PGA National Resort & Spa Completes $40 Million Dollar Makeover

July 28, 2008 - PRLog -- Palm Beach Gardens, FL (Summer 2008) - PGA National Resort & Spa has long been renowned as one of South Florida’s most legendary golf destinations, but now under new ownership and new management, golf is just one outstanding facet of this amazing Palm Beach vacation destination.

In addition to being the new home of the Honda Classic, the resort is celebrating the completion a $40 million facelift including extensive renovations to the resort’s public spaces, a new lobby and restaurant, lush new resort pool, and a complete renovation of The Palmer course by the Palmer Design Group as well as an update of the famed Champion course.  Phase two, a $25 million project, is now underway with further renovations to the property’s meeting and dining facilities.  “We’ve taken a classic and made it current,” says James Gelfand, VP of Sales & Marketing. “We have now hosted year two of a PGA Tournament, The Honda Classic, and we feel we’ve launched a new resort, in form and philosophy. It’s an exciting time for area residents, resort guests, golfers and our team.”
   
Past visitors to the resort may be taken aback by all the changes.  The new entrance lobby is beautifully detailed with marble flooring, warm decor, and floor to ceiling windows with a spectacular view.  Looking through to a completely re-designed free form pool; lush with landscaping, water features, a dedicated kids zone pool area, and re-developed WAVE poolside bar and grill; guests at PGA
National Resort & Spa will feel they have begun their escape from the moment they arrive.  Adjoined to the lobby and reception area is the new contemporary iBar –with a fresh atmosphere suited to incite a celebration in those who gather there.  Light fare and signature PGA libations plus more than 25 wines by the glass add to the perfect location to relax, reconnect or toast a perfect day.  

The new Ironwood Grille is making a splash throughout the region with the debut of celebrated chef Ken Baker, whose philosophy is to allow only the freshest ingredients to be the star of the show.  From certified Angus beef to succulent seafood and organic ingredients from local purveyors, Chef Baker takes an unexpected approach to some of the world’s most classic recipes. Signature items include Baked Artichokes stuffed with spinach, sausage and parmesan; Lobster Chopstix; Chicken BLT Spring Rolls and Ironwood Duckaroni & Cheese (an adult gourmet version of mac and cheese featuring wild mushrooms, gourmet duck meat and a rich sauce).

A new addition to the lakefront pool area is a stunning 5,000 square foot outdoor pavilion with a panoramic view of the resort’s 26-acre lake and three of its five golf courses, including the famed Champion course.  This area is perfect for parties, weddings, receptions and outdoor events.

On the links, PGA National’s signature Palmer course, named in honor of its designer Arnold Palmer, also received extensive renovations.  The Palmer has a new irrigation system, several re-shaped holes, new tee locations and bunkers, and enhanced landscaping featuring native and water conserving plants.   The scope of the golf course’s renovations was led by the Arnold Palmer Design Company. The renovation of the Palmer was followed by completion of an update of the Champion course, which received its second renovation in two years.  The Champ course hosts the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic each spring.  


PGA National Resort & Spa also took this tremendous facelift as an opportunity to invest in a more eco-friendly environment without compromising luxury.  The resort was one of the first in Palm Beach County to be welcomed into the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Green Lodging program.  In addition to meeting the DEP’s Green Lodging requirements, PGA National Resort & Spa has instituted a resort-wide environmental policy, signed into action in 2007 by property managing director, Joel Paige.  
To date, PGA National Resort & Spa has implemented numerous environmental carbon conserving practices including:  use of electronic communication vehicles; linen reuse programs; installation of low-flow aerators, sensor water faucets, low-flow toilets, compact fluorescent light bulbs and computerized air conditioning management; use of Green Seal® certified cleaning products; and extensive recycling.  Debris from the construction site was re-cycled, unused furniture and fixtures left from the project were donated to Habitat for Humanity Re-Store, electronic and technology products have all been recycled or donated, and high-efficiency air filters were installed.
   
“PGA National Resort & Spa truly is a new experience,” says Gelfand.  “The world’s best golf is joined by an amazing array of leisure, fitness and relaxation opportunities for the entire family.  And the improvements have only just begun.”

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Boasting a world-class European spa, five championship courses, and seven spectacular restaurants, PGA National Resort & Spa is more than just a golfer's paradise. It's a stunning retreat sure to provide an experience both exciting and memorable.