THE PLAYERS launches print-at-home tickets, Birdies for Charity

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In five weeks, the first round of the 2008 PLAYERS Championship begins, and to kick-off the countdown to the flagship event of the PGA TOUR schedule, the TOUR today debuted a Click-n-Print ticket program and launched the 2008 Birdies for Charity campaign. THE PLAYERS begins May 5-11.

Click-n-Print

New to THE PLAYERS this year is the Click-n-Print program, which allows fans to go to the official tournament Web site (www.pgatour.com/theplayers) and purchase tickets, which they can then print at home on 8.5"x11" paper. A unique bar code allows fans to present their printed tickets at any gate and enter the tournament, eliminating the need to wait in line at Will Call to pick up tickets purchased in advance.

Daily and weekly grounds tickets are both available through Click-n-Print at the following prices:

$30 = Monday-Wednesday
$75 = Thursday
$75 = Friday
$75 = Saturday
$75 = Sunday
$175 = Weekly Grounds

There is a $10 per order handling fee per order (not per ticket).

Birdies for Charity

The Birdies for Charity program annually leads up to THE PLAYERS and allows the community to support local charities through tracking the exciting, high-level of play during the tournament. A record 51 local organizations are participating this year, up from 41 in 2007 and 33 in 2006, highlighting the strong growth of the Birdies for Charity program and the generosity of First Coast residents.

Similar to a walk-a-thon, Birdies for Charity participants make a pledge for each birdie made by professional golfers during THE PLAYERS. In 2007, 1,370 birdies were made during the four-day event, so, for instance, a $.03 pledge per birdie resulted in a $41.05 contribution the local charity of the pledge-maker's choice. More than $161,000 was raised last year through Birdies for Charity, part of the record $2.8 million generated by THE PLAYERS.

To increase excitement and encourage contributors, participants have the opportunity to guess the number of birdies that will be made during THE PLAYERS. The participant who guesses correctly will win a trip for two to Scottsdale, Ariz., including three nights at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, roundtrip airfare, golf at TPC Scottsdale, lessons at the TOUR Academy, as well as other amenities. Second- and third-place prizes will also be awarded.

Local organizations have mailed Birdies for Charity flyers to their supporters encouraging them to participate in this year's campaign. All funds raised are payable directly to the charity and THE PLAYERS will administer the contest and award the prizes.

To take part in the 2008 Birdies for Charity campaign, check www.pgatour.com/theplayers for a complete list of participating organizations. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, May 6.

"We are excited about the debut of the Click-n-Print program, which offers added convenience to the many fans who are purchasing THE PLAYERS tickets on line," said PGA TOUR Vice President and THE PLAYERS Executive Director Ron Cross. "We expect this program to only enhance what is already looking like a record year for ticket sales.

"Of course, our goal with everything we do at THE PLAYERS is to raise additional dollars for First Coast charities. Our staff, THE PLAYERS volunteers and the players themselves are extremely proud of the $28 million-plus generated through this event, and Birdies for Charity, which has grown immeasurably over the years, is an integral part of that contribution."