Sometimes all it takes is frozen grapes to tell the story. At a PGA National Resort Member-Guest golf tournament on a hot day this past March, the participants were served (among other things) frozen grapes as a refresher. While that might not sound like much in the big picture, it’s that kind of attention to detail Patrick O’Malley is bringing to the Club in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
‘It’s all about what you can do to separate – or elevate yourself,’’ O’Malley said, himself an example of the overall attention to detail that PGA National Resort owner Henderson Park is bringing to the 807-acre acre property in north Palm Beach County.
O’Malley came to the PGA National in May 2025 – shortly after its $420 million purchase by Henderson Park, in partnership with South Street Partners and Salamander Collection, with a resume’ that includes management positions at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, S.C.; Diamond Creek Golf Club in Banner Elk, N.C; the private clubs of the Dormie Network; and the exclusive Old Collier Club in Naples, FL.
Understand that Brookfield Asset Management, PGA National’s previous owner – did a great job in bringing life back what had become stale property. But most of that attention, it can be argued, was on the resort side. The members’ club, despite getting renovated men’s and women’s locker rooms and a new-look restaurant/bar, was mostly an afterthought.
The famed Bear Trap on the back nine of the Champion
To remedy that issue, Henderson Park invested heavily in management for the club, including O’Malley and Executive Chef Christine Hazel, who spent more than 10 years as Chef de Cuisine of Hospitality at Augusta National Golf Club. In addition, popular South Florida Chef Paula DaSilva was brought in as the resort’s director of food beverage to work with celebrity chefs Jeremy Ford (Butcher’s Club) and Lindsay Autrey (Honeybelle).
“We’re investing in people to run things properly,’’ O’Malley said. “We re-organizing our golf team and our golf set up.
“The biggest key is being transparent when that new member comes on board is that you are going to be sharing with the resort. We are now going well in a year of advance and dedicating two golf courses to membership, so that they have opportunities to play.
“What we’re really trying to do is make sure that membership is well looked after. We’ve also been transparent in saying that there are going to be some days that you do have to share because of compaction or large tournaments, but we’re really trying to limit that out-of-season, and in-season, preserve the courses and opportunities for members.
“I think little changes like that, as we continue to grow, shows that we are clearly invested in the membership side – also understanding that our resort guests are great guests. We want to make sure we take care of them, too.’’
Indeed. Between PGA National’s six golf courses – including the Jack Nicklaus designed Champion – seven restaurants and a 40,000 square-foot spa (don’t pass on the Waters of the World experience), the 360-room resort is one of the Southeast’s top destinations for golf, business and family travel. PGA National has more than 60,000 square feet of meeting space, is home to the PGA Tour’s Cognizant Classic on the Champion, and features what might be the top racquet sports facility in Florida.
The Match and Staples courses each are great layouts to warm up or wind down for a round – or better – introduce new golfers to the game in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Sushi by Bou at PGA National Resort
The steak at Butcher’s Club, and fried chicken at Honeybelle, make each restaurant a “must dine.’’ The resort’s “hidden’’ culinary gem – Sushi by Bou – offers an omakase-style dining experience that makes it among the top sushi restaurants in South Florida. Meanwhile, Birdie’s Diner, next to the golf pro shop, is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch.
“It’s a destination that you don’t have to leave,’’ said Michelle Rodrigues Hawthorn, the resort’s director of marketing. “We’re constantly improving our guest amenities and services. And we have people who share the vision of PGA National to continue elevating the amenities for each type of guest we welcome.’’
https://www.salamanderhotels.com
Feature Photo Courtesy of PGA National Resort