TPC or Not TPC? That is the Question

To paraphrase Hamlet (especially if he were a golf fanatic), "TPC Stadium or not TPC Stadium? That is the question."  As we have announced since the opening session of the 2017 annual conference in Chandler, AZ, the 2018 Annual Conference and Product Showcase will be held from October 10-13 at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.  And as you are almost certainly aware if you follow the game of golf at all, this is also the home of the TPC Stadium Golf Course, which hosts the annual PGA Players' Tour Championship, considered by most of the professional tour golfers as their "unofficial" 5th major championship.  This particular course has arguably the toughest finishing 3 holes of any golf course in the world, and in particular, the 17th hole - a par 3 with an island green - is an iconic hole for almost anyone who has watched the tournament or swung a golf club.

We too have the opportunity to schedule our Wednesday afternoon (October 10th) golf outing prior to the start of the conference on this course, but as one might expect, there is the question of cost.  The cost to play the TPC Stadium course that day would be roughly $500 to 550 per player per round (which includes the caddy gratuities and other miscellaneous fees), while if we chose to play the other TPC golf course at the site (the TPC Valley Course), the fee per person would run somewhere between $275 and $300.

As you might imagine, these rates have caused debate among several of our Program & Showcase Committee members as to whether or not there would be enough interest among our golfing members attending this year's conference to organize a golf outing.  Considering the costs involved, we would like to know from you -

1. Would you be interested in playing the TPC Stadium course at roughly $550 per person? - OR -
2. Would you be interested in playing the TPC Valley course at roughly $300 per person?

So if you would be interested in golfing, please send a quick email to Jim Babbitt at jbabbitt@dpha.net letting him know your answer to the inquiry above.  Although your answers are non-binding, please keep in mind that if we decide to book tee times for an outing, we will probably have to guarantee a minimum amount of golfers for the event. 

And if you missed the announcement about the hotel and the room reservation link that we posted on our website at the beginning of the year as well as mentioned in the January 5th issue of Connections, here is the information.  

Recently renovated and brimming with amenities, the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa sets the stage for a visit you won't soon forget. Next door to the legendary TPC® Sawgrass golf course, they proudly offer their guests special privileges at the courses. Elsewhere at the resort, you can make a splash in one of their four pools, pamper yourself at the on-site spa or enjoy a meal at their outstanding restaurants. Catch their free shuttle to TPC® Sawgrass, or to the recently renovated private Cabana Beach Club. 

There are 493 rooms and suites that include a flat screen TV and High Speed Internet Access.  It's a first-class resort in every way except the room price. DPHA members will enjoy a $189 per night (plus tax) rate during the DPHA Conference.   Click here to make your hotel room reservations and make sure you don't miss out on staying at this fabulous venue.