PODS Championship, part of PGA TOUR, in Tampa Bay

Part of the PGA Tour’s spring swing through Florida, the PODS Championship brings golf’s biggest names annually to the Tampa Bay area.

In recent years, its field of players has included stars such as Vijay Singh, John Daly, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, Chris DiMarco, Sergio Garcia, Charles Howell III, Retief Goosen and K.J. Choi. Last year’s winner was Mark Calcavecchia. The 2007 event generated $1.2 million for area charities.

PODS Championship is played on the famed Copperhead Course at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, located at 36750 US Hwy. 19 N. in Palm Harbor, 34684. PODS Championship is also looking for volunteers to assist with the event.

Volunteers are needed from February 24-March 15 in areas including transportation, assistance with players and their families, shot link laser operation and luxury suite hosting. For more information or to buy tickets, call 727-942-5566, log on to www.podschampionship.com.