PGA National Resort & Spa Renovates Palmer Course

Palm Beach Gardens, FL-– As part of a multi-million dollar property-wide facelift, PGA National Resort and Spa has launched an extensive renovation of the Arnold Palmer designed General Course to include major physical enhancements to the course, as well as improvements in guest comfort. Under the direction of the Arnold Palmer Design Company, plans call for renovations and redesign of the signature Palmer course to be complete in December 2007.

Committed to “creating championship experiences” and making PGA National Resort the best golf destination in Florida, the new ownership envisions similar renovation projects for each of the resort’s five courses. “We want professional and amateur golfers alike to know that PGA National not only has five golf courses – it has five championship golf courses, any one of which could qualify for a professional golf event,” says Joel Paige, managing director of the resort.

Renovations to the popular Palmer course include a new irrigation system, ensuring the success of the course’s new state-of-the-art grass, Champion Turf Bermuda; re-designed native landscaping; re-shaped and re-built holes and bunkers; and all new laser-leveled tee locations featuring a minimum of four tees per hole. The project will also improve the course’s cart paths and upgrade its restrooms, shelters, signage and recycling/refuse options.

“Perhaps one of the most interesting enhancements is an all-new double fairway design off the 12th hole allowing golfers to choose two completely different approaches to the hole,” adds Paige. “Golfers choosing the fairway face a longer carry over water, but a shorter distance to the green – making the number 12 challenging, exciting, and potentially reachable par-5. The higher fairway option, which is separated by an expansive bunker, features a more conventional par-5 dogleg.”

“This signature Palmer course is a gorgeous course and popular among golfers of every skill level,” said Paige. “These enhancements will do an even better job of framing tee shots and, with more bunkers, make it tougher for the discerning golfer. At the same time, new forward tees will continue to make it a favorite for the casual golfer as well.”

“We have made several changes to the golf course and hope they create a beautiful, fun and enjoyable experience,” adds Golf Legend Arnold Palmer. The renovated course will be measured for new distances and is expected to finish at over 7,000 yards off the back tees.

About The Palmer Course

Named for its designer, the legendary Arnold Palmer, The General Course is currently the most forgiving for the "grip it and rip it" style of play. The name of the course is a reference to Palmer’s legions of fans throughout the world who were commonly known as "Arnie's Army."

The Palmer Course is a subtle nod to the game's Scottish roots with links-style routing, numerous grass bunkers, and the sharing of a common green on holes 8 and 12. The open fairways and larger greens are quite accommodating, allowing the golfer to not become overly penalized for missing the fairway or primary rough.

New home to the Honda Classic, PGA National Resort & Spa is the legendary site of more professional golf events than any other resort in America. With the headquarters of the Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) on site, it is fitting that the resort has been host to over 19 major PGA championship events including the 1987 PGA Championship, the 1983 Ryder Cup matches, the 1982 Grand Slam and close to two decades of the PGA Seniors Championship. In addition to its five 18-hole master-designed golf courses, the PGA National Resort golf experience includes a full service, professional tournament staff, a comprehensive caddie program and the Golf Digest Academy of Instruction.