The Players Championship excitement began with PGA Tour rookie and St. Simons Island resident, Brian Harman receiving a phone call the morning of the first day, notifying him that he has moved from “first alternate” to playing in the tournament.  He went on to amaze spectators in the second round, on the 8th hole by chipping in from 43 yards away for a birdie which helped keep him in the tournament for the rest of the weekend.

The tournament excitement continued with St. Simons Island and Sea Island residents leading the charge at The Players this year.  It seemed like a neighborhood block party with Matt Kuchar and Zach Johnson in the lead and Harris English, Jonathan Byrd and Brian Harman not too far behind.  The showing of the Golden Isles players was no doubt impressive with 3 of the top 10 positions during most of the tournament being held by golfers that call the Golden Isles home- Matt Kuchar, Zach Johnson and Jonathan Byrd. 

In the end, they all made the Golden Isles proud. Matt Kuchar won his fourth career win and becomes the first American to win The Players Championship since Phil Mickelson won in 2007.  Zach Johnson finished in a four-way tie for second with Martin Laird, Rickie Fowler and Ben Curtis, only two strokes behind Kuchar and Jonathan Byrd tied for 12th.  Upon completing their final rounds, both Zach and Jonathan were in place to see, their friend, Matt hit his approach shot and two-putt the 18th green for par to finish his winning round. Congratulations!

There are still quite a few other PGA Tour players, not already mentioned above, that call the Golden Isles home including Charles Howell III, Lucas Glover, Chris Kirk and the 2012 Ryder Cup Captain, Davis Love III.  We invite you to come see why so many professional golfers choose to live here and we wish all our Golden Isles PGA Tour Professionals continued success!

Come explore our beautiful barrier islands and play golf year 'round on some of the country's most spectacular and widely acclaimed courses.  You can plan your trip in October to watch some of the PGA Tours best players compete at The McGladrey Classic, hosted by Davis Love III.  The 2012 event is scheduled for October 15th -21st at Sea Island Golf Club on the famed Seaside Course and includes a live performance by country music star Gary Allan along with many family fun activities.

The Players Championship final standings: Click here
All photos provided by, Golf Channel