When THE PLAYERS Comes to Town

FLORIDA

What Jacksonville is Like During TPC Week

March brings a special kind of vibrancy and activity to the northeast Florida coast. A perfect early-spring breeze rustles the palm trees, the beaches begin to welcome visitors escaping the cold, and the typically serene coastal communities around Ponte Vedra suddenly buzz with energy. It’s TPC week.

 

THE PLAYERS Championship represents a significant, city-wide event that goes beyond just a golf tournament. The whole area is electric: restaurants are bustling, patios are full well into the night, and you can’t go anywhere, from coffee shops to the beach, without hearing people discuss tee times, leaderboard predictions, and the notorious island green.

 

Held annually at the legendary Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, THE PLAYERS Championship returns March 10–15, 2026, bringing the world’s best golfers and thousands of spectators to the Jacksonville area.

 

And while the action on the course is unforgettable, the experience of Jacksonville during TPC week is just as memorable. Here’s what the city looks like when golf’s biggest week arrives — and how to make the most of it.

Earl Week Energy Surge

TPC week technically starts before the tournament rounds even begin. The vibrant atmosphere of the event truly takes hold in Ponte Vedra Beach by Tuesday and Wednesday, marked by the arrival of fans and the sight of players engaging in practice.

 

Practice rounds are one of the best-kept secrets of the week. The crowds are lighter, the atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s often easier to walk the course and watch players fine-tune their strategy before the competition begins. Off the field, players often stop to chat and sign autographs—a unique opportunity absent during the heat of competition.

 

These early days are also when the surrounding communities begin to feel the ripple effect. Hotels fill, local shops stay busy, and the restaurants around Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, and  Jacksonville Beach become gathering places for visitors and locals alike.

 

Even if you’re not attending the tournament every day, simply being nearby during the week gives you a front-row seat to the excitement.

Thursday & Friday: The Tournament Officially Begins

Thursday morning marks the start of competition. Tee times typically begin shortly after sunrise, and by mid-morning the Stadium Course is alive with spectators following their favorite groups across one of golf’s most famous layouts. The course itself was designed to create a stadium-like viewing experience, making it one of the most fan-friendly venues in professional golf.

 

Of course, no hole draws more attention than the legendary 17th hole island green — arguably the most recognizable par-3 in golf. One swing can lead to glory… or a splash into the surrounding water. Spectators often bring a blanket and set up camp right next to the 17th hole, securing a prime, front-row view of how the players fare in this iconic challenge.

 

By the time Friday afternoon arrives, the stakes increase as players battle to make the cut and advance to the weekend rounds. For fans, this is often when the tournament feels most alive. The leaderboard starts to take shape, the crowds grow, and the energy builds heading into Saturday.

Saturday: The Social Peak of TPC Week

If Thursday is about the golf, Saturday is about the atmosphere. Crowds are larger, the hospitality tents are packed, and the entire area feels like a celebration of sport, sunshine, and coastal Florida living.

 

Many fans often begin their day by walking the course to watch the competition, and spend the afternoon exploring the local area. This is when Jacksonville truly shines.

 

After a day at the tournament, visitors often head toward the beach communities for sunset drinks, fresh seafood, and live music.

Sunday: Championship Moments

By Sunday afternoon, everything builds toward the final round. The leaderboard tightens, the tension rises, and thousands of fans gather around the closing holes to witness one of the most dramatic finishes in golf.

 

Winning THE PLAYERS is often considered one of the sport’s most prestigious achievements, with one of the strongest fields in professional golf competing each year. This year, the record purse is $25 million, the largest total on tour. The energy from the week-long event stays with Jacksonville long after the final putt drops and the champion hoists the trophy. 

Where to Eat Near TPC Sawgrass

TPC week is the perfect excuse to explore some of the best dining spots around Ponte Vedra Beach.

 

A few local favorites include:

 

Nona Blue Modern Tavern – A lively spot known for craft cocktails and elevated comfort food, just minutes from the course.

 

Aqua Grill – A long-standing Ponte Vedra favorite serving fresh seafood and steaks in a vibrant atmosphere.

 

Restaurant Medure – Perfect for a celebratory dinner, with upscale American cuisine and an elegant dining room.

 

Cap’s On the Water – For a more casual option, Cap’s is a classic coastal restaurant overlooking the Intracoastal, known for its Southern seafood dishes and Mediterranean flavors.

A Week That Defines the City

TPC week offers a glimpse into what makes Northeast Florida such a special place to live, and why the PGA TOUR chose this as their headquarters home. 

 

The combination of world-class golf, coastal scenery, and welcoming communities creates an atmosphere that feels both exciting and relaxed at the same time. Residents move easily between the tournament grounds, the beach, and neighborhood restaurants, enjoying the balance that defines the region. For visitors, the week often becomes an introduction to the lifestyle that draws people to Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra Beach. Days spent outdoors, evenings along the water, and a strong sense of community are all part of everyday life here.

 

When the final crowds leave and the fairways return to their quiet routine, the energy of the week lingers. The tournament may last only a few days, but the qualities that make this area special remain year-round. It is one reason so many people who visit during PLAYERS week begin to imagine what it might be like to stay a little longer.

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