South Florida stay-and-play vacation emulates PGA Tour event year-round
(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) — With the PGA TOUR set to kick-off at Kapaula Resort on Maui, PGA National Resort and Spa announces the 2011 “Honda Classic Experience” – a one-of-a-kind golf package that enables golfers to emulate the stay-and-play experience of this wildly popular TOUR event, held on the resort’s Champion Course March 3-6.
The Honda Classic has become one of the PGA TOUR’s premier events and the first stop on its famous “Florida Swing.” Recent tournament winners include elite TOUR players such as Camilo Villegas, Ernie Els, Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington. Harrington, the 2005 champion, says that outside the majors, The Champion at PGA National is “the best course we play on TOUR.”
Originally designed by George and Tom Fazio, and redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, The Champion is home to the legendary “Bear Trap” — known as one of the most difficult three hole stretches in golf. Its hallowed fairways have also played host to the Ryder Cup (1983), the PGA Championship (1987), and Senior PGA Championship.
The TOUR experience begins with a photo-op on the first tee of The Champion. To enhance the challenge, PGA TOUR tournament green speeds are kept at knee-buckling, double-digit Stimpmeter readings along with Honda Classic hole flags. Garmin GPS provides pinpoint yardages with mandatory forecaddies included through April 30. Upgrades to walking caddies in Augusta-style jumpsuits are available. Also included:
• One round per person (per night) on The Champion
• Nightly accommodations onsite at PGA National’s award-winning resort hotel where the majority of The Honda Classic field stays
• Unlimited same day replay rounds (booked at the course after first round)
• Daily breakfast, with a wide selection of hot and healthy items
• Complimentary bag storage for convenience
• Unlimited range balls at PGA National’s TOUR-level practice range
“Our Honda Classic Experience package provides a true ‘inside the ropes’ PGA TOUR feel for our guests,” says Joel Paige, Vice President and Managing Director. “The Honda Classic is our pinnacle event and now golfers can test their skills against The Champion and mighty Bear Trap in tournament conditions.”
For 2011, the PGA Honda Classic Experience runs $337 (January 1 — April 18), $315 (April 19 — May 21), $210 (May 22 — September 24) and $315 (September 25 — December 31). All prices are per person, per night. Walking caddie upgrades are available starting from $25 per player.
For more information on the PGA Honda Classic Experience, or to make reservations, visit www.pgaresort.com, or call (800) 533.9386. Advance tee-times are required.
About PGA National Resort & Spa
PGA National Resort & Spa is a national, premier golf vacation and meeting destination. The legendary 379-room Florida resort recently completed a $65 million comprehensive revitalization, including a new front entrance, outdoor pool and pavilion, new Ironwood Grille and iBAR, as well as enhanced public areas, golf courses and landscaping.
PGA National Resort & Spa offers 90 holes of championship golf on five courses, including the famed Champion course, home to the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic. The resort’s storied golf history includes hosting the 1983 Ryder Cup, 1987 PGA Championship, and nearly two decades of the Senior PGA Championship. In addition to The Champion, PGA National’s award-winning golf courses are: The Palmer, The Haig, The Squire and The Estates.
Other distinguishing features include a 40,000 square-foot European Spa with 32 treatment areas and the exclusive “Waters of the World” outdoor mineral pools, a world-class 33,000 square-foot health-and-racquet club with 19 Har Tru tennis courts, 40,000 square feet of self-contained conference space and nine on-site restaurants and lounges.
Conveniently located within easy driving distances of major Florida population centers, the AAA Four Diamond resort is 15 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), one hour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and 90 minutes from Miami International Airport (MIA).
Contact:
Shane Sharp
Buffalo Communications
704.519.8381
ssharp@buffalocommunications.com
David Wood
Buffalo Communications
703.635.0577 (cell)
dwood@buffalocommunications.com