Orlando Golf Travel
Back in Full Swing with the PGA TOUR’s Florida Swing | Back in Full Swing with the PGA TOUR’s Florida Swing |
|
The PGA Tour's Florida Swing had its share of intrigue on the course in 2007 but perhaps the biggest story was the deviation from a schedule that had been in place for 20 seasons. Change was the norm for all four stops on the swing last year, whether it was a new name, location, sponsor or date on the Tour calendar. This year the confusion should be alleviated for players and members of the gallery, leaving golf as the main focus once again. As professional golf makes its long-awaited return to the east coast after stints in Hawaii and California, Florida steps into the spotlight for the better part of the month of March. Here is a quick look at what to expect, see and do during this year's edition of PGA's Florida Swing. HONDA CLASSIC (Feb. 28 - March 2) If last year's tournament is any indication, those headed for Palm Beach Gardens might want to pack a little extra in case of a playoff. In '07 Mark Wilson birdied the third playoff hole Monday to beat Jose Coceres to win the Honda Classic and earn his first PGA Tour victory in 111 starts. Located in Southeastern Florida, approximately 7 miles north of West Palm Beach and 70 miles north of Miami, Palm Beach Gardens is home to a large number of gated communities which have earned the city a reputation for exclusivity. That hasn't discouraged people intent on relocating to the city. Palm Beach Gardens is quickly gaining the mantra as the "it" location in South Florida for those in search of a change in scenery. While the city boasts a number of luxury retailers, there is no charge for those who'd rather spend a day outside. Palm Beach Gardens has dedicated over 30% of its land mass to green space for the public to enjoy. One of the finest green spaces you'll find in Palm Beach Gardens is the PGA National Golf Course, host of this year's Honda Classic. PGA National is no stranger to hosting big time events, playing host to the 1983 Ryder Cup as well as the 1987 PGA Championship. If you're here to not only watch but play a few rounds yourself, PGA National has 4 courses other than the tournament course that tee times can be requested for by guests staying at PGA National. North Palm Beach Country Club, a Nicklaus designed municipal course, and Abacoa Golf Course are nice public courses that are nearby. The Tournament also provides entertainment for its spectators with an interactive fan zone and an After Play Concert Series. To order tickets to the event either visit http://www.thehondaclassic.com/Ticket-Information.aspx or call 1-866-846-6328. PODS CHAMPIONSHIP (March 6 - 9) After the Honda Classic the Swing moves to Palm Harbor which is just outside the city of Tampa. In last year's event Mark Calcavecchia captured the championship despite shooting a 75 in the opening round and sputtering down the stretch on Sunday. The Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course is once again the host of the PODS Championship and is always a favorite among the players, earning it the reputation as one of the country's most celebrated golfing destinations. Innisbrook offers three other courses in addition to the fabled Copperhead course - The Island, Highlands North and Highlands South. If you're not staying at the Innisbrook Resort during the week of the tournament, a number of great courses dot the surrounding area. For those interested in attending the tournament, a number of packages are available including an all-inclusive option which comes with a set of passes to play the Copperhead course throughout the year as well as the "Owls Nest" package sponsored by Hooters which includes a trio of items celebrated by men everywhere - wings, complimentary beer and the ladies representing the Hooters brand. This year tickets for the PODS Championship will be available at participating Publix stores in the surrounding area. Tickets are also available by calling 727-942-5566 or by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL (March 13-16) The former Bay Hill Invitational is now known as the Arnold Palmer Invitational in tribute to his dedication and contributions made to the game of golf, the tournament and the PGA Tour, throughout his career. This year marks the 30th year of the tournament, which has become one of Central Florida's signature events. As in years past, the event is expected to make a great impact on and off the course in Orlando. Vijay Singh has certainly had an impact on this event over the years and last March his hard work finally paid off. Singh exorcised his Bay Hill demons in '07, defeating Rocco Mediate to earn his first win at Arnie's course after suffering through three previous runner-up finishes. Singh ran off four birdies in a five-hole stretch to close out the front nine, leaving himself a comfortable margin for error by the time he reached the 72nd hole. For those interested in making their way out to Bay Hill Club and Lodge, there are 10 different ticket options and proceeds from the tournament benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Foundation. To purchase tickets for the 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational, please visit www.arnoldpalmerinvitational.com or call 1-866-764-4843. Tourist attractions are plentiful in the area with Walt Disney World Resort, located in Lake Buena Vista, about 20 miles south of the city. Other notable attractions include SeaWorld and Universal Orlando. Orlando nightlife away from the theme parks is concentrated in the downtown area, specifically Central Boulevard and Orange Avenue. WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - CA CHAMPIONSHIP (March 20-23) The last stop on the Florida Swing had been reserved for the Players Championship in Jacksonville but as of '07 this slot will belong to one of the $8 million World Golf Championship events. Miami's Doral Golf Resort & Spa once again welcomes the CA Championship in late March where a limited field, including the top 30 in the FedEx Cup standings, is set to take aim at Doral's Blue Monster Course. Last season's champion was none other than world No. 1 Tiger Woods who, with the victory, is believed to be the first player to have won a PGA Tour event six times on six different courses. Woods also won this World Golf Championship event in Spain, Ireland, Atlanta, San Francisco and London. Tiger's achievement is a feat as rare and exotic as a scene one might witness during a night on the town in Miami. The main portion of the city lies on the shores of Biscayne Bay which contains several hundred natural and artificially created barrier islands, the largest of which contains the city of Miami Beach and its famous South Beach district. Various ticket packages are available which include access to the tournament grounds, weekly parking passes for the event and certificates for special golf rates at Doral Golf Resort and Spa. For ticket information visit http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/tournaments/tickets/r473/ or call 1-866-4WGC-TIX. Doral has four courses open to the public in addition to the championship course and many more public courses are located in the Miami area, giving tournament patrons plenty of places to tee it up during the week of the event. |