PGA National Resort rolls out the red carpet—rather, the green fairways—for incentive groups, with options to play bucket list golf courses, take cooking classes led by renowned chefs or pair up with a pickleball pro for lessons.
The resort, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., offers a stunning variety of activities, accommodations, and unique experiences that cater to groups of all sizes and interests, whether for a corporate retreat, a reward trip, or a team-building event.
It’s up to groups to choose how they want to enjoy their time at the resort. For attendees who prioritize R&R, options include pool time or enjoying a treatment at The Spa, a 40,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art wellness space.
“The resort’s on-property amenities are extraordinary,” says Dianne Pues, Director of New Business Development at PGA National Resort. Plus, those on-property amenities are well equipped to accommodate large groups: PGA National is home to six golf courses, 12 pickleball courts, and 15 tennis courts that are enclosed in the Sports & Racquet Club. The Spa has 28 treatment rooms.
“PGA National is all about offering a diverse range of options—whether that’s enjoying a championship golf course, lounging by the mineral pools, or being active in our fitness and sports facilities,” Pues says.
Golf Galore: Courses Suited for All Levels at This Iconic Resort
Many golfers aspire for a chance to play at PGA National Resort, which is one of the sport’s most celebrated resorts. Two years after PGA National opened, it played host to the Ryder Cup, a golf competition between teams from the United States and Europe. It’s also home to the Cognizant Classic, which is broadcast on NBC, and is a stop of the PGA Tour every year.
Holes 15, 16 and 17 on the Championship Course are nicknamed “The Bear Trap” — “they’re affectionately and globally known as the three most challenging consecutive holes in golf,” Pues says.
But the beauty of PGA is that even though it challenges golfers with some famously difficult holes, the diversity of the six courses are well-suited for different skill levels, so even beginner golfers can have a good time.
“We have so many different courses with so many different options,” Pues says. “Our golf pros can create events and tournaments tailored to different groups.”
In total, PGA National has 99 holes of championship golf.
David Lederkramer, Account Director of Sport Sales, offers a breakdown of the resort’s courses.
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Champion: This course is a world-famous stop at the PGA Tour and home of the Cognizant Classic. “It’s a bucket list experience for many golfers,” Lederkramer says. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Champion is home of the Bear Trap.
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Palmer: Designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer, the Palmer is an entertaining course for players of all skill levels. “Hole 5 on the Palmer course is a beautiful par 3 with a stunning lake view and greenery,” Lederkramer says.
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Fazio: This is the resort’s traditional and straightforward course. “It’s the recommended course for beginners to transition into after building up confidence in our practice areas and short course,” Lederkramer says.
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Match: Match is a first of its kind, and is great for groups. It was built and designed to be played in match play format over stroke play. “My five beats your six,” Lederkramer explains. The hole’s winner can choose the tee location for the next hole. “This course is the most unique course as far as design, too, complete with undulated fairways, thumbprint greens and reverse bunkers.”
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Staple: This nine-hole, par 3 course can be completed in under an hour. It’s a great course for team building because interactive games and contests can be played on it.
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Estate: Located five miles west of the resort, this course has a mix of challenging and docile holes.
For groups with beginners, PGA National instructors can lead a short game clinic on the Staple course. Afterwards, participants can practice what they learned on the concise course.
Glow Golf, a neon nighttime game, is popular for all types of guests, from first-day beginners all the way up to experts, Lederkramer says.
More Ways for Incentive Groups to Unwind at PGA National
Beyond hitting the links, incentive groups can enjoy several unique experiences at PGA National.
“Pickleball has caught on big time and we have 12 courts to meet the demand,” says Steven Hoodack, Director of Group Sales at PGA National Resort. The resort can arrange for lessons for groups or set up tournaments, syncing up paddle colors and T-shirts with the company’s branding.
Or, for a more laidback activity, guests can play croquet on the resort’s lawns.
PGA National is also well loved for its culinary outlets and the celebrity chefs on its roster. The Butcher’s Club is led by celebrity chef and Florida native Jeremy Ford, a James Beard Award nominee and the winner of “Top Chef” season 13. James Beard nominee Chef Lindsay Autry is at the helm of Honeybelle, where delectable southern classics like pickle brined chicken with hot honey and cornbread headline the menu.
Corporations can arrange for top chefs to lead cooking demonstrations for small to large groups, learning the stories behind dishes and picking up some new culinary skills.
For a unique experience, guests can zip up in a bee suit for the “Bee Experience.” PGA National has 250,000 honeybees on property, and, during this exclusive experience, a certified beekeeper will show how honey is produced for the resort’s restaurants and bars as well as discuss the importance of honeybees for the environment.
When it’s time to unwind, The Spa at PGA National is a relaxing tropical oasis. A must do? Soak in The Spa’s “Waters of The World,” which includes three hydrotherapy pools infused with healing salts that are imported from the Dead Sea and France’s Salies-de-Béarn—no passport required.
The resort’s ability to cater to varied interests ensures that groups can enjoy both a productive and leisurely retreat, all without leaving the property.
“We can create customized golf tournaments, fitness events, and unique team-building experiences that reflect your company’s culture and goals,” Pues says. “Whether you’re looking for relaxation or a challenge, PGA National has something for everyone.”
Learn More About What PGA National Resort Has to Offer