Some may argue whether Mother Nature is a golf fan after the continually changing and at times adverse weather conditions that THE PLAYERS Championship had to endure this year.
However, the weather could not dampen the spirits of those in attendance and the event carried on despite ending a day later than originally scheduled.
There was much anticipation heading into THE PLAYERS every year, but this time around seemed to have a little more excitement, due to the fact that that this year’s event was uncapped, which meant the “regular” vibe surrounding the event was back for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic and the move back to March.
This atmosphere is something that is difficult to explain, but instead is something that must be felt by being present at the event and experiencing every sense of what it means to be a spectator at the PGA Tour’s marquee event.
Although the rain and the chilly temperatures that followed it, may have dampened the mood at times, the vibe of the tournament did not stay down for long, and that has much to do with having fans back in full force.
The neat thing about sports fans is that they are a passionate bunch and the local golf fans proved that time and time again throughout tournament week.
First the rain and thunderstorms came through, which was the toughest for fans, because it meant no golf was being played.
However, the wet conditions did not stop fans from doing what they do best and making the most out of it, which for some meant sliding down a hill near the famed 17th hole.
Once the rain showers ended, a cold front came through and suddenly most fans went from wearing sundresses or shorts to layering up with stocking hats on their heads to combat the frigid temperatures.
There are few things similar to a weekend at THE PLAYERS and that did not disappoint once again this year.
Fans swarmed to the stadium section of the course to get a glimpse of players trying to tame the island green.
It was a popular spot for fans to gather and mingle about, as well as concession and beer spots, such as Trucks on 10 and Tacos at 12.
Some fans who could not find a place to sit in the designated eating areas wound up finding a nice spot on a hill somewhere and enjoyed their food picnic-style while not missing a bit of the action on course.
A couple of fans even dressed up in adult onesies that resembled cows, a prime example of the party atmosphere.
At the end of it all, Cameron Smith of Australia was crowned the latest THE PLAYERS champion, and the moxie he demonstrated to win the tournament was the same resilience shown by event staff, fans and anyone else who walked through the gates at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course during a tournament week that will be remembered for quite some time.
[Read about Cameron Smith's victory here.]
