Matt Rapp, Bill McClure, Dan Glod and Norman Gregory

THE PLAYERS Championship is one of the many things to love about the JAX Region, and area leaders had the opportunity to experience a behind-the-scenes #ilovejax tour of the internationally-recognized tournament site on May 2.

THE PLAYERS Championship returns to THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass May 6-12, 2013. THE PLAYERS attracts more than 160,000 fans, business executives and media from around the world to the region to witness golf’s greatest compete for one of the most prestigious titles in professional golf.

The JAX Chamber is encouraging businesses to provide opportunities for employees to attend the tournament. Through the “Celebrate at THE PLAYERS” program, participating businesses are encouraging their employees to attend or volunteer at the event by granting a company-wide half-day off during tournament week. Some businesses are also offering discounted tickets to their employees with all of the proceeds benefitting local youth charities.

Kevin English, Andy Baggs, Robert Davis, Brian Franco, Michele McManamon and Damon Olinto

More than 350 national and international businesses invest in hospitality and sponsorship programs at the tournament. Many companies and corporations use THE PLAYERS as a business development or networking event.

According to a 2007 study conducted by the University of Florida, the estimated economic impact to the region is in excess of $150 million. Nearly 2,000 jobs are created as a result of THE PLAYERS each year. The tournament week is the busiest week of the year for the Jacksonville International Airport. In addition to the thousands of golf fans that descend upon Northeast Florida to attend the tournament, the telecast is delivered to 830 million households in 224 countries and territories around the world.

More information about THE PLAYERS is available at PGATOUR.COM/theplayers.