One of Us: Emily Bellock

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Emily Bellock is the new director of community outreach for THE PLAYERS Championship. She has been affiliated with the PGA TOUR in various capacities over the years.

In your new position with THE PLAYERS, what kinds of things will you be doing?

As THE PLAYERS’ director of community outreach, I oversee the Championship’s year-round charitable, community and military outreach initiatives and relationships. Right now, I’m spending a lot of time in the community meeting with organizations to best understand needs and opportunities that THE PLAYERS can support.

Additionally, I oversee our storytelling and PR plans to drive awareness around THE PLAYERS and our community partners. It’s really important to us that THE PLAYERS is accessible to all, and it’s my job to make sure that nonprofits in this community feel that way.

What are you looking forward to as you assume this new role?

I’m really looking forward to meeting the great people and organizations in the greater Jacksonville area that do so much for this community. In my short time in this role, I’ve been so impressed with the strength and scope of the nonprofit network here.

I’m also excited to continue to work with the many community organizations that THE PLAYERS has a rich history with as well as expose new organizations to the event and the support that it can provide.

You’ve been affiliated with the PGA TOUR for several years. Tell us about your career and the responsibilities you’ve had.

I hit my 15-year mark with the TOUR this February. My first role was an entry-level position with the PGA TOUR Tournament Business Affairs team. I had various roles in that department and the fortune to work with nearly every PGA TOUR event during my time there. We supported our co-sanctioned tournaments across the country with sales, marketing, operational and community outreach support.

I later transitioned to the TOUR’s Corporate Partnerships department where I managed a portfolio of Official Marketing Partners and Title Sponsors by developing and executing their season-long sponsorships and marketing programs. Some that you may have seen at THE PLAYERS include Tito’s, Maestro Dobel, Anheuser Busch, NetJets and TruGreen. Every two years, I support the U.S. Presidents Cup team as a team liaison. My colleague and I work closely with the team members, their families and support staff and oversee planning and team operations. With the 2022 Presidents Cup just around in the corner (Sept. 22-25 at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina), this has turned into a very busy summer!  

It’s always interesting to discover how people find themselves in their present careers. Can you tell us how you got started and about your education?

I went to Boston College for undergrad and completed my MBA at the University of Florida. I started my career in golf with an internship at the Bank of America Championship, a former PGA TOUR Champions event in Concord, Massachusetts. I served as the tournament’s pro-am coordinator and was tasked with overseeing registration and communication with all pro-am guests, gift fulfillment and operations.

I truly loved the experience and was able to meet a number of TOUR staff members during that time that ultimately led me to an opportunity at HQ in Ponte Vedra.  

How long have you lived here on the First Coast?

I’ve lived on the First Coast for just over 15 years, with time spent at the beach and “over the ditch.” I currently live in Riverside.

What do you like most about it?

As a New England native, I love the climate and how we’re able to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. I also love that Jacksonville has turned into a melting pot, with people from all over moving here to call the First Coast home.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to explore the neighborhoods, restaurants, markets and beaches in this community. I also really love to travel (especially to see my family who is spread out across the U.S.), spend time with friends, cook and play golf. For those that know me well, I’m never bored!