Thanks to a dedicated fan base, support from the event’s Proud Partners, the tireless and selfless efforts of the tournament’s volunteer force and the entire Northeast Florida community, THE PLAYERS Championship generated a tournament-record $5.9 million for local charity in 2011, bringing the event’s charitable giving total to more than $46 million since THE PLAYERS moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977. The $5.9 million, which benefits more than 200 local charities throughout the First Coast, eclipses last year’s then-record total of $4.8 million. The announcement was made during the pre-game show of the Jacksonville Jaguars game at Everbank Field on Oct. 9 as part of THE PLAYERS Giving Back Month. On hand for the announcement were Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown, PGA TOUR player Fred Funk, Red Coats and Blue Coats and youth from the “Honor Rows.”

“Being a part of THE PLAYERS Championship for the past 12 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and to see that banner rolled out across the field with ‘$5.9 million’ written on it – I can’t explain how proud I am of every single volunteer, staff member and fan who supported THE PLAYERS this year,” said 2011 Volunteer Chairman Jim Fuller, Duval Clerk of the Circuit Court. “As THE PLAYERS continues to reach new heights, we are able to make even more significant and lasting changes in the community through a variety of worthwhile charities.  And while this year’s record-setting total of $5.9 million is an impressive number, it’s really the lives of those impacted – many of whom are our community’s children – that should make us all be proud that Northeast Florida is home to THE PLAYERS.”

More than $4.2 million, or approximately 71 percent, of money generated from THE PLAYERS 2011 benefits children’s charities along the First Coast, which falls in line with the event’s committed goal, announced in April, to generate $50 million for youth-related charities over the next 10 years.  Through this shift in focus, the event is well on its way to making a significant financial impact on area non-profits that promote education, character development, and health and fitness for young people.

While much of the $5.9 million is generated 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, Chip In For Youth program and Birdies for Charity commitments made by the fans are all part of the significant impact THE PLAYERS is able to make on the First Coast.

Following the announcement at the Jaguars game, Giving Back Month continues with an announcement at Wolfson Children’s Hospital on Oct. 17 with PGA TOUR player Jim Furyk and a variety of media appearances and interviews by the tournament’s current and past volunteer leadership.

THE PLAYERS will take place May 7-13, 2012. Each year, youth 18 and younger are admitted free of charge to the tournament when accompanied by a ticketed adult.  There is no limit to the number of youth 18 and younger who can attend with a ticketed adult. More information about THE PLAYERS is available at www.pgatour.com/theplayers.