The Burgess guide to following the PGA TOUR on a yacht.

Following the PGA TOUR on a yacht

The 2022-23 season kicked off with the Fortinet Championship in September in Napa, California, one of nine official FedExCup events to be played across the autumn. It’s one of several locations that marries well with a superyacht charter, from North and South Carolina, Bermuda and Mexico. Try island hopping in Canada's Desolation Sound and cruising Baja California en route to Phoenix, where the WM Phoenix Open will be played the same week as the NFL’s Super Bowl, for a climatic charter experience.

What is the PGA TOUR?

The US PGA TOUR is a string of six high profile golf tours, three of which take place in the US, the other three are international developmental tours contested outside of America. These include Canada, South Korea and Japan. Mexico hosts two events a year, while the events in Puerto Rico, Bermuda and the Dominican Republic are alternate events held opposite World Golf Championships tournaments. Both China and the United Kingdom also host championship events. The year-long season begins in September. Only the elite 175 golfers from around the world qualify for the PGA TOUR. With 82 all-time PGA TOUR victories, Tiger Woods is tied with Sam Snead for the most wins in PGA TOUR history.

Which matches can I watch live on a yacht charter?

Watching live play from the comfort of a boat is a reality on a few of the PGA TOUR events that take place by water, including the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club. With nine holes bordering Lake Austin as a stunning backdrop, ticketed fans are allowed to park their boats on the lake and watch the golf live from their aft decks. Possibly the best view from a yacht is in the Caribbean Sea, with the Dominican Republic, Bahamas and British Virgin Islands forming a dream itinerary, while Floridian boat owners will enjoy the convenience of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard in 2023.

Can I play on the PGA TOUR professional courses?

The chance to step into Tiger’s shoes and tee off on a PGA TOUR golf course is not a distant dream. In fact, with a mixture of public facilities, semi-private clubs and resorts, there are 23 PGA TOUR courses open to the public. That said, the only true public golf courses on the PGA TOUR are the Torrey Pines Golf Courses near San Diego, TPC Deere Run in Illinois and Bermuda’s Port Royal Golf Course.

Punta Cana Resort & Club

Forming a true Caribbean escape, the Punta Cana Resort & Club in the Dominican Republic is home to the Corales Puntacana Championship played in March. The golf course, fringed by palm trees and ocean, begins with a mid-length par 4 with a stunning, expansive shoreline view to the northeast of the Caribbean Sea. Hole #7 is particularly challenging, played into the prevailing sea breeze, though hole #8 reintroduces cliff edge thrills, played along the edge of the ocean, hugging the left side coral rock formations. It’s a dramatic experience for both players and spectators watching from land and sea.

Bay Hill Club and Lodge

Located in Bay Hill, Florida, the Bay Hill Club and Lodge is home to the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. With a $20 million purse, the PGA TOUR stakes are high at this privately owned golf resort. Providing an authentic American golf experience with its own private marina, Bay Hill is an ideal venue for yacht owners looking to take in a little bass fishing in between their golf. The natural beauty of the Butler Chain of Lakes in Orlando gifts nature watching at its best, with golden eagles, osprey, otters, turtles and other Florida wildlife calling it home.

TPC Sawgrass

Just southeast of Jacksonville, the TPC Sawgrass golf club combines old world charm with modern amenities. A Mediterranean-style 77,000 square foot clubhouse sits at the heart of the venture. Built in 1980, the Players course, created by golf course architect Pete Dye, was the PGA’s first true Stadium Course. The signature island green on the par-3, 17th hole is one of the most recognized in golf and the course is consistently named among the best in the world.

Innisbrook

Florida’s Palm Harbor is defined by its championship golfing at Innisbrook Resort & Golf Club. That said, the area offers a lot to visiting spectators and yachties, from private island expeditions to fishing charters, as well as the chance to bathe in warm mineral springs. Awash with resorts, parks and alluring beaches, the historic downtown area of Palm Harbor is a window into another world.

PGA National Resort & Spa

Florida’s PGA National Resort & Spa may have five championship 18-hole golf courses to its name – housing the Honda Classic, the infamous Bear Trap, and the most famous of all, The Champion – but as part of the resort’s $100 million transformation, the 40,000-square-foot spa is destination worthy itself. The works included two new courses — The Match and The Staple 9-hole — for a total of 99 holes.

What else can I do on a yacht charter to the British Virgin Islands?

While there is no golf to be played in the British Virgin Islands itself, a yacht charter to the area marries the proximity of PGA TOUR courses in the Caribbean with incredible diving, swimming, beaches, food and cruising for days into golden sunsets. Providing the ideal sailing conditions for both novice and advanced sailor, it’s easy to see how crewed yacht charters to the BVIs are in such high demand. Hop between 60 unspoilt islands, islets and cays. Explore the unique rock formations of The Baths on Virgin Gorda, and dance until dawn at Foxy's on Jost van Dyke.

What else can I do on a yacht charter to the Bahamas?

A private yacht charter to the Bahamas brings shallow waters, swimming pigs, hidden bays and Creole-infused culinary delights to your aft deck. The 365 Exumas are renowned for their gin-clear waters where diving and snorkelling is the order of the day, and an abundance of marine life elevates a charter to new heights.

Try it for yourself: Yachts for charter with a driving range

Whether you’re a golfing pro who can’t get enough or just like the novelty of teeing off at sea, the chance to charter a superyacht with its very own driving range introduces a whole new level of luxury. Work on your game at your private onboard driving range located on the swim platform or upper deck. With biodegradable golf balls that include fish food in the mix, it’s about maximum pleasure, minimal impact.

EMOTION2

After loosening up in EMOTION2's gym, head to the aft sun deck’s golf driving facility complete with biodegradable balls and a FunAir floating golf green, so you can perfect your swing while feeding the fish. Once you’re done, unwind in the sauna then visit the 19^th hole with a sundowner before settling in the outdoor cinema to check out videos of your swing.

NERO

Practice your golf swing aboard NERO, one of the most head-turning yachts on the water. Emerging pristine from a significant 2022 refit, the yacht’s all-singing driving range shares attention with a spa, sun deck gym, jacuzzi and pool, creating tip-top charter conditions for the entire family.

Discover more by asking Burgess to build your own charter experience

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for sale and yachts for charter, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.

- Yachts, prices and availability are correct at the time of publication.