Honestly, if you’re thinking about PGA National Resort and Spa and only picturing a bunch of guys in pleated khakis chasing a little white ball around, you're missing about half the story. It’s easy to do. When a place has hosted a Ryder Cup, a PGA Championship, and decades of the Honda Classic (now the Cognizant Classic), the golf becomes the whole identity. It looms large. But after the recent $100 million renovation, the vibe in Palm Beach Gardens has shifted into something way more interesting than just a sports destination.
It’s posh now. But not "stuffy country club" posh. More like "South Beach meets old-school Florida glamour" posh.
You’ve probably seen the "Bear Trap" on TV—those three brutal holes on the Champion course where dreams go to die in the water. It’s iconic. But the secret is that the resort has quietly become a massive wellness and food destination that actually stands on its own, even if you don't know a 7-iron from a putter.
The $100 Million Facelift Changed Everything
Walking into the lobby today is a trip. It used to feel a bit like a 1980s corporate retreat center, but the redesign by KTGY Simeone Deary Design Group basically blew the doors off that aesthetic.
There's this massive banyan tree-inspired chandelier that anchors the lobby bar, and the whole place smells like expensive citrus and salt. They moved away from that tired Mediterranean look and went full-on "Palm Beach chic." Think pinks, greens, and tropical prints that don't feel tacky.
Why the rooms actually matter now
The rooms used to be... fine. Just fine. Now, they've got this 1960s vintage Florida feel. If you’re staying here, you’ll notice the little things, like the custom wingback chairs and the gold accents. They didn't just slap a coat of paint on it; they gutted the place. It feels residential. It’s the kind of room where you actually want to hang out and order room service instead of just using it as a place to crash after eighteen holes.
The Golf Reality Check: It’s Not Just The Champion
Everyone wants to play The Champion. It’s the bucket list course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It's tough. Like, "bring three dozen balls" tough. If the wind is whipping off the Atlantic, the Bear Trap (holes 15, 16, and 17) will absolutely wreck your scorecard.
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But here’s the thing people get wrong: The Champion isn't always the most fun course on the property for a casual weekend.
- The Match: This is a total curveball. Designed by Andy Staples, it’s all about match play. There are no tee markers. No par. You just pick a spot, challenge your friend, and go. It’s got these massive "temple" bunkers and grass faces that feel more like Scotland than Florida.
- The Staple: This is a 9-hole par-3 course built on the footprint of the old Squire course. It’s fast. It’s fun. You can play it with two clubs and a beer in your hand. It’s basically the antidote to the stress of the tournament courses.
- The Palmer: Arnold Palmer’s legacy here is a bit more forgiving. It’s a "risk-reward" course. You can go for the hero shot, but if you miss, you’re in the pines.
Let’s Talk About The Spa at PGA National
If you’re not golfing, you’re likely at the spa. It’s 40,000 square feet. That’s not a typo. It’s a literal fortress of relaxation.
The standout feature is the "Waters of the World." They have these outdoor mineral pools with salts imported from the Dead Sea and the Pyrenees. Does it actually "detoxify" your blood? I don't know. But floating in the Dead Sea pool while the Florida sun hits your face feels incredible regardless of the science.
The renovation hit the spa hard too. It’s all soft creams and desert rose colors now. They brought in a lot of high-end brands, but the real draw is the Himalayan Salt Room. It’s silent, it’s orange, and it’s the best place on the property to escape the noise of the pools.
The Food Scene: More Than Just Club Sandwiches
For a long time, resort food was predictable. Burgers, Caesar salads, maybe a dry steak. PGA National Resort and Spa broke that mold by bringing in some heavy hitters.
The Butcher’s Club is the star. Jeremy Ford—who won Top Chef and has a Michelin star—runs the show here. It’s a high-end steakhouse, but it looks like a 1950s social club. The charcoal-grilled octopus is a sleeper hit, but obviously, you go for the dry-aged cuts. It’s expensive, yes. Is it worth it? If you appreciate a steak that’s been aged properly and a wine list that doesn't play it safe, then absolutely.
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Then there’s Honeybelle. This is Lindsay Autry’s spot. She’s a James Beard nominee, and her vibe is very much "Southern charm meets seasonal Florida." Her fried chicken is famous for a reason. It’s the kind of place where you can wear a sundress or nice shorts and feel totally at home.
What Nobody Tells You About the Location
Palm Beach Gardens is not West Palm Beach. It’s quieter. It’s more manicured.
The resort is tucked away in a gated community, which gives it this weirdly peaceful "campus" feel. You’re only about 15-20 minutes from the actual beach at Juno or Jupiter, which are some of the best stretches of sand in the state.
If you venture off-property:
- The Gardens Mall: It’s right down the street. It’s one of those high-end malls where you can find everything from Chanel to Lululemon.
- Jupiter Inlet: Go here for the bars. Places like 1000 North or Guanabanas offer that "boat life" atmosphere that defines this part of Florida.
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center: If you have kids (or just like sea turtles), this is a non-negotiable visit. It’s a world-class hospital for turtles and it’s right by the ocean.
The "Family" Factor
Is it a family resort? Sort of.
It’s not Disney. There aren't characters running around. But the new Banyan Buddies kids club is actually legit. They have organized activities that aren't just "sit in front of a movie." And the pool scene is split—there’s a main pool that gets lively, and then quieter corners for people who want to read.
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The resort has also leaned into "racquet sports." Tennis is huge here, but the addition of pickleball courts has changed the energy. It’s less formal now. You see people in their 20s and 30s out there sweating it out, followed by drinks at the poolside bar.
Nuance and Reality: The Trade-offs
Look, no place is perfect.
PGA National is big. It’s sprawling. If your room is at the end of a long hallway, you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Also, the "resort fee" is a thing. Like most high-end Florida spots, you’re going to see those extra charges on your bill for Wi-Fi and court access.
Also, during the Cognizant Classic in the spring, the place is a madhouse. If you love pro golf, it’s the best time to be there. If you want a quiet spa getaway, check the PGA Tour schedule before you book. You don't want to show up looking for a massage only to find 40,000 fans screaming in the backyard.
The Verdict on the "New" PGA National
It’s rare for a resort with this much history to successfully reinvent itself. Usually, they just put a fresh coat of paint on the lockers and call it a day. But the 2026 version of PGA National Resort and Spa feels like a different animal.
It’s managed to keep the "pro golfer" prestige while adding enough design-forward luxury to attract people who wouldn't know a birdie from a bogie. It’s a weird balance, but it works.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Book The Match if you’re a casual golfer. It’s much less stressful than The Champion and way more visually interesting for photos.
- The Spa’s "Waters of the World" requires a separate pass unless it’s included in your treatment. Get the pass. It’s the best part of the whole facility.
- Eat at Honeybelle for lunch. The light in that restaurant during the day is incredible, and the food is a bit lighter than the heavy hitters at the steakhouse.
- Avoid the tournament weeks (usually late February or March) if you aren't there for the golf. Rates triple and the crowds are intense.
- Request a room with a balcony facing the sunset. The views over the practice greens and the Florida horizon are world-class when the sky turns purple.
The real magic of the place isn't actually the trophies or the history. It's the fact that you can spend a morning in a bunker and an afternoon in a Dead Sea salt pool, followed by a Michelin-level steak, all without leaving the property. That’s a hard combo to beat.
Practical Next Steps
- Check the Golf Calendar: Visit the official PGA Tour site to ensure your stay doesn't overlap with major tournaments unless that's your specific goal.
- Make Dining Reservations Early: The Butcher’s Club fills up weeks in advance, especially on weekends. Don't rely on walk-ins.
- Pack for "Palm Beach Casual": Think linen, breathable fabrics, and "dressy" resort wear. You'll want to look the part at the lobby bar.
- Download the Resort App: It's the fastest way to book court times for pickleball or check the daily spa schedule.