As part of the dedication ceremonies, PGA Golf Club at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. unveiled the names of the two newly renovated courses. The North Course has been renamed the Ryder Course after Samuel Ryder the founder of the Ryder Cup. The South Course has been renamed the Wanamaker Course after Rodman Wanamaker the New York City department store magnate who inspired the birth of The PGA of America.
The Ryder and the Wanamaker Courses at PGA Golf Club were originally designed by and all renovations overseen by world-renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The Ryder Course is rich in pine trees, rolling hills and challenging water hazards, giving it a Carolina-feel. This well-loved and respected course offers various hole locations so everyday players can mix it up. The Wanamaker Course is considered one of Florida's most beautiful layouts. The course gets its Florida-feel from wetlands, palm trees and palmettos that frame the vistas.
The renovations on the Ryder Course, which started in May, included all 18 greens and 63 bunkers. The Ryder Course has seen enhancement of the existing drainage system, repair of all golf cart paths and additional landscaping to make a beautiful course that much more spectacular!
The Wanamaker Course renovations included resurfacing 18 greens with Champion Ultra-Dwarf grass, the same strain of turf used for the refurbishment of the North Course greens. The greens on holes No. 2 and 5 were completely renovated, as were all 55 bunkers on the course. The Wanamaker Course also saw enhancements to the existing drainage system, as well as, repair of all golf cart paths and additional landscaping to further enhance the vistas.
The third course at PGA Golf Club, the Dye Course designed by legendary golf course architect Pete Dye, is scheduled for renovations in 2007. Renovations will include resurfacing of all 18 greens. The drainage and landscaping of the first tee area will be renovated.
All three courses have been awarded a host of accolades over the years. For the past two years, the Ryder Course has been listed as one of Golf For Women magazine's Top 50 Courses for Women. All of the courses have achieved Audubon International Signature Status for its strict adherence to environmental standards. The renovations are sure to shower them with many more accolades.
PGA Village is the daily-fee facility owned and operated by The PGA of America. One of the nation's premier daily-fee golf facilities, the Village is comprised of three professionally designed 18-hole courses at PGA Golf Club, the PGA Learning Center, PGA Education Center and PGA Historical Center.
St. Lucie County is located 1 ½ hours south of Orlando's International Airport and 1 hour north of Palm Beach International Airport on Florida's east coast. Best known as the Treasure Coast for the silver and gold from the Spanish wrecks of 1715 that adorn our coast, St. Lucie County is comprised of two major cities, Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie.
For more information, visit www.visitstluciefla.com or call 800-344-8443.