The PGA National Resort & Spa has long proven its appeal, combining a world-class golf course with a luxury spa, state-of-the-art Sports and Racquet Club and Johan Kriek Tennis Academy. Now, following on from its multi-million dollar renovation, the South Florida resort has unveiled its newly renovated Palmer Course.
Named after its original designer and golfing legend Arnold Palmer, the course was reopened for play on November 10th, 2017, showcasing the work that’s been carried out in consultation with the Arnold Palmer Design Company. Commenting on this partnership, vice president and managing director Greg Saunders says: “Our new Palmer Course ensures the legend of the great Mr Palmer will grow nothing but stronger for years to come here at PGA National.”
As well as being modernized and reshaped to improve sight lines off the tee and approach shots into the greens, all 18 fairways have been re-turfed with scientifically-advanced Celebration grass, which ensures prime playing conditions throughout the year. Multiple tee-boxes have been added on all holes and the native areas have undergone a complete overhaul with the addition of fresh Coquina for added visual appeal. All the greens have then been re-built and re-grassed in line with the shape and contours of Palmer’s original design, and more than half an acre has been added to the total square-footage of the putting surfaces.
The vice president and senior golf course architect of the Arnold Palmer Design Company, Brandon Johnson, tells us: “The overall goal was to build upon core principals of the original design while taking advantage of the opportunity to make key agronomic, strategic and aesthetic improvements to the course. The changes will meet the demands of the modern game and subtly reflect how our company’s design philosophy has evolved since originally opening the course in 1984.”
“It was wonderful to work closely with Brandon and his team from the Arnold Palmer Design Company,” PGA National’s director of agronomy Brad Nelson concludes, “Our members and guests are going to love the changes to The Palmer, as a great course is now even better.”
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