Discover The Palm Beaches Partners with World-Renowned Professional Golfers to Launch Destination's Brand Ambassador Program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- World-renowned golf legends, Masters champions and Olympic contenders are all 'fore' The Palm Beaches of South Florida in a newly-launched brand ambassador program 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 recognized 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 program highlights the personal connection as to why these specific golfers choose to call The Palm Beaches home, as they share their favorite 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 favorite 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, president and CEO of DTPB. "From sunshine and warm ocean breezes to family-friendly attractions and countless eco-tourism activities, we're 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."

"The golf ambassador program was a team effort," explained Rich Basen, senior vice president of marketing and leisure sales with DTPB. "Discover The Palm Beaches worked closely with KO-MAR Productions and IMG / The Honda Classic to bring the videos to life. We're fortunate that the professional golfers who participated in this initiative are all truly passionate about the destination, and that genuine connection resonates through each message."

To view the video interviews with a selection of The Palm Beaches' resident professional golfers, visit the Discover The Palm Beaches' golf landing page or its YouTube channel.

Signature golf resorts in The Palm Beaches include The Breakers Palm Beach, Boca Raton Resort & Club, The Seagate Hotel & Spa among others, as well as The Honda Classic's headquarters, PGA National Resort & Spa. Golfers of all handicap levels have ample choice of golf shops, teaching facilities and driving ranges, including the Junior Golf Academy, to improve their game.

Palm Beach County Golf Passport from $160
Golf enthusiasts looking to obtain the most out of their golf getaway can take advantage of the Palm Beach County Golf Passport.  Available year-round, from $160 during May through December and from $240 January through April, the promotion offers six rounds of golf at five of the destination's most-unique public courses. Feel like a PGA pro playing 18-holes on Okeeheelee Golf Course, Osprey Point Golf Course, Park Ridge Golf Course, Southwinds Golf Course or nine holes at the John Prince Golf Learning Center. Passport holders will also receive a free bucket of balls and a "Bonus Coupon," good for one free round at any of the five participating courses.

About Discover The Palm Beaches
Discover The Palm Beaches, formerly the Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official tourism marketing corporation that promotes the collection of 38 cities and towns and 15 tourism districts spanning 2,000 square miles and 47 miles of pristine beaches from Boca Raton to Jupiter, commonly referred to as The Palm Beaches of South Florida. Tourism is among Palm Beach County's major industries. It generates an annual economic impact of $7.3 billion in the local economy, produces $42 million in bed-tax revenue and lodging sales of approximately $623 million and supports more than 69,000 jobs.

SOURCE Discover The Palm Beaches