UNF Ospreys volunteer at THE PLAYERS

THE PLAYERSChampionship at TPC Sawgrass, a PGA Tour signature event, presents the perfect opportunity for golf fans in Northeast Florida to watch top-ranked golfers compete on one of the sport's most iconic courses. Each year, thousands of spectators flock to the renowned course to enjoy world-class golf and the ultimate fan experience - an experience enhanced by the volunteer efforts of students in the University of North Florida's sport management program.

A key part of THE PLAYERS experience includes visiting the PGA TOUR Fan Shop, a massive retail space constructed and operated with the help of student volunteers - this year's Fan Shop measured 40,000 square feet. At this year's tournament, sport management students and faculty volunteered 3,000+ hours with 40+ students working four or more shifts. In total, 125 sport management students registered to volunteer.

The UNF sport management program's partnership with THE PLAYERS Championship and The PGA Tour has thrived for many years, offering students hands-on volunteer and internship opportunities to develop industry knowledge. Through their volunteer efforts, students gain valuable insights about tournament operations, event staffing, merchandising, product sales and more.

"Our longstanding partnership with THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA Tour provides our sport management students with valuable hands-on operational experience at one of the nation's premier sporting events," said Dr. Stephen "Steve" W. Dittmore, dean of the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services. "We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our students in this highly visible and impactful way."

Since 2020, sport management students have volunteered over 10,800 hours at THE PLAYERS, resulting in significant financial contributions funding several scholarships for sport management majors.

According to Dr. Kristi Sweeney, associate professor and director of the UNF sport management program, volunteering with THE PLAYERS exposes students to an unmatched real-world experience and strengthens UNF's reputation as a leader in sport management education.

"Students get to experience what it's like to transform an empty store to a full-fledged fan experience in the matter of weeks," said Sweeney. "This level of immersion is not available just anywhere." As part of her Sport Management Practicum course, students are required to complete 75 hours of fieldwork with supervision from industry professionals.

THE PLAYERS has been a longtime partner of UNF, supporting numerous scholarships and initiatives over three decades. Last fall, the partnership expanded with UNF being named a key institutional volunteer partner for THE PLAYERS over the next several years. As part of the new agreement, volunteer opportunities at the tournament are available to all UNF students, faculty/staff, alumni and friends. UNF is committed to covering 1200+ shifts of 7-8 hours apiece during the tournament. All volunteers receive discounts on merchandise, among other perks.

This year, 380+ Ospreys - including sport management students and faculty - registered to volunteer at THE PLAYERS.

PGA Tour leadership is grateful for the assistance of all volunteers and acknowledges the critical role UNF volunteers play in the success of THE PLAYERS at TPC Sawgrass.

"THE PLAYERS Championship depends on friendly, reliable volunteers like those from UNF to support event operations and the overall fan experience," said Senior Director of Community Outreach at PGA TOUR Emily Bellock. "Volunteers are crucial to the success of the event as their commitment of time reduces operational costs, allowing the Championship to direct more funds towards nonprofits in Northeast Florida."