When a Honda Classic Champion Is Crowned and Pros Exit PGA National Resort, the Tee Sheet Is Open

The NFL doesn’t allow buddies to take the field in full pads and knock the hell out of each other on the Monday after the Super Bowl. Major League Baseball doesn’t offer the chance to play catch on the same diamond where the World Series is played. However, many PGA Tour golf courses are open to the public and when the PGA Tour event ends on Sunday – the tee sheet is open for amateurs on Monday. The bleachers, scoreboards and Rickie Fowler divots are still there. The fairway mow patterns and buzz-cut putting surfaces remain. Golfers want to know what it’s like to play a PGA Tour golf course – with a bit of planning, it can happen.

It’s not a coincidence the Masters is played when the Azaleas in Georgia are exploding like a fireworks show grand finale. The green jacket is awarded when Augusta National is looking its best. Same for the Tour’s “Florida Swing” with stops at PGA National, Bay Hill, TPC Sawgrass and Innisbrook Resort. This four-tournament stretch starts in late February when temperatures are comfortable and course conditions are prime in the Sunshine State.

Also, not a coincidence that the first stop of the “Florida Swing” is in Palm Beach. Warmth in late winter is a sure bet in South Florida – not always the case in Orlando, Tampa and Jacksonville. The difference between Palm Beach and Orlando in February is typically about 10 degrees.

To play the same course the pros play in  2020, book the “Gold Package” at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens with a Monday, March 2 check-in and Champion Course tee times. Cost is $379 plus a $135 Champion Course surcharge per person, per night, based on double occupancy. There are five golf courses at PGA National and a surcharge for the Palmer Course also, but it’s just $50. Along with daily breakfast, range balls and club storage; rounds on the Fazio, Squire or Estates Courses are included in the package. Advance tee times are recommended because everyone wants to see how their game compares to Keith Mitchell (2019 Honda Classic Champion).

The resort has eight dining options including a quality steakhouse and a bar that stays open until 2 a.m. There’s a spa, tennis courts and a fitness center too – perhaps you can take a walk on the same treadmill as Keith Mitchell (Reminder: 2019 Honda Classic Champion).

Visit: pgaresort.com