PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.– The PGA Tour today announced that Jacob Davidson, a Jacksonville native and longtime golf industry executive, has been named Event Director of The Players Championship, while Lee Smith has assumed an expanded leadership role as Vice President, TPC Sawgrass and The Players.

As Event Director, Davidson will oversee the day-to-day planning and execution of The Players. In his new role, Smith will continue to provide strategic oversight of The Players while adding responsibility for TPC Sawgrass. Across both properties, he will oversee club operations, agronomy, hospitality, capital projects and long-term planning.

"Bringing Jacob home to lead The Players is an investment in the future of this championship," said Lee Smith, Vice President, TPC Sawgrass and The Players. "His leadership, industry expertise and connection to this community will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve the championship. I'm excited to work alongside him as we continue raising the bar for our fans, players and partners."

Davidson attended his first Players Championship as a 10-year-old in 1998 and later volunteered at the event while a student-athlete at the University of North Florida. He joins the PGA Tour after a decade with Callaway Golf, where he held a series of senior leadership roles across product strategy, athlete relations, tour operations and sports marketing. Most recently, Davidson served as Vice President of Product Strategy & Product Marketing, overseeing the strategic direction and commercialization of Callaway's equipment portfolio.

Before joining Callaway, Davidson served as an assistant men's golf coach at both the University of North Florida and Mercer University following his collegiate playing career at UNF. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of North Florida and an MBA from Mercer University.

"The opportunity to return home and help lead an event that has meant so much to me throughout my life is incredibly special," said Davidson. "The Players has had a lasting impact on my life and career and I'm honored to join the team. I look forward to building on the championship's tradition and delivering a great experience for our fans, players, partners and community."

The Players will return to TPC Sawgrass March 9-14. With several ticket and hospitality offerings already sold out or nearing capacity, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early by visiting ThePlayers.com