Agronomy crew sees incredible support at The Players Championship The world’s top golfers are gathering in Ponte Vedra, Florida, this week to compete at TPC Sawgrass for the prestigious Players Championship. Equally dedicated is the agronomy team responsible for maintaining the course, a group of 220 full-time staff and volunteers led by TPC Sawgrass Director of Golf Course Maintenance Operations Lucas Andrews. Their work ensures the course remains in peak condition for the tournament. The agronomy crew is backed by industry partners such as Quali-Pro, John Deere, and XTRAtuf, which provide support through catered meals, swag bags, guest speakers, and a golf simulator. These amenities aim to ease the demands of the week’s rigorous labor. Ryan Karapas, marketing director at Quali-Pro, emphasized the company’s commitment to strengthening its reputation in the industry. “The ‘Trusted for Championships’ campaign is about showcasing our presence at high-profile events,” Karapas said. “Being part of the tournament helps superintendents recognize Quali-Pro’s role in championship-level maintenance.” Chase Tew, production systems and business unit manager at John Deere, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the course’s upkeep. “It’s incredible to see so many people from around the world working toward a common goal,” Tew remarked. He described observing the crew’s meticulous work, including filling divots and making strategic decisions to execute maintenance plans. Tew also noted his experience shadowing the team and driving the course with PGA Tour executive Paul Vermeulen, underscoring the complexity of the agronomy team’s role. Weather conditions could pose a challenge later in the week, with cooler temperatures and rain expected on Thursday.#tpc_sawgrass #lucas_andrews #quali_pro #john_deere #ponte_vedra
