Six new spectator venues opening at THE PLAYERS

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.-- New for 2011, THE PLAYERS will feature six areas designed with fan feedback from the 2010 event in mind, located throughout THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, to enhance the on-site fan experience. These areas will address fans concerns regarding more shade, bathrooms, areas of relaxation and an enhanced overall experience

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On the charity front, THE PLAYERS Birdies for Charity campaign is off to an unprecedented start with more than $1.5 million already raised for local non-profits with six weeks remaining. The program raised $500,000 for local non-profits in 2010.

Part of the "New Breed" of emerging stars on the PGA TOUR in 2011, 26-year-olds Jhonattan Vegas and Gary Woodland have earned sports in THE PLAYERS field by capturing their first victories on TOUR in the season's first three months.

WHAT'S NEW?: First look at six new venues

"Our main focus for 2011 has been on creating an enhanced experience for our patrons," said Matt Rapp, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS. "We have lowered ticket prices substantially, almost doubled the number of high-end restroom facilities and created several new venues where fans can go to cool off, enjoy some refreshments and recharge."

Please see the attached map for exact locations.

The Terrace

Located on the clubhouse side lawn, The Terrace is an exterior fan zone open to the public featuring a cash bar, tables and umbrellas. The Terrace is one of only two locations (with the JELD-WEN Stadium Village) -- outside of private hospitality venues -- where fans can purchase mixed drinks.

Four Points

Located south of the clubhouse and west of No. 18 green adjacent to the practice area pond, Four Points is an exterior fan zone open to the public providing seating and food and beverages for purchase. Four Points will provide spectators with a public, outdoor hospitality-type gathering area.

The Grove

An outdoor, shaded area, open to the public located behind No. 17 tee, The Grove features tables, umbrellas and is located next to The Food Court, a venue featuring food and beverage menu items for sale from various local establishments. The Grove will offer patrons a shaded area to eat and drink close to The Food Court.

The Patio

Located southeast of JELD-WENStadium Village, close to No. 10 tee and the hospitality area at No. 18 green, The Patio is a shaded area with tables, food and beverages for purchase.

The Bluff

The grandstands around No. 18 green have been removed to allow fans to get closer to the action as the best players in the world finish their rounds. New in 2011, fans can enjoy The Bluff, a dedicated area off of 18 green featuring casual seating and providing wait staff to serve food and drinks. The first 200 fans to arrive at The Bluff each day will receive a comfy chair -- at no charge -- and can stake out a prime location at No. 18 green for the entire day. The purpose of this venue is to provide an exterior venue with prime views of 18 green.

The Courtyard

Located left of The Food Court venue behind No. 16 tee, The Courtyard is a picket-fenced, private, open-air hospitality location serving beer, wine and soda, as well as light snacks. The Courtyard offers local businesses an affordable, daily hospitality option.

CHARITY UPDATE: THE PLAYERS Birdies for Charity program enjoys incredible start in 2011

The Birdies for Charity program is a way for fans throughout the First Coast of Florida to connect with THE PLAYERS while generating funds for local non-profits. Fans make a donation (minimum $20) for the chance to guess the total number of birdies that will be made by the field during the tournament. The fan who correctly guesses the right amount will win a grand prize trip for two to the 2011 Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Fans can visit www.birdiesforcharity.playerschampionship.com to sign up and pledge to their favorite charity.

Last year, more than 1,500 birdies were made during the tournament resulting in more than $500,000 raised for local charities. A record number of 197 local non-profits are participating in 2011 and the tournament has already reached its goal of $1.5 million raised with six weeks remaining before THE PLAYERS.

COMPETITION UPDATE: Vegas, Woodland earn invitations to THE PLAYERS for the first time courtesy of first PGA TOUR victories

PGA TOUR rookie Jhonattan Vegas and third-year player Gary Woodland have each earned spots in the field for THE PLAYERS after collecting their first PGA TOUR victories during the season's first three months. Vegas, a native of Venezuela and 2010 graduate of the Nationwide Tour, defeated Woodland and Bill Haas in a playoff to claim the Bob Hope Classic in January. Vegas will be the first Venezuelan to compete in the history of THE PLAYERS this May.

Following his runner-up finish to Vegas at the Bob Hope Classic, Woodland went on to record top 10s at the Waste Management Phoenix Open (T5) and The Honda Classic (T6) before breaking through for his maiden PGA TOUR victory two weeks ago at the Transitions Championship.

Vegas and Woodland are among eight players already qualified who will be making their first start at THE PLAYERS in 2011. Other potential first timers (have until Friday, May 8, at 5 p.m. ET to commit) include reigning British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, Jamie Lovemark, Josh Teater, Blake Adams, Graham DeLaet and Michael Connell.