Florida Golf Vacation - PGA National

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“No money down! !! No Credit Check!!! Have a job? Drive today!!!” 

While listening to my radio I heard  one commercial after another. The announcer was spouting anything he could to buy a new or used car. “Bring this key to our dealership to see if YOU WIN!” We are all conditioned to know there is a catch. It must be too good to be true. Let me give it a go. 

Moment of silence…….. 5 courses! Cigar bar! Buffet breakfast every morning! The Legendary Bear Trap! Home to the PGA Honda Classic! 15th, 16th, and 17th holes at The Champion – once called “the real killer in golf” by Lee Trevino! Did I get your attention? It worked on me and the next four days and three nights I was not haggling over price or negotiating with many locations but rather enjoying everything offered including great golf and delicious food on a Florida golf vacation at PGA National Resort and Spa.

My flight into Palm Beach International airport was direct. After a 15 minute ride, I arrived at the

resort. Is it fair to be teased with small glimpses of holes I would be playing throughout the stay?  After a quick check-in to my room with king size bed and balcony overlooking the pool, I knew there was not much time to waste.  5 rounds of golf in 4 days was going to require stamina, focus, and Advil. It was suggested that The Palmer is a great course to start due to the open fairways and large “Champion Bermuda” greens. It is forgiving and known as a risk/reward course. I worked out some of the kinks having not picked up my irons in a long time.

It is a goal of any resort to set the mood of your stay upon arrival with no exception at PGA National. The Ibar located in the main lobby is a savvy, sophisticated atmosphere which has live music with many cocktails being served.   I soon was “Blowing the froth off of a few cold ones,” with what seemed to be quite a collection of golf groups from all around the world.  I learned many different names for beer from one of my acquaintances; wallop, brewdog, liquid sleep, wine’s poverty, stricken brother, post-party cologne, gold elixir, and the cold water sandwich. Everyone at the Ibar would like to thank Tom from Georgia for the interesting conversation.  Dinner at the Ibar had to be next or my next writings were going to be sent to “Man vs Food”! The PGA Slider Trio is a must: Pulled Bar-B-Que pork, Grilled Beef Medallions with Onion Confit, and Crab cake Remoulade served on Mini Brioche Buns and Crispy Fries.
 
The wakeup call was set upon arrival…fantastic idea. After a well-needed buffet breakfast at The Citrus Tree Café, it was back out for a day of Florida golf!  Today was going to be The Squire followed by The Haig. Designed by Tom and George Fazio, The Squire is “the thinking man’s course”; the ultimate test of accuracy and precision. Smaller “Emerald Bermuda” greens topped it all. I was in trouble! Luckily the Callaway’s found their way round the course. You will see a lot of native vegetation throughout the course and many doglegs you can cut with a three wood to position yourself right in front of the greens. After a quick lunch on the turn, it was back out on The Haig. There are many water hazards on this course but because of the way it is designed, you are not forced to carry. For higher handicap players like myselfit was important to play a course in the afternoon where I could just relax and enjoy. Each half returns back to the clubhouse so if you wanted to play just 9, it was available.  The evening was spent at The Bear Trap where big screen tv’s and a sports type atmosphere allowed for great “hot” chicken wings and cold beer.  Right out the door and to the left is one of the best features at PGA National, Monte Cristo Lounge (Cigar Bar). Nothing screams relaxation like an Arturo Fuente Opus X Robusto cigar and a Fernando De Castillo Brandy (15 year) in deep, all leather chairs with arms up to your ears.
 
Saturday morning was my day for 18 holes and serious pool time. What better way to spend my morning golfing and afternoon routing for my VA Tech Hokies in college football. The Estates course is 5 miles off campus of the main resort, but the short shuttle ride allowed me to see the grounds from outside of the gates. An abundant amount of sport bars, nightclubs and shopping is within a short cab ride. The driver of the tram told the group about a great Italian restaurant 2 miles from the entrance.  The Estates course is wound through elaborate homes with a very wide and open layout. Many of the holes have water directly in front of each green; testing each and every shot. Be careful not to always reach for the driver.  I resorted to my 21 degree rescue club on a few of the par 4’s to allow for a 150 yard shot to the large and inviting greens.

 
Lunch was served at the Wave Bar and Grill featuring traditional mesquite grilled food. A cheese burger with bacon and all the trimming blocked  my view of a 1:00pm kick off.  It was the perfect weather to sit outside with many of the guests at the main pool with a waterfall and graduated slope to the deep end. The Spa at PGA National Resort is rated among the best in the world and is only steps away from the main building. What I found very interesting was the “Water of The World” experience. There are 5 pools in the back of the spa featuring the mineral rich water from around the world including “The Dead Sea” and the “Pyrenees”.  This was a great addition to my trip because the Pyrenees Mountains produce pristine waters of Sallies De Bearns which helps to moderate fluid retention, body temperature and mood swings. Anything that helps with fluid retention and mood swings is good after 5 rounds of golf!

The evening was spent next to the Ibar at Ironwood Grill. The contemporary setting with bottles of fine wine coordinated nicely with the menu. Can you believe it? Even a southern boy like myself can find reminisces of his childhood cuisine in the appetizers. Nothing screams Pittsburgh style cooked 14oz New York Strip than Shrimp and grits with maple demi glaze. The service was fantastic and steak cooked to order.

 
Que the music, big horns, strings in the back ground and the thunderous sounds

 of deep drums. I could hear the triumphant background music and memorable words  from the 1993 movie, "Rudy". “We're gonna go inside, we're gonna go outside, inside and outside. We're gonna get 'em on the run boys and once we get 'em on the run we're gonna keep 'em on the run. And then we're gonna go go go go go go and we're not gonna stop till we get across that goal line. This is a team they say is... is good, well I think we're better than them. They can't lick us, so what do you say men?” Walking down the hallway in the morning to the pro shop was a reminder of what history you are going to be part of by playing The Champion. The 1983 Ryder Cub, 1987 PGA Championship and the 1982-2000 Senior PGA Championship have challenged all of the greats by the Tom and George Fazio designed course with tif-eagles greens. Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1990 it now hosts the Honda Classic each March on the PGA Tour.The course was in fantastic shape with each shot being challenged and a few failed. Most of all my anticipation of “The Bear Trap” built the anticipation. My picture in front of the life-size grizzly bear statue set the stage for three holes USA Today calls, “One of the toughest stretches in golf.” They were right!

View each hole flyover here:
• 15th hole
• 16th hole
• 17th hole

As I was leaving and waiting for my clubs to arrive, I met up with a group of 12 guys from Canada who take two trips each year. This was their second time back to PGA National. My obvious question to them was, “You have been here before, why would you come back for your Florida golf vacation?” The group leader said everything we want is right here… 5 courses! Cigar bar! Buffet breakfast every morning! The Legendary Bear Trap! Home to the PGA Honda Classic! 15th, 16th, and 17th holes at The Champion – once called “the real killer in golf” by Lee Trevino!

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