PGA TOUR Headquarters
1 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082
Dear Chairman and Commissioner,
My name is Bill Conley, and I am a volunteer
at THE PLAYERS Championship here in Ponte Vedra Beach. Over the past several
years, I have had the privilege of interacting with thousands of families,
parents, and children who attend this outstanding event. I am writing to share
an idea that I believe could greatly enhance the fan experience not only at The Players Championship but across PGA Tour events everywhere.
The idea is simple, engaging, and incredibly
popular with families.
I suggest that the PGA TOUR create a
designated photo backdrop area at tournaments that features a large vinyl
display of one of the host course’s most iconic holes. At THE PLAYERS Championship,
for example, the backdrop would feature the famous 17th hole island green.
Families, children, parents, grandparents, and groups could then stand in front
of this backdrop holding a tournament-style "Quiet" sign while taking
their own photographs.
This is not a formal photography station
where staff take the pictures. The excitement comes from the families
themselves taking the photos. Moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, and friends
love capturing the moment on their own phones as children hold the Quiet sign
and feel like they are part of the tournament.
Over the past few years, I have been
informally doing something similar near the fourth hole. When there is no play
occurring, I allow children to hold the quiet sign with the fourth hole green
and flag in the background. To make the experience even more fun and authentic,
I place my volunteer credentials around their neck so they feel like an
official marshal for the moment.
The reaction from families has been
extraordinary. Parents absolutely love it. Grandparents are thrilled. Siblings
gather around laughing and cheering. The children beam with excitement.
Everyone is smiling and grateful for the opportunity to take the picture. The
families themselves take the photos, often taking several, and they clearly
treasure the moment.
Because of how successful this has been, I
believe the PGA TOUR could easily expand this idea into a formal fan experience
across tournaments.
A simple setup could include a large vinyl
backdrop of the host course’s signature hole. At THE PLAYERS Championship, it
would naturally be the 17th hole island green. Volunteers could help hand out the
"Quiet" sign to families and assist children with putting on a
volunteer credential for the photo moment. The families would then take their own
pictures.
The activity would be placed in an area where
spectators gather, such as near food areas, fan villages, or merchandise zones.
It would never occur during active play and would never interfere with players
or competition.
There are many reasons this idea would be
beneficial for the PGA TOUR.
First, it creates a joyful and memorable
experience for families attending the event.
Second, it gives children the chance to feel
like they are part of the tournament.
Third, it encourages families to capture and
share fun photos connected to the event.
Fourth, those photos will naturally spread
across social media, generating organic exposure for the tournament.
Fifth, it strengthens the family-friendly
image of professional golf.
Sixth, it gives children a fun activity while
parents enjoy the tournament atmosphere.
Seventh, it creates a unique attraction
within the fan experience areas of the course.
Eighth, it encourages spectators to spend
more time on site, enjoying tournament activities.
Ninth, the concept can easily be replicated
across all tours, including PGA TOUR events, PGA TOUR Champions, LPGA
tournaments, and the Korn Ferry Tour.
Tenth, it reinforces the iconic identity of
each course by featuring its most recognizable hole as the backdrop.
In my experience volunteering at THE PLAYERS
Championship, families consistently show how much they value experiences like
this. When a child stands holding the quiet sign with the green flag in the
background, it becomes a special memory that families will keep forever.
The setup would be simple, inexpensive, and
easily managed by volunteers, yet the fan engagement value would be tremendous.
I truly believe this concept could become a
beloved fan tradition at tournaments around the world.
Thank you for taking the time to consider
this idea. I would be happy to discuss it further if helpful.
Sincerely,
Bill Conley
Volunteer
13783 Deer Chase Place
Jacksonville, Florida 32224
Phone: 904 526 9025
Email: billhytek@hotmail.com
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