Surprises at the Stadium Course: THE PLAYERS to give five locals their “Dream Day” at the 2022 Championship
CONTACT: Emily Tillo, PGA TOUR, 904-424-8572, emilytillo@pgatourhq.com
MEDIA ALERT
Surprises at the Stadium Course: THE PLAYERS to give five locals their “Dream Day” at the 2022 Championship
All to be surprised with the news tomorrow at TPC Sawgrass
** EMBARGOED UNTIL 3:00 PM ON TUESDAY, MARCH 1 **
WHAT:
THE PLAYERS Championship is giving five locals representing different nonprofit organizations an unforgettable, inside-the-ropes experience during this year’s championship. The five locals will find out about their Dream Day during a surprise party on Tuesday, March 1, at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse. Dream Day itself is set for Wednesday of tournament week, March 9.
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 1
Media Arrival: 2:45 p.m.
Surprise: 3:00 p.m.
WHERE:
TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse
110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
WHO:
Amanda Bussey, representing Special Olympics Florida – Northeast Region
Twelve years ago, Amanda Bussey picked up her first golf club at a clinic sponsored by THE PLAYERS. All it took was one swing to show that Bussey was a natural. Just one year after she started playing, she won her first Gold medal at the State games in 2011. The 37-year-old athlete has now won more than 30 Special Olympics medals in state and regional events and recently qualified for the 2022 Special Olympics U.S. Games Golf competition, which are set to take place this June. Amanda’s Golden Rule for golf is “No Water, No Sand,” so during Dream Day 2022 at THE PLAYERS, Amanda will be able to see just how many of the world’s top professional golfers follow her advice on the 17th hole as she watches them take on the Island Green.
Ava Jones, representing Dreams Come True
In July 2020, Ava Jones (age 9) was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer (there are less than 500 cases per year diagnosed within the United States). Despite intense chemotherapy and proton radiation therapy, Ava has never lost her incredible spirit. In February 2021, Dreams Come True – a local organization that fulfills dreams for northeast Florida children facing life-threatening illnesses, teamed up with THE PLAYERS to grant Ava’s dream of a claw machine, which they also helped replenish over the summer. Dreams Come True and THE PLAYERS continues to find ways to bring extra hope and joy to Ava and her family, which will include this Dream Day at THE PLAYERS.
Dominic Clayton, representing First Tee – North Florida
At just 15 years old, Dominic Clayton stands 6’2″ tall and is already one of the top golfers at the First Tee – North Florida chapter, a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. Along with participating in all classes and tournaments offered by First Tee, he attends every special event and typically arrives early and stays late to help the staff. On just about any day, he can be found at his First Tee program location either working on his golf game or helping younger participants with theirs. “The future of First Tee has never been brighter because of participants like Dominic,” shared First Tee – North Florida Executive Director Jeff Willoughby.
Leighmar Wilson, representing Moore-Myers Children’s Fund
Moore-Myers Children’s Fund, a local organization that teaches the skills of golf in hope of preparing children for college scholarships, first met Leighmar Wilson at Brentwood Golf Course in Northwest Jacksonville in 2017. The very next day, Leighmar joined the organization at its weekly golf clinic. Leighmar is a young man of small stature and a quiet spirit, but demonstrates determination and keen focus, in addition to demonstrated natural athletic abilities. He has shown tremendous improvement over the past few years and was chosen for this Dream Day opportunity because “he has shown the commitment it takes to succeed in golf and in life.”
Loxley Greensmith, representing Tom Coughlin Jay Fund
Loxley Greensmith was diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in 2020 when he was just seven years old. The discovery of the disease actually came through golf, which he enjoys playing with his Grandpa, who introduced him to the game. Loxley was experiencing severe back pain while golfing with his grandpa. Loxley’s mom, Brandy, took him to the doctor, where ultimately the cancer was discovered. He had a port inserted to start his chemotherapy and bone marrow aspiration in September 2020, and due to the strength of his treatments, had stopped walking which meant he couldn’t play the game he loved for several months. Now, Loxley takes an oral chemotherapy daily with IV and spinal chemo every 3 months. Loxley will finish all chemotherapy in December 2022 and is ready to get back to golfing! The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund – a local non-profit whose mission is to be there for families battling childhood cancer with financial, emotional and practical support – introduced Loxley to THE PLAYERS this year, when Loxley participated in THE PLAYERS’ 50-day charity countdown PSA campaign this year. Two of Loxley’s favorite PGA TOUR players are Harold Varner III and Cameron Tringale.
MARCH 9 DREAM DAY DETAILS:
Media must have already been properly credentialed for THE PLAYERS in order to cover Dream Day at THE PLAYERS on Wednesday, March 9. All five participants will get the chance to sit inside the ropes on the Island Green 17th Hole and interact with players and caddies from approximately 9-10:30 a.m. during the annual Caddie Competition. Afterwards, they will enjoy lunch at the course and a behind-the-scenes tour.
ON-SITE MEDIA CONTACT FOR SUPRISE PARTY: Marjorie Dennis, 904-635-3038, marjoriedennis@pgatourhq.com