Ownership gives famed "champion course" second capital infusion in as many years
Palm Beach Gardens, FL (November 6, 2007) – After the successful completion of a 2006 renovation and kick-off of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic’s six year engagement at PGA National Resort and Spa, the resort announces yet another capital infusion for the famed Champ Course. Host to some of the world’s legendary golf events and the biggest names in golf, PGA National is poised to again open the "Florida Swing" on the PGA Tour with an impressive array of course enhancements.
Already the third toughest course on the PGA Tour, home to six of the toughest fifty holes on the PGA Tour in 2007 and showcasing the most difficult par three in Florida – the Par 3 15th – these enhancements will only add to the legend of the Champ course.
The Improvements to the Champ Course, already a pro favorite, will include new, re-shaped or expanded bunkers on five of the eighteen holes and lush new landscaping. "Our owners and management team are committed to renewing PGA National’s position as the most prestigious golf resort in the country," said Joel Paige, managing director. "We are thrilled to be home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic and promise that the 2008 tournament will be even more dynamic than last year – maybe a little more challenging too."
Working in partnership with Nicklaus Design and Superior Golf Concepts, the PGA National team will oversee the expansion of the right fairway at the first landing area on hole No. 3, two new fairway bunkers and a re-located pot bunker at hole No. 10, a re-shaped right fairway bunker at hole No. 12, and re-shaped left fairway bunkers at holes No. 13 and 14, among other improvements.
PGA National Resort and Spa has been host to over 19 major PGA championship events including the 1987 PGA Championship, the 1983 Ryder Cup matches, 1982 Grand Slam and close to two decades of the PGA Seniors Tournament. The resort boasts five 18-hole master-designed golf courses; full service, professional tournament staff; a comprehensive caddie program and a Golf Digest Academy of instruction. Course improvements are expected to be complete in early December 2007.
About PGA National Resort and Spa
Opened in 1981, PGA National Resort and Spa is a stunning South Florida vacation and meeting destination. The legendary 339-room resort is in the midst of multi-million dollar facelift that will include a completely new front entrance, outdoor pool and pavilion as well as enhanced public areas, restaurants, golf courses and landscaping. PGA National Resort and Spa offers 90 holes of championship golf, including the famed Champion Course, new home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic and past host of the 1983 Ryder Cup, the 1987 PGA Championship and a litany of other prized professional golf tournaments. Other distinguishing features include a 42,000 square foot European Spa with 56 treatments areas and the exclusive Waters of the World outdoor mineral pools, a world-class health and racquet club, 34,000 square feet of self-contained conference space and seven on-site restaurants and lounges. PGA National Resort is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. For more information call 800-633-9150 or visit www.pgaresort.com
Contact:
Strat-Comm for PGA National Resort & Spa
908-542-9300
Neil Stratford nstratford@stratcogroup.com
r Debbie Evans devans@stratcogroup.com
