Here’s how to stay and play at PGA National for less than $2,000

The PGA Tour’s month-long Florida swing has begun with this week’s Honda Classic. The venue: PGA National’s Champion course in Palm Beach Gardens, which is home to the famous Bear Trap — holes 15, 16 and 17 — one of the most demanding tests the pros face all year.

If you’ve never played PGA National and would like to, I have good news! As one of PGA National Resort & Spa’s five onsite courses, getting a tee time is a cinch if you’re staying on property. Here’s how to enjoy a long weekend of premium golf in sunny south Florida for less than $2,000.

AIRFARE: ~$325

The closest airport to Palm Beach Gardens is PBI, which is 16 miles south of PGA National. If you’re coming from somewhere other than the East Coast and want a direct flight, MIA is also an option, but you could be looking at a two-hour drive when you land, depending on traffic. For that reason, I’ll take a layover itinerary to PBI any day.

I found a direct, early-April, Friday-Monday round-trip itinerary from JFK to PBI for $262, and one for $161 from BOS. From ORD, a direct is $340, while a one-stop from LAX is $502 (all prices via Expedia).

TOTAL AIRFARE: ~$325

GROUND TRANSPORTATION: $50

Once you’re onsite at PGA National, there’s no need for a vehicle, so I recommend taking an Uber to and from the airport, which will cost you about $50 each way — a bargain when shared.

TOTAL SPEND: $325 + $50 = $375 

LODGING AND GREEN FEES: $1,344.89

With PGA National Resort’s Gold Golf Package, you can not only get a tee time for each day of your stay at one of the five courses on property (the Champion, Palmer, Fazio, Squire and the Estates) you also get daily breakfast in the Palm Terrace restaurant, unlimited range balls and golf bag storage.

One thing to keep in mind: You have to pay an additional surcharge for the Tour venue, the Champion course ($135) as well as the Palmer course ($50), but with all that incorporated, your three nights and three rounds come out to $2,689.78, inclusive of taxes and fees (the price is the same whether you book a room with a king or two double beds). Divided in half, that’s $1,344.89 per person.

TOTAL SPEND: $375 + $1,344.89 = $1,719.89

DINING: $230

With breakfasts covered in your lodging package, you should be able to save on meals elsewhere. Follow the outline below to keep your trip as budget-friendly as possible!

Arrival dinner: $40

Day 1 golf course lunch: $20

Day 1 dinner: $40

Day 2 golf course lunch: $20

Day 2 dinner: $40

Day 3 golf course lunch: $20

Miscellaneous snacks: $50

TOTAL DINING: $230

TOTAL SPEND: $1,719.89 + $230 = $1,949.89

And there you have it! Airfare, ground transportation, three nights of lodging, three premium rounds of golf (including this week’s Tour venue) and all of your meals for less than $2,000. Ready to book? Happy travels!

Want more budget itineraries?
Puerto Rico for $1,500
3 Top-100 courses in Southern California for $2K
A dream trip to Pebble Beach
Scottsdale, Ariz. for under $2,400

To receive GOLF’s all-new newsletters, subscribe for free here.