Feb 10, 2019
The Classic in The Palm Beaches Continues To Grow To Accommodate More Record Crowds

The 2019 Honda Classic will return to PGA National Resort & Spa February 25-March 3 with more than 20,000 square feet of expanded venues and new hospitality offerings to accommodate the continued record crowds that have become a tradition at the PGA TOUR event.

The 2018 Honda attracted 224,642 confirmed spectators over seven days of perfect weather and tense competition spanning from the Monday Pro-Am to Sunday’s final round, a 10 percent increase over the 203,815 fans who attended in 2017.

“Our community has truly embraced The Classic in The Palm Beaches and the support for the event continues to grow, reflected by our attendance increases each and every year,” Tournament Director Andrew George said. “Our constant focus is on improving the fan experience and creatively growing the total footprint of our activations while managing the large crowds that frequent our various structures around the course.”

The challenge began at The Bear Trap, the three-hole stretch from No. 15 to No. 17 which has continued to emerge as one of the most popular viewing perches in tournament golf.

Massive demand has been created at the 17th hole in particular where a festive stadium atmosphere has been developed through the tournament’s first 12 years at PGA National Resort & Spa. The entire 17th hole will be enclosed by seating and hospitality areas in 2019.

The tee has been moved toward the water, shortening the hole by 15 yards to 175 yards. That has allowed for a 5,000 square-foot expansion to 40,000 square-feet at The Goslings Bear Trap and Cobra Puma Village areas that surround the tee box area. Those areas will now also feature upgraded restroom trailers inside the venue and an addition of over 500 stadium seats.

A new elevated VIP area has been added behind the tee called The Bear Trap Reserve which will feature upgraded soft seating and a private bar and drink rail with the best sightlines of the entire Bear Trap structure.

Tito’s Stillhouse Lounge, with its stadium seating and an enclosed lounge with premium sightlines to all the action, has been expanded from 4,400 square-feet to 6,400 square-feet.

The United Technologies Patriot’s Outpost, where military personnel past and present are honored with free admission and special hospitality, has been increased 2,000 square-feet to 9,750 square-feet.

Garden of Life presents The Oasis features 2,000 square-feet of luxury, covered seating, high end interior decor, wines from various parts of the world and fine fare along with unobstructed sightlines to the 17th tee and green. It also includes an outdoor patio area with an oversized video board for additional viewing.

The FPL Patio has been increased from 350 to 375 seats.

The Sky Suites at 17 have been increased 1,500 square-feet to 11,500 square-feet. And the Waterford Club has been increased to 4,000 square-feet from 2,500 feet.

Outside the 17th hole complex, Wright’s Way, a new hospitality venue between the 11th and 17th holes, has been added with a built-in concession and a video board.

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is sponsoring new public seating at the 16th hole and Devonshire is sponsoring a similar seating area at the 14th hole.

Now in its third year, the ritzy Legend’s Club at the 18th hole has undergone another expansion. In 2019, 1,200 square-feet have been added to increase the space to 3,840 square-feet with an additional 300 square-foot patio.

There also is a new food truck location by the green at No. 8 featuring Cold Stone Creamery, Curbside Gourmet, Fire & Ice Paella, and the Lel Orgullo Latino Mexican Taco Truck.

“It’s all about creating the finest fan experience that we can,” Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly said. “Each year we challenge ourselves to make this event better and we have been fortunate that we continue to gain support from the local community. It’s more than just a golf tournament now. The Classic in The Palm Beaches is a fixture in the community that people look forward to every single year.”

Grounds tickets, Bear Trap tickets and other hospitality tickets and packages for the 2019 Honda Classic are on sale at thehondaclassic.com or by calling 1-844-8Honda8 (844-846-6328).