World-renowned golf legends, Masters champions and Olympic contenders are all ‘fore’ The Palm Beaches of South Florida in a newly-launched brand ambassador programme for Discover The Palm Beaches (DTPB), the official tourism marketing corporation for Palm Beach County.
Through a series of video interviews with several elite resident golfers, including Ernie Els, Rickie Fowler, Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, Camilo Villegas, Tiger Woods and more, each individual’s personal message echoes the destination’s unique abundance of attributes that make Florida’s Golf Capital a hole-in-one destination for visitors and locals alike.
In the last count by The Palm Beach Post, more than 60 current or former professional golfers reside in The Palm Beaches, which encompasses 2,000-square-miles from Boca Raton to Jupiter. These pros – several of whom are currently recognised as some of the world’s best golfers as noted by the Official World Golf Ranking – have the option to live anywhere in the world, but have chosen to live in The Palm Beaches.
This new programme highlights the personal connection as to why these specific golfers choose to call The Palm Beaches home, as they share their favourite hidden gems, must-see locations and leisure activities.
“I’ve been all over the world, and I haven’t found a place I’d rather be than in Palm Beach County,” says Jack Nicklaus, 50-plus-year resident and arguably the greatest golf champion. Fellow career ‘Grand Slam’ winner Tiger Woods beams with genuine happiness when describing his ideal day in The Palm Beaches, where he references his new restaurant, The Woods Jupiter in Harbourside Place: “…surf a little bit, where you can go scuba diving, spear fishing and play golf, then go to the restaurant at the very end of it and watch sports – it’s a pretty cool place.”
Four-time Major champion Rory McIlroy shares his excitement for wave-running on the water, up-close turtle encounters, and his assessment that some of the best seafood in the world is available in The Palm Beaches. Paddle boarding on the Loxahatchee River is a favourite pastime for 2010 Honda Classic Champion Camilo Villegas, while Olympic contender and defending Players Champion Rickie Fowler enjoys the beaches and satisfies his occasional sweet tooth at Palm Beach Ice Cream.
Must-see sights for Ernie Els, philanthropist and owner of 70 career wins, includes the Mizner architecture along Worth Avenue, sampling delicious cuisine at Chef Clay Conley’s celebrated restaurant Buccan, and enjoying the island life at The Square Grouper, which is located along the Jupiter inlet with picturesque views of the historic Jupiter Lighthouse.
“With 47 miles of pristine beaches, more than 160 public and private golf courses and a booming culinary scene, it makes perfect sense why so many professional golfers reside in The Palm Beaches,” said Jorge Pesquera, DTPB President and Chief Executive. “From sunshine and warm ocean breezes to family-friendly attractions and countless eco-tourism activities, we are thrilled to see these iconic golfers share
their personal sentiments about our world-class destination, inevitably extending an invitation for others to enjoy the best way to experience Florida.”
