Meet the Techs Behind the Technology at THE PLAYERS Championship 2025

As millions get ready to watch THE PLAYERS Championship on Peacock, highly trained professionals are working behind the scenes to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. The Comcast all-stars working at TPC Sawgrass include Johnny Lara, Dontello Lawson, Daniel Jarnutowski and Billy Williams. The team helped bring next-gen connectivity to the golf course by installing the sophisticated technology needed to power the internet and bring the tournament to life.

THE PLAYERS Championship takes place March 11 to 16 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. 144 golfers will compete for the largest purse of any single professional golf tournament—a record $25 million. Comcast Business is a proud partner of the premier sporting event.

Lawson and Jarnutowski, both Comcast Business technicians, are part of the on-the ground team that laid high-tech lines to every hole. The trained professionals said it’s a career highlight to be part of the action.

Lawson, Comcast Business Installation & Service Technician, is working his first year at TPC. He was in awe of how much work goes into this project to bring internet and TV connections to the course.

“To see how everything comes together is mind-blowing. It is incredible to see all the work the team puts into it and what it takes to prepare for a week-long event,” Lawson said. “I love seeing how it plays out behind the scenes.”

Jarnutowski, Business Technician, is also a newbie to THE PLAYERS project team. He shadowed some experienced team members to learn all about how Comcast Business powers THE PLAYERS.

“This is my first time working THE PLAYERS. I am taking it all in and learning from my colleagues. I’m already getting ready for next year!” Jarnutowski said. “I love showing up to work every day, but getting to come out here and experience our work at the course is really special. We have a really good thing going on.”

To handle the massive data demands of a world-class golf event and broadcast, Comcast Business equips the PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass with an underlying network designed to provide reliable, and ultra-fast connectivity. This includes multiple 10G-supported circuits, advanced WiFi capabilities, and low-latency connectivity for a flawless digital experience for fans on and off-the-course.

As the connectivity backbone of THE PLAYERS Championship, Comcast Business is taking fan engagement to new heights this year, offering innovative experiences for golf enthusiasts both at the venue and beyond. Here’s a preview of what fans can look forward to at THE PLAYERS Championship:

• Game the Green™: A First-of-its-Kind Interactive Experience at the PGA TOUR: Comcast Business is introducing Game the Green™, a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind, interactive experience designed and developed exclusively for attendees of THE PLAYERS Championship 2025 by engineers from across the Comcast organization, including Comcast Business and Sky. This innovative web-based experience allows fans to predict shot landings on the iconic 17th hole island green, in real-time, utilizing advanced course intelligence and predictive shot modeling powered by Comcast Business’s network and live weather data from MachineQ IoT ‘Weather Station’ device sensors. Fans on the course can compete daily for golf prizes and have a chance to win a grand prize trip to TPC Sawgrass, enhancing on-site engagement and excitement.

• Enhanced Viewing Experiences: Comcast Business and Xfinity are transforming the way fans experience the tournament, providing them with more ways to enjoy the action, whether at the venue or in the comfort of their homes:
  • THE PLAYERS on Xfinity X1: Golf fans and Xfinity X1 customers who can’t make the trip to TPC Sawgrass can still enjoy the ultimate sports viewing experience from home. Customers can simply say “THE PLAYERS” into their voice remote and be taken to a comprehensive tournament destination, featuring quick access to all live coverage, the latest news and highlights, plus immersive experiences such as an interactive course tour and live leaderboard. Additionally, fans can elevate their excitement by watching and wagering directly through X1 with Xfinity Odds Zone – now featuring live odds from FanDuel and DraftKings.
  • TOURCAST: A dynamic platform that brings fans closer to the action with 3D shot renderings, detailed player statistics, and high-resolution imagery in real-time, powered by Comcast Business’s next-generation network infrastructure. 
  • PGA TOUR All-Access: Enabled by Comcast Business, this feature allows fans to stream every shot by every player in high definition. 

• PGA TOUR Studios: Comcast Business’s advanced network also powers the PGA TOUR’s newly opened, state-of-the-art 16,500 square-foot media production studio. This innovative facility centralizes the TOUR’s operations, leveraging an IP-based infrastructure to manage up to 144 live camera feeds from tournament locations, further enhancing broadcast quality and fan engagement. 

Billy Williams, Comcast Business Technician, is part of the on-the-ground team at TPC Sawgrass that connects all of the vendors to internet. He and the team set up a mini headquarters at the course and handle dozens of work orders to get everyone online.

“From food stands and merchandise shops to audience spaces, we’re laying the cables that power transactions and television viewing,” Williams said. “Over a six to seven week period, we’re servicing all these vendors and making sure they have the best connectivity to power their services.”

Network Maintenance Manager Lara is tasked with making sure the network is strong and supporting the local teams. He also happens to be a life-long golf fan, playing since he was five years old.

“Given my golf experience, THE PLAYERS is such awesome event to be a part of. I love the camaraderie and it is such a great way to meet new team members,” said Lara. “This event is just one of the amazing things Comcast Business does, and I am so glad to be involved.”

Learn more about how Comcast Business is Teeing Up Next-Level Fan Experiences at THE PLAYERS^® Championship 2025.