The Honda Classic

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL - A typical day at the 2007 Honda Classic could begin with a pit stop just inside the main gate.  That is where the Nicklaus Children's Hospital Fan Zone will be set-up with an array of activities that include magic shows, inflatable games, a rock wall, putting green, swing analysis, and a fishing experience.

It might continue with a visit to the Haig Driving Range at PGA National Resort & Spa where PGA Section pros will offer golf tips and everyone gets a chance to test the latest equipment at the Play Golf America Expo. 

And it will end with the Honda Classic Concert Series at the Heineken Terrace outside the clubhouse where local bands will perform each night as the final putt drops. Saturday night, there even will be a fireworks show sponsored by Metro PCS above the lake bordering the 18th green.

Somewhere in between all of this excitement, spectators will be watching the best players in the world compete for $5.5 million in prize money and a $990,000 winner's check. The high-stakes professional golf tournament March 1-4 isn't taking a back stage to the extracurricular entertainment offerings. But it certainly has a lot of company.

"We're excited about the things we are introducing," Honda Classic Executive Director Kenneth R. Kennerly said. "I expect them to have a major impact on the experience that sponsors, players and fans have during tournament week."

The Honda Classic, quite simply, has evolved into a complete sporting event with several different entertainment options built into the fan experience.

If someone wants to eat upscale food and beverage they can visit the Heineken Terrace by the clubhouse which features a Taste of Palm Beach theme.

The Miller Lite Bear Trap includes a hospitality area behind the 16th green where fans can watch the action simultaneously at No. 16 and 17 while sampling upscale food and beverage.

The FPL Pavilion overlooking the 17th green is truly a place to hang out. For starters, you have a signature par-three hole bordered by water. The Pavilion also treats general admission fans to theatre-style seats, flat-screen televisions, an FPL Mist zone where they can cool off, a 266-square-foot video display board and unobstructed sight lines to the hole.

"We wanted to create something special for the fans," Kennerly said. "I can't wait to wander out to The Bear Trap when the final groups come through and see the excitement. I think No. 17 in particular will develop into one of the most challenging signature holes on the Tour."

For those who want to improve their own game, golf legend Jack Nicklaus will conduct a golf clinic Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. There also is a Junior Clinic on the schedule Saturday afternoon with trick shot artists Dennis Walters and Peter Johncke.

The Honda Classic Concert Series will present themed concerts each evening. Thursday night will feature Jazz Under The Stars with the Joe Scott Band. Friday night fans will Dance to the Honda Beat with Eclipse. The Irish Invade the Classic on Saturday night with a performance by LaHinch Mob. Sunday night will be Reggae Night at the Classic with the sounds of Florry Duncan and the Tropical Sons.
 
The Honda Classic is even entering the world of satellite radio and mobile communications. One thousand fans each day will receive radios to use on the tournament grounds that will connect them to the PGA TOUR network on XM Satellite Radio. They can listen to the golf coverage as they wander the course and also can sample more than 150 music, talk, sports and entertainment stations the entire day.

Fans will also have the opportunity to rent handheld PDA's providing real-time scoring for every player, customized leaderboards of their favorite players, player biographies, news flashes and more.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2007 Honda Classic and are available in several packages. The Classic Pak includes daily grounds credentials and coupons for more than $150 in savings at PGA National including a complimentary round of golf. The cost is $75. Individual daily tickets can be purchased for $15 (Tuesday and Wednesday), $25 (Thursday and Friday) or $35 (Saturday and Sunday).

Call 1-866-8HONDA8 (866-846-6328) to order tickets or visit thehondaclassic.com.

Anyone interested in special hospitality packages for The Champions Club (18th hole), the Clubhouse (Member's Clubhouse) and The Bear Trap (17th hole) can call Joanie Connors at 561-799-4619 to order.

The primary beneficiary of the Honda Classic is the Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation.