The Honda Classic Returns to Heavily-Renovated PGA National Resort

Today signals the start the beginning of the Florida Swing on the PGA TOUR with the Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa’s Champion Course.

Those watching closely might notice a few different features from year’s past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eric B. (@hozel_rocket)

And that’s because the famed grounds have just been blessed by a comprehensive $100 million transformation. 

The “new” property features 99 holes of extraordinary golf ranging from four “traditional” 18s, including The Champion Course with its famous Bear Trap, to two new bold and innovative Andy Staples-designed layouts, The Match and The Staple courses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by PGA National Resort (@pganational)

Since opening for play on Sept. 10th to wide acclaim, few course debuts in recent years were as highly anticipated as The Match Course with its exciting goal of encouraging “match” versus “stroke” play.

Built on the land of the legendary resort’s former Squire Course, the 18-hole layout is inspired by classic golf course design principles while specifically using the famed “template holes” concept for the inspired ideas from the “Golden Era” of course architecture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Andy Staples (@andystaplesgolf)

The Match Course joined PGA National Resort’s new nine-hole Staple Course which opened last year on July 1 to similar praise. With holes ranging from 60 to 130 yards, The Staple Course requires just a few clubs and 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.

The overall resort transformation is inspired by 1960s “Palm Beach chic” for a timeless vibrancy. In addition to the nostalgic vibe brought to the 360 guestrooms, array of private villas and common areas, the changes also focus heavily on superb dining where guests are guided by their palate throughout the day.

Among the six new culinary concepts are two signature restaurants spearheaded by “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford and multiple James Beard Award nominee Lindsay Autry, The Butcher’s Club and Honeybelle.

Club Manager, Jane Broderick said:

“We are so excited to welcome the golfing world and best players in the game to PGA National Resort for the Honda Classic as we showcase the incredible transformation of our entire property… With our amazing roster of courses, fantastic accommodations and world-class resort amenities, we’re honored be among the ‘best of the best’ of U.S. golf destinations.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The resort highlights topnotch instruction 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 (pictured above).

PGA National Resort also offers state-of-the-art club fitting (perfect after you heave-ho your 4 and 5 irons into water after the Bear Trap bites you). An array of special stay-and-play packages, including rounds on The Champion Course as well as The Match and Staple courses, are offered for vacations to long savor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by PGA National Resort (@pganational)

Additional amenities include its superlative 33,000 square-foot health and racquet club with 19 Har Tru tennis courts (12 lit for night play), tranquil 40,000 square-foot spa, 60,000 square feet of indoor / outdoor event space, and a new high-end chocolatier, ice cream shop and brand-new “Kids Club” experience, collectively making for an experience that the whole family.

Cover Image Via pgaresort.com