(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA National Resort & Spa – home of the PGA TOUR Honda Classic and former Ryder Cup venue – announces its famed Champion Course has achieved the certified international mark of sustainability in golf from the Golf Environment Organization (GEO).
The recognition fell on Earth Day 2015 and acknowledges PGA National’s environmental stewardship, resource efficiency and community value across the Champion Course and its facilities. Earlier this month PGA National became the first U.S. resort to achieve the “International Green Meeting Certification” from ASTM International.
Located alongside 12,000 acres of wetlands, the Champion Course and its facilities aim to maintain native habitats and connections within a functioning ecosystem. The legendary South Florida destination is proud of its position within a living landscape, as well as its responsibilities to reduce impacts on resource use and enhance the benefits it brings to its members, guests and the local community.
“We are excited to attain the industry’s rigorous, global standard from the Golf Environment Organization,” says Joel Paige, Vice President & Managing Director of the PGA National. “It is further evidence of our ongoing commitment to sustainable resort, club and course management, and inspires us to reach even greater heights with our eco-friendly practices.”
Some of the sustainability initiatives highlighted in the certification report include:
• 100% of the site’s green waste is recycled and returned to the facility as mulch for organic fertilizer and soil amendments
• Energy efficient drives installed on irrigation pumps saving $18,000 per year in electricity consumption
• Course policy of firm, fast playing conditions achieved with close attention to mowing height and minimal turf inputs and watering – less than 50% irrigation volume to U.S. average
• Turfgrass switched to newer cultivar of lower input, lower irrigation Bermuda grass
• Regular, frequent water testing in collaboration with the local environmental district, which show that the golf courses play an important role in improving water quality
• Free electric vehicle charging for guests and members as part of national grid for travelers
• Full time sustainability manager helping to push new goals and achieve targets
• Wide variety of involvement in local community – from hosting charity tournaments and events, to donating, and active participation by staff and members
PGA National is the only resort in Florida with five championship courses. It also has the unique distinction of being home to both the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, along with offering a PGA TOUR-level fitting experience at the PGA National Club Fitting Lab. At the off-site Estates Course, the resort additionally offers Every Ball Counts – the world’s first science-based, statistics-driven training system for golf improvement.
For more PGA National Resort & Spa information: www.pgaresort.com or call 561.627.2000.
About PGA National Resort & Spa
Fresh off its comprehensive $100 million revitalization, PGA National Resort & Spa is a world-class golf, vacation and meeting destination. The South Florida locale offers 90 holes of championship golf on five courses, including the famed Champion Course, home to the popular PGA TOUR Honda Classic and past host of the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and a litany of other prized professional golf tournaments.
The Champion showcases the legendary “Bear Trap” – one of the most difficult three-hole stretches in the game. Holes 15, 16 and 17 are where designer Jack Nicklaus famously said, “It should be won or lost right here.” On-site programs from both the David Leadbetter Golf Academy and the Dave Pelz Scoring Game School, along with tour level custom club fitting from the PGA National Club Fitting Lab, are available. At the off-site Estates Course, PGA National additionally offers Every Ball Counts – the world’s first science-based, statistics-driven training system for golf improvement.
PGA National features customized suites ideal for weddings, golf “buddy trips” and spa aficionados; a permanent, lakeside wedding venue with stunning vistas; and new 19thhole bar and grill named “Bar 91.” Other distinguishing highlights include 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 seven on-site restaurants and lounges. In addition to PGA National Realty specializing in securing coveted South Florida homeownership, luxury home rentals are available for vacations and extended stays.
Conveniently located within easy driving distance 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:
David Wood (703.635.0577)
Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
dwood@buffalobig.com
