Inside THE PLAYERS Championship 2026: What Fans Can Expect
Fans heading to TPC Sawgrass in 2026 will enjoy updates that make the tournament easier to navigate, more interactive, and more fun than ever. The week also will mark the 52nd playing of the event and the 25th anniversary of Tiger Woods’ legendary putt on the 17th hole, famously called “better than most” by announcer Gary Koch.
Chamber Luncheon Showcases the Excitement
Executive Director Lee Smith shared the latest news about the tournament during a recent joint luncheon of the St. Johns Chamber and JAX Chamber at Marsh Landing Country Club.
Smith highlighted Iron & Wedge, a new on-course steakhouse in the Players Club area. “We want to keep fans on-site and elevate the hospitality experience,” he explained.
A City on the Course
TPC Sawgrass transforms into a mini city for tournament week. “We start building in mid-October and don’t fully tear down until early June,” Smith said.
The scale is staggering: over 500,000 square feet of tents, 143 structures, and 168,000 feet of fencing, all designed to create a fully prepared venue. Fans can expect food, merchandise, and entertainment at every turn, creating a dynamic experience for all ages.
Fan Shop Opens Early
The Fan Shop opens the Friday before the tournament, giving fans first access to exclusive gear.
“Last year, we sold 55,000 hats and 16,000 t-shirts,” Smith said. “Fan Weekend lets you get the gear you want before the tournament even begins.”
This year, the shop will feature custom designs from 20 men’s brands, 8 women’s brands, and 6 junior/kids brands, including several local labels.
PAM: Your GPS for the Golf Course
A major new addition for 2026 is PAM, the tournament’s wayfinding app. It guides fans step by step around the course, helping them find merchandise, food, or specific players during the competition.
“Stand in the fan shop and want to find Rory McIlroy? PAM will guide you there step by step,” Smith said. “It even tells you he’s on hole 13.”
The app is designed to make the experience smoother and more interactive, giving fans precise directions and estimated walking times throughout TPC Sawgrass.
Community Giving at the Fore
The PLAYERS Championship has a long history of supporting the First Coast. “Since the tournament’s inception, we’ve contributed over $120 million to local organizations,” Smith noted.
Recent highlights include donations to Feeding Northeast Florida, the Jacksonville Humane Society, and support for a new Boys & Girls Club Teen Center in St. Augustine.
Tips for Fans
Smith offered advice for getting the most out of the course. “Every hole is like its own stadium,” he said. “Holes 12 and 13 are especially exciting, and hole 4 has water in front. PAM will help you find the best viewing spots.”
The luncheon gave Chamber members a firsthand look at how the 2026 PLAYERS Championship will combine fan enjoyment, accessibility, and celebration of the tournament’s most iconic moments.
“We want fans to experience the tournament in new ways while celebrating historic moments like Tiger Woods’ 2001 putt,” Smith said.