Welcome To The Family
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“New” is not a term that one would often apply to a resort with more than 40 years of storied history that includes hosting the 1983 Ryder Cup, staging a PGA Tour event since 2007, and can boast many legends of golf having graced its fairways over the decades. Images of Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros in their prime come to mind.
But new is exactly what PGA National Resort is these days.
Located in the heart of thriving Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a recent $100 million investment reinvigorated the iconic resort with new amenities, new golf options now managed by Troon, and sleek, modern touches throughout. Guests enjoy access to 99 holes of exceptional golf, including the mighty Jack Nicklaus-designed Champion Course — host venue of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic — with its famed Bear Trap sequence of holes.
In 2021, a duo of bold and innovative new Andy Staples-designed layouts opened, The Match and The Staple courses, which are designed to maximize the fun in a game of golf. The Match Course, with its goal of encouraging “match” versus “stroke” play, is built on the land of the resort’s former Squire Course and is inspired by classic golf course design principles from the “Golden Era” of course architecture.
The 18-hole Match Course joined PGA National Resort’s new nine-hole Staple Course that features holes ranging from 60 to 130 yards. Requiring just a few clubs, the Staple Course places an emphasis on fast, joyous rounds with its par-three design, numerous “hole-in-one” pin locations and a figure-eight configuration complete with Adirondack chairs for after-hours socializing.
Topnotch instruction is available at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, and the world’s first science-based and statistical data-driven golf training center, Full Process Golf. PGA National Resort also offers state-of-the-art club fitting.
And while golf constitutes the biggest footprint at the resort, tropical-themed comfort is found in the 339 resort guest rooms and suites, and 21 light and airy two-bedroom, two-bath private Serena & Lily-designed luxury cottages.
The recent renovations also included an emphasis on upping the resort’s culinary game, with two signature restaurants spearheaded by “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford and multiple James Beard Award nominee Lindsay Autry, The Butcher’s Club and Honeybelle. The Butcher’s Club emits a 1950s swanky sophistication along with prime cuts of meat; while Honeybelle combines classic Florida style and southern charm with seasonal American cuisine. For special treats any time of day, guests can also now enjoy a new high-end chocolatier, and the Big Drip frozen yogurt shop.
Kid- and family friendly activities are aplenty, with the Banyan Buddies club dishing up exciting games and creative crafts, pools and water activities in abundance, and even golf and tennis clinics geared to juniors.
The newly imagined Spa at PGA National Resort offers guests 40,000 square feet of tranquility and wellness. This serene oasis provides the perfect escape to breathe, heal, and rejuvenate with individualized holistic care. The Spa’s comprehensive menu of restorative treatments are designed to evoke lightness, openness, and a deep sense of well-being. For gentlemen to look their best on and off the course, the Spa’s cool new Groom Guy offers fresh haircuts, clean shaves, beard trimming, and personalized styling from classically trained barbers.
Additional amenities include a 33,000-square-foot health and racquet club with 19 Har Tru tennis courts (12 lit for night play); six new pickleball courts for members and guests to enjoy the game’s burgeoning popularity in South Florida and across the U.S.; and 60,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space.
So yes, even with its unparalleled history of pedigreed golf events and players over the past 40-plus years, PGA National Resort is nowadays a new and exciting must-visit destination in South Florida
For more information: www.PGAResort.com
