(PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.) – PGA National Resort – South Florida’s luxurious, world-class golf, vacation, culinary, events and spa destination – will host the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, Feb. 26 – March 3.
Cognizant, a leading information technology company, will debut as the new title sponsor of the popular PGA Tour tournament contested on the celebrated Champion Course since 2007. As the annual first stop of the “Florida Swing,” the field of players is highlighted by eight former winners of the event including last year’s champion Chris Kirk as well as South Florida residents Rickie Fowler and World No. 2 player Rory McIlory.
For accommodations booked in one of the destination’s three stylish options – all-new guest rooms, spacious suites and coastal-inspired two-bedroom cottages by Serena & Lily – The Cognizant Classic VIP Experience allows guests an unforgettable luxury experience in one of the premier chalets overlooking the 18th green of The Champion Course. Highlights include private seating, gourmet culinary delights and a curated selection of premium beverages. Add VIP Experience tickets during checkout while booking your accommodations ($300 per person, per day).
The Champion Course opened in 1981 and was originally designed by George and Tom Fazio. It was the site of the Ryder Cup in 1983, the PGA Championship in 1987, and the Senior PGA Championship for 19 years from 1982 to 2000. The course has undergone several renovations by Jack Nicklaus over the years. In addition to the Golden Bear, the iconic course has hosted the game’s legendary players including Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer.
“We are so excited to team with Cognizant as the new title sponsor as we once again welcome the PGA Tour and best players in the game to PGA National Resort,” says Joseph Fisher, Managing Director. “We cordially invite one and all to visit us here in South Florida and enjoy our exciting roster of golf courses, premier accommodations and unrivaled resort amenities all combining to place us at the pinnacle of vacation destinations in the U.S.”
The resort recently unveiled the stunning results of its comprehensive $100 million transformation touching every aspect of the property including its world-class golf amenities. A nostalgic vibe was brought to the 339 resort guest rooms, 21 private 1,200-square-foot Serena & Lily-designed luxury cottages and common areas, and a focus on superb dining where guests are guided by their palate throughout the day.
Among the six new culinary concepts are three signature restaurants: The Butcher’s Club spearheaded by “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford and Honeybelle with its seasonal American cuisine helmed by multiple James Beard Award nominee Chef Lindsay Autry. Sushi by Bou, a modern speakeasy-inspired culinary concept known for reimagining the omakase experience, is the latest restaurant to open at PGA National Resort. For a retro-Americana dining experience, Birdie’s Diner serves nostalgic diner favorites with an upscale twist right on the first hole for diners to watch players out on the fairway.
As part of the exciting evolution, two new bold and innovative Andy Staples-designed layouts were added to PGA National Resort’s acclaimed roster – The Match Course (18 holes) and The Staple Course (nine holes). Both opened to rave reviews and joined the famed Champion Course as well as three additional “traditional” 18s (The Palmer, The Fazio and The Estate courses). Few golf destinations offer an array of golf courses as celebrated.
The Spa at PGA National Resort – newly imagined and redesigned by V Starr, the award-winning South Florida design firm of tennis legend Venus Williams – offers 40,000 square feet of tranquility and wellness. The serene oasis provides the perfect escape to breathe, heal and rejuvenate with individualized holistic care. The Spa’s extensive menu now includes therapeutic recovery and restorative treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure and cupping.
Additionally, the Himalayan Salt Rooms and Waters of the World, the therapeutic outdoor mineral pools using salts imported from the healing waters of the world: the Dead Sea in Israel and France’s Salies-de-Béarn, provide a calm escape to recharge before and after services. All Spa treatments are designed to evoke balance, relaxation and a deep sense of well-being. For gentlemen to look their best on and off the course, Groom Guy offers fresh haircuts, clean shaves, beard trimming and personalized styling from classically-trained barbers.
One of the many highlights to the exemplary experiences offered on property is The Beekeeping Experience. For up to 6 guests, PGA National Resort presents a behind-the-scenes encounter with 250,000 honeybees and their queens to admire in the exquisite beauty of bees at work. Guests are suited in protective beekeeping uniforms on a guided tour of the four on-site hives with professional beekeeper Sierra Malnove where they will enjoy a tasting of the raw honey that is harvested for the culinary, cocktail and spa skin care programs across the resort.
Additional amenities include its superlative 33,000-square-foot health and racquet club with 16 Har Tru tennis courts (12 lit for night play); twelve new pickleball courts for members and guests to enjoy the game’s burgeoning popularity in South Florida and across the U.S. The state-of-the-art facility houses a five-lane saltwater lap pool, expansive cardio and weight training rooms, two aerobic studios, two functional training studios, and a spin room with video monitors.
For ease of travel, PGA National Resort has partnered with BLADE to become the exclusive luxury hotel and resort partner in the Palm Beaches. With Blade’s modern fleet of helicopters, seaplanes, aircraft and jets, guests and members can travel between the resort’s private helipad and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Miami (MIA). From New York, BLADEone, a by-the-seat commercial-sized jet, features a private jet interior, caviar service and Blade’s renowned SkyFX staff.
For more information about PGA National Resort: visit http://www.pgaresort.com or call 800.863.2819.
