Jacksonville Jaguars rookies hang out, try golf, at Players Champ'ship

 

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie defensive end Dante Fowler met one of his life's goals Sunday.

 

"I saw Tiger Woods," he said. "I can cross that off the bucket list."

 

Fowler, who sustained a season-ending knee injury Friday at rookie minicamp, and the team's other 21 rookies visited the TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course for the final round of The Players Championship and experienced first-hand the PGA Tour's biggest event and its surrounding splendor.

 

They all took shots at the replica 17th hole at the Stadium Village (none need to quit their day jobs) and then went to the Jaguars' hospitality venue near the 17th tee to watch a few groups go by before leaving for a beach party hosted by the Ponte Vedra Inn and Club.

 

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said it was important for the players to experience the biggest sporting event on the First Coast – until football season starts.

 

WATCH: Jaguars rookies at Players | WATCH: Jags mascot wins charity golf challenge

 

"This is an unbelievable experience for them," he said. "I always tell them, 'Connect with the following,' and what better way than this to meet fans and see the importance of this event to the community. I also think it helps them to see the athletes and the mental skill necessary to hit shots like this under pressure in front of 50,000 people."

 

Jaguars guard A.J. Cann said he hit balls on driving ranges in the past, but it was the first time he's ever been on what he called "a real golf course."

 

"I really enjoy hitting balls," he said. "But I notice that almost every athlete gets into golf at some point. I'd like to try it."

 

Fowler said other athletes could take a lesson from golfers.

 

"I think it would help you mentally," he said. "It calms you down and forces you to think. Then you have to regroup pretty quick after a bad shot. You have to have a short memory. It's like in football. If I missed a tackle, I have to forget about it and go on to the next play."

 

This article was written by Garry Smits from The Florida Times-Union and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.