BEAR TRAP MAINTAINS ITS BITE AND ITS FUN
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL - Due to easier conditions, the Bear Trap at PGA National Resort & Spa - a three-hole challenge from Nos. 15-17 - didn't repeat as the toughest stretch on those three particular three holes that were played on the PGA TOUR in 2009.
The Bear Trap finished second to the 15th, 16th, and 17th at St. Andrews during the British Open.
The holes played in a combined 346 over-par in 2010 after playing in 385 over-par during the 2009 Honda Classic and 356 over-par in 2008.
There were 1,293 attempts on the three holes and 131 birdies, 800 pars, 267 bogeys, 79 double-bogeys and 16 triple-bogeys.
Water comes into play on all three holes on PGA National's Champion course and is obviously a huge contributor to the degree of difficulty of The Bear Trap.
The par-three 15th hole had 44 birdies, 85 bogeys, 45 double-bogeys, and 8 others. There were 249 pars.
The par-four 16th hole had 42 birdies, 86 bogeys, 12 double-bogeys, and one other. There were 290 pars.
The par-three 17th hole had 45 birdies, 96 bogeys, 22 double-bogeys, and seven others. There were 261 pars.
There is so much excitement and leader board movement at the three-hole stretch of the golf course that it has become an epicenter for spectators attending The Honda Classic.
It starts with the seating area overlooking the 16th green and 17th tee. The Goslings Dark ‘N Stormy Bear Trap area has been increased from 5,500 square-feet to an 8,500 square foot hospitality marquee with tiered seating that brings a sports bar atmosphere to the Bear Trap. Upgraded food and beverage is available and plasma televisions provide coverage of the tournament. Tickets for the Goslings Dark ‘N Stormy Bear Trap are $75 on Thursday and Friday and $100 on Saturday and Sunday. Party paks that include limited free drinks are also available.
The 17th hole, a 190-yard par-three across water, has evolved into a signature hole of sorts for the Honda, the tournament's version of the 16th hole in Phoenix, the island green at the 17th hole at the TPC at Sawgrass or hole No. 16 at Augusta.
Eight green-side skysuites will form the backdrop for the challenging par three as companies entertain their clients amid the festive atmosphere.
The FPL Pavilion is a 2,000 square-foot public hospitality area that will have plasma televisions with a live feed of the tournament broadcast and covered stadium seating with unobstructed view of the play on the 17th.
The RBC Bank Wine Garden is a 2,000 square-foot hospitality area bordering the 17th hole which will provide spectators with sampling opportunities from a variety of winemakers, covered seating and unobstructed sightlines.
"The Bear Trap was able to generate a lot of excitement last year, particularly on Sunday when the final groups came through," Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly said. "I really think that the Bear Trap combined with the hospitality options that we are making available there will continue to be one of the main focal points of the tournament."
Hospitality options at the 18th hole remain the primary vehicle for corporations looking to entertain their clients at The Honda. The tournament has 10 sky suites and seven chalets at the finishing hole and also is offering The Champions Club at Nicklaus Village, a 5,500 square-foot upscale, all-inclusive entertainment option on the 18th fairway. Outdoor observation decks of the 18th and 10th holes will provide premium views and high-end catering.
Anyone interested in the special hospitality packages for The Champions Club, Chalets or Skysuites (18th hole), or The Bear Trap (17th hole) can call Joanie Connors at 561-799-4619 to order.
The 2011 edition of The Honda Classic will be played February 28-March 6 at PGA National Resort & Spa. The tournament, Palm Beach County's largest sporting event, awarded more than $1 million to area children's charities in 2010.
Individual daily tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 (Tuesday), $25 (Wednesday), $30 (Thursday and Friday) or $40 (Saturday and Sunday). Tickets are $5 more at the gate. A Classic Value Pack good for the entire week is $95. All ticket proceeds go directly to South Florida Children's Charities through the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation
Call 1-866-8HONDA8 (866-846-6328) to order tickets or visit thehondaclassic.com.
Last Updated: 2/17/2011 10:45:21 AM / Generated at: 2/4/2012 8:24:59 PM