Adam Renfroe wonders if novelty will ever fade.
Constellation Furyk and Friends, if they haven’t already become a First Coast institution for many years to come.
The PGA Tour Champions at Timuquana Country Club will be held for the third year in a row, Oct. 6-8. It will feature the same trappings as its first appearance on the schedule, 2021.
The defending champion Steve Stricker must hold off a field that includes World Golf Hall of Fame Members, major champions, and Players Champions on a Donald Ross Course that is designed for a veteran player: strategic approach shots under the hole of small, push up greens, creative short games, and putting.
The field will be packed: Furyk & Friends includes six Hall of Famers and 14 major champions
The same strategy that Phil Mickelson used to win the first two years will likely be the same for any future winner.
A first prize of $315,000 is at stake from a purse totaling $2.1 million. Golf Channel will broadcast the first and second round from 2-4 pm and the final on tape delay basis from 9:30-11:30 pm on October 8.
Stricker is not alone in his dominance of the Charles Schwab Cup. He will have players like Furyk who has won 17 PGA Tour titles and was the 2003 U.S. Open winner, Hall of Famers such as Vijay Singh and Davis Love III as well as Bernhard Langer, Bernhard Langer, Ernie Els and David Duval. They will also be joined by major champions such as Mike Weir and Tom Lehman, as well as David Duval and Mark Calcavecchi
Furyk stated during the tournament media day on August 28 that “we love the golf course”. “I believe we are fortunate to be at Timuquana… the course is a major factor. It’s a favorite among the players. The players love it.
Fans flock to the field when it is strong
Renfroe, executive director of the tournament, said that the course is what attracts players. Fans are attracted by the list of players. It’s then up to the tournament if they want to keep fans interested in what’s happening inside and outside the ropes.
He said that sometimes the novelty of a tournament wears off, but not here. This tournament is a source of pride for Jacksonville, Duval County and the surrounding area. The Players Championship may be a great event for the region, but it is held in Ponte Vedra Beach in St. Johns County. They have the beach. “In this tournament, we will focus on downtown and the St. Johns River to show another side of the First Coast.”
Renfroe staff must be doing it right. The PGA Tour Champions players voted Furyk & Friends ‘The Players Award,’ given annually to what they believe is best event on their tour.
Renfroe stated, “We do not do this to receive accolades. But it was humbling for us to be acknowledged by the players.”
The private hospitality was sold out weeks ago. Two of the three pro ams are sold out, and the Monday pro am is almost sold out. A limited number of tickets remain for venues like Club 58 in honor of Furyk’s 18-hole record on the PGA Tour. Grounds tickets are still available by visiting constellationfurykandfriends.com.
Vijay Singh, of Fiji, plays his shot at the 17th tee on the second round of Constellation FurykK and Friends, held in Jacksonville, Florida, on October 8, 2022. Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images (Photo)
Only part of the week for golf
The Kids Zone is located away from the playing field. It includes the Baptist Family Lounge, the Publix Tailgate Village and two videoboards that will show college and NFL games, including the Jaguars vs. Buffalo game in London in the morning on Oct. 8 for early birds.
Tabitha Furyk said, “We are proud to have an event that has something for everyone – especially our families.”
There is no limit on the number of children under 17 who can accompany an adult with a ticket. Military personnel and their families are also admitted free.
The tournament helps many charities
The tournament’s luster comes from the more than $2,000 million that was donated to charities in the first two seasons. This money went to groups such as Habitat for Humanity and Hope for the Holidays.
Jim McHugh, executive vice president of Constellation, said: “This tournament highlights what we are proud of – impacting a local community in a positive manner.” Giving back is something that Constellation, Jim and Tabitha all share.
First round on Friday will be the first day of public viewing. The gates open at 8 am on Friday, Saturday and Sun.
The tournament week includes a concert by multi-platinum Dustin Lynch on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Daily’s Place, near EverBank stadium. Concert tickets are included in some ticket packages and can also be purchased on the Furyk & Friends site.
