CLIENT FEATURE

PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. a unique golf experience

Imagine a golf vacation in Port St. Lucie, Fla., where you can step outside your door onto three championship golf courses owned and operated by the PGA of America.

Add to that, less than a mile from the course, the 35-acre state-of-the-art PGA Learning Center - next door to the PGA Historical Center and its thousands of volumes of golf books - and it would seem that this slice of the Sunshine State is the perfect golf destination.

The PGA Golf Club

Every year, more than 1,300 PGA professionals visit the PGA Golf Club and play the three fabulous courses which are also open to the public. Two of these courses-the Wanamaker and the Ryder-have just reopened after multi-million-dollar renovations to the playing and putting surfaces as well as the now pristine white sand bunkers.

The Wanamaker Course (formerly the South Course) was named after PGA of America founder Rodman Wanamaker who donated the trophy which is awarded annually to the winner of the PGA Championship.

The Ryder Course (formerly the North Course) was named after Samuel Ryder, namesake of the famed golden chalice trophy.

The Tom Fazio-designed and extensively renovated Wanamaker and Ryder courses made their grand reopening debut in October 2006. The reopening of these impressive courses signaled a rejuvenation for The PGA Golf Club, which had already received numerous accolades from the major golf publications.

The vast improvements to the Wanamaker and Ryder courses include the complete renovation of 120 bunkers, new landscaping, the remodeling or resurfacing of all 36 greens with beautiful Champion Ultra Dwarf grass, golf car path restoration, significantly enhanced drainage and an additional 150 hitting stations to the practice tee.

The Dye Course offers Pete Dye's uninhibited style for creative design. This links-style course emphasizes its native surroundings, including 90 acres of wetlands and features pinestraw rough and vast waste bunkers.

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The PGA Learning Center

In addition to the Wanamaker, Ryder and Dye courses, you can also enjoy a spectacular 35 acre golf park at The PGA Learning Center, home to the PGA of America Golf Schools. You will be able to take advantage of golf clinics from PGA of America instructors, state-of-the-art technology for instruction and club fitting, nine different practice bunkers that simulate play from around the world and unlimited range balls that you can hit all day long.

The PGA Historical Center

The PGA Historical Center-with one of the most extensive golf libraries in existence-features PGA archives that commemorate the history of the game.

Much of the memorabilia currently showcased in this facility was originally part of the Probst Library and the PGA World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst, North Carolina. It is considered one of the finest collection of golf archives and golf library in the world.

Exploring St. Lucie County

In St. Lucie County you will find many natural and man-made attractions that offer a wide variety of memorable experiences.

You won't want to miss Tradition Field, the new and improved Spring Training center of the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie. This fan-friendly facility has been completely renovated in the style of the baseball parks of old. Perhaps you can take in a Spring Training game or two while on your golfing vacation.

When its time for some recreation, you can choose from boating and fishing, beaches, music and theater, shopping, spas, museums and galleries, and family outings. St. Lucie West also offers some excellent dining options

Perfect Drive Villas

Tee times: 866-733-6438 For golf packages, visit www.PremierGolf.com.

For your home away from home stay just a drive and a nine iron from the PGA Golf Club at Perfect Drive Villas at PGA Village. Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facility and screened porch-most with magnificent views of nearby golf greens.

Choose a one or two bedroom golf villa or guest suite in either the Castle Pines or Pine Valley neighborhoods of PGA Village. Need more space? Units can also be combined as a one or two bedroom golf villa.

There are also three bedroom townhomes available in a variety of floor plans in Castle Pines. These large, private rental condominiums offer private garages, decks, and patios.

March 28, 2007

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management.