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Why Jax Chamber Loves The Players Championship

Tami Mcclaran

A 2007 study by the University of Florida estimated the economic impact of The Players Championship to be $150 million. It creates 2,000 jobs, and is the busiest week at Jacksonville International Airport.

That alone is enough to make Chamber officials smile.

But its not just to watch the tournament that thousands of people pack onto the Ponte Vedra course every year.     

For the third consecutive year, Florida Governor Rick Scott attended Thursday’s opening round of THE PLAYERS with a schedule that included VIP roundtable discussions with business executives and out-of-state CEOs. The topics included business relocation and expansion into Northeast Florida.

Business executives from around the world come to the Players, and that means it's a good place to talk business while attending the numerous events connected to the tourney.

And with so many other golf courses nearby, the executives can get in a couple rounds themselves.

Chamber spokesman Doug Filaroski says golf is slow paced and is open of a lot of conversation. Many business deals can originate on a golf course.

Kevin Meerschaert has left WJCT for new pursuits. He was the producer of First Coast Connect until October of 2018.