received the recognition as top sales person, which would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my team. I am privileged to work with professionals who are committed to the success of these events and are constantly striving to exceed goals and expectations,” said Rice. “The best part of working with the TOUR and THE PLAYERS is that all of the proceeds from the tournaments are put back into the community through local nonprofit organizations. In 2012 alone, THE PLAYERS was able to generate a tournament-record $6.5 million for Northeast Florida charities.”

Rice and his team exceeded corporate sales performance goals by nearly 17 percent in 2012, generating more than $500,000 in multi-event sales. Rice was also recognized for his leadership skills and timely response to reporting requests.

“Over the past two year under Jared’s leadership, corporate sales for THE PLAYERS have increased significantly, helping to ensure the success of the event and maximizing the benefits for companies who do business at the tournament.” said Matt Rapp, executive director for THE PLAYERS. “Now in his third year, Jared and his team continue to grow corporate sales steadily, which peaked nearly three months earlier for the 2013 tournament in comparison to previous years.”

THE PLAYERS will return to the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass May 6-12, 2013. More information about THE PLAYERS is available at PGATOUR.COM/theplayers.