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,” says 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 Senior PGA Tournaments. 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.
