THE PLAYERS unveils changes for 2009 event

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Condon/PGA TOUR

The best golfers in the world and golf fans will head to TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship in just 45 days.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- As Jay Monahan, the Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship, noted on Monday at TPC Sawgrass, the defending champion at his event is known for flashy fashion statements.

Courtesy of Garcia family

Sergio Garcia

Inside the Champions Room

When THE PLAYERS announced their plans for the 2009 event, the press conference took place in the Champions Room at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse. Last year's winner Sergio Garcia donated memorabilia from his career, including several images from his childhood. Click here to view these exclusive photos.

"I'm sure you've always wanted to give Sergio (Garcia) fashion direction," Monahan joked to members of the media.

So it was only natural that the tournament unveiled a "Dress Sergio" promotion, where fans and media alike are allowed to cast their ballots here for one of three adidas outfits that Garcia will wear in the second round of THE PLAYERS in 2009.

While the choices are subdued -- the three models who sported the attire on Monday were clad in red, royal blue and orange shirts -- it's one of many things Garcia is excited about as he returns to defend his title, which he considers "one of the highlights of (his) career."

"I trust my fans to pick out a great outfit that will provide good luck for me during the second round. I can't wait to see which outfit wins," Garcia said.

Garcia will return to an event that has implemented several changes since he triumphed over Paul Goydos in a playoff on the famous 17th hole last year.

While Garcia and Goydos sweated the outcome on the island hole, fans literally sweltered in the Florida sun. The tournament has now added hydration stations with water fountains and lowered the cost of bottled water. THE PLAYERS also added an affordable lunch option for just $5 and expanded the hours for beer sales until 6 p.m.

Fans can also purchase several new ticket packages this season, including a family plan that includes two adult grounds tickets, two youth grounds admission tickets and one parking pass for just $149.00.

One of the biggest changes is that all youth 16 and under will now gain entrance into the tournament for free during the entire week. In years past, young golf fans were only given free access for the practice rounds and had to pay $10 for each tournament day.

Wednesday of the tournament week, THE PLAYERS will also allow all active-duty and retired members of the Armed Forces to attend the practice round free of charge. Military members and the public alike can attend on the 18th at 5 p.m. a special "Military Tribute" for Former President George H.W. Bush, who is the ninth recipient of the PGA TOUR's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ticket prices have become more affordable, but THE PLAYERS Championship is taking steps to ensure that charitable donations exceed the $3 million donated to 94 Northeast Florida charities last year.

Despite the flailing economy, the tournament's volunteers have pledged to make a large donation to one specific cause each year. Dubbed "Mission: IMPACT", this new initiative will earmark the money -- the tournament hopes to raise at least $40,000 -- given by volunteers for the local non-profit that the group collectively chooses.

"As volunteers, we are united in our support of THE PLAYERS' ability to make a difference in our community," said THE PLAYERS Volunteer Chairman Tommy Douglas. "While the volunteer force has a tremendous influence on the millions in contributions that THE PLAYERS makes each year, we realized we can take even a greater role in giving back."

Douglas added that, in nearly every visit he makes to local non-profit organizations, the recipients are quick to say "you just don't know how much this will change someone's life."

On Monday, Hugh Green, the President and CEO of Baptist Health hospitals in Northeast Florida, shared one way his organization has personally been touched by THE PLAYERS.

Thanks to donations from the tournament, the Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville has one of the premier children's heart centers in the region. Infants, children and young adults with congenital and acquired heart disease from Northeast and Central Florida, the panhandle and Southeast Georgia are now able to benefit from cutting-edge technology.

For more on the new charity initiatives, click here.