The Honda Classic has developed “A New Vision” for the 2007 edition of the tournament, a series of sponsor, player and fan enhancements designed to help the PGA TOUR event regain elite status as it moves to PGA National Resort & Spa.

The new initiatives that impact fans attending the Feb. 26-March 4, 2007 event will include redesigned sky suites and chalets, expanded corporate hospitality areas on the 17th and 18th holes, pro-am theme parties, an upscale food court, hospitality areas open to regular ticket holders, fan interactive areas, a concert series and fireworks.

Players will notice the difference, too, with catered meals at the driving range, a race car experience at Moroso Speedway, an upgraded Kids Club for families, multiple outings for wives, a fishing tournament and a special hospitality area for their caddies.

“We are looking at every aspect of the tournament and trying to take it to the next level,” said Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly. “We have a goal to offer the best of everything. Can a Classic be new? We really think that it can. And we expect to be considered one of the premier events on the PGA TOUR schedule within three years.”

The immediate goal for 2007 is to be the most improved event on the PGA TOUR. To achieve that, Kennerly feels that the event must make an equal impression on sponsors, fans and players. That is why the “New Vision” of the tournament has been segmented into those three areas.

Sponsor Enhancements

These will begin with a newly created area surrounding the 18th hole called the Nicklaus Village. The Village will include enclosed air-conditioned Chalets for private hospitality, Open-air Sky Suites, and a large Corporate Hospitality tent called the Champions Club.

A separate area near the 17th hole will be called The Bear Trap. This will include a hospitality area behind the 16th green with solid sight lines to the 16th green, the 17th tee and the 17th green. Sky Suites will also be available at the green at No. 17, a challenging par 3 over water.

The tournament also plans to upgrade the sponsor experience by incorporating themes into pro-am parties and utilizing the assets of PGA National Resort & Spa.

Fan Enhancements

The tournament’s new initiative involves catering to three spectator segments – golf fanatics, families and children.

The Taste of Palm Beach will be an upscale food and beverage area near the clubhouse that will include themed food offerings.

A new innovation will be a large public hospitality tent near the 17th hole that offers tiered seating overlooking the green. Fans will be able to enter with general admission tickets and purchase upgraded food and beverage options.

The tournament is planning to make a major investment in jumbotron television screens that will be positioned in multiple areas.

An interactive area is also planned that will include face painting, rock climbing walls, a petting zoo, mist station, swing analysis, putting green and more.

One night of tournament week will welcome the debut of the Honda Classic Concert series, a music event that will begin at the conclusion of play with a headliner act. Fireworks are planned as part of a proposed separate entertainment offering on Saturday night.

Player Enhancements

Competition for dates on player calendars has become more fierce than ever. The Honda Classic is looking to take advantage of its new spot on the calendar to lure a high quality field and then make certain the players are comfortable during their stay.

The tournament will cater the driving range on Tuesday and Wednesday – two days when players typically spend long hours working on their games.

A week-long player fishing tournament will be organized with charter boats available all week to players who want to compete for top angler.

Players will have the opportunity to drive Honda race cars at Moroso Speedway in West Palm Beach and their children will be able to drive go-karts around the track.

The youngsters will also benefit from an upgraded Kids Club that will use hotel facilities such as the pool area.

Wives will enjoy lunch a shopping outing at The Gardens Mall and a Spa Day at PGA National along with other activities to be determined.

Caddies will benefit too as a private hospitality area will be established for them near the clubhouse.

“We’re trying not to leave any stone unturned,” Kennerly said. “And if there is one still unturned today, it won’t be by the time the tournament rolls around in February. We’re excited about the things we are introducing and expect them to have a major impact on the experience that sponsors, players and fans have during tournament week.”

The Honda Classic will benefit the Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation.