PLAYERS Patriots Outpost expects more than 12,000 people

It has become a hallmark of The PLAYERS Championship, and it’s expected to be as large as ever.

“It’s actually one of the easiest things to get done every year,” says PGA Charitable Outreach Director Cathie Hurlburt.

She says the Patriots Outpost met its fundraising and donation goals “quite a while ago”, which is never difficult in the military driven community.

“I don’t think any tournaments on tour have the type of military attendance that we do here,” she says.

The Outpost started in 2009 as part of Military Appreciation Day. Since then, it has continued to grow, reaching 12,000 servicemen and their families Wednesday-Sunday of tournament week. This year, about 20 local businesses have stepped up to provide free food and drinks in the tent. There is also air conditioning for military families to relax and watch the Championship.

Hurlburt says giving the feel of a corporate hospitality tent to the men and women that have fought for our country is something special.

“It’s become one of the best things about tournament week,” she says.

And while she admits that accommodating that many people means they have their work cut out for them, she says it’s something they’re more than happy to shoulder.