You know, it’s funny how life changes after having kids. I used to think I had time for everything—work, hobbies, a round of golf here and there—but now, between changing diapers, trying to get my freelance business up and running, and chasing around a toddler who just learned how to scoot around the house, finding “me time” feels like striking gold. Still, there’s something about golf that keeps pulling me back. It’s one of the few things that still gives me a sense of peace, even when I’m hacking my way out of a sand trap (which, let’s be honest, happens more than I’d like to admit).
So, when I heard about the massive $100 million transformation of the PGA National Resort, and that they’re hosting some of my favorite YouTube golf influencers like Good Good Golf and Barstool’s Fore Play Pod, it felt like the perfect excuse to dust off the clubs and dream about getting back on the course—even if most of my time is spent trying to get a toddler to eat something other than Cheerios.
The Good, The Great, and The Scramble
Let me tell you, YouTube golf has exploded, and if you’re like me—one of those guys who loves to unwind by watching other people play the game better than you ever could—this is the ultimate event. If you’ve ever seen a Good Good video or listened to Barstool’s Fore Play Podcast, you know these guys are more than just solid golfers; they make the game accessible and fun. They don’t take themselves too seriously, which, frankly, is the only way to approach golf. (Especially if you play like I do, where “par” is more of a suggestion than a target.)
So, on November 3rd, PGA National is hosting the “Fore Good Scramble,” which brings these two YouTube golfers together with fans wanting to be in on the action. They’re going to create teams of four and scramble their way through the back nine of The Champion Course, which, by the way, is home to the notorious Bear Trap. If you’re a golf fan, you know this stretch is where good rounds go to die. And for us mere mortals, it’s the kind of course that might give you nightmares (FYI – I’ve never played the course – even though I live about an hour away in Fort Lauderdale). But watching these guys navigate it? It’s going to be a blast—whether you’re lucky enough to be there in person or watching it on YouTube.
And here’s the cool part: all proceeds from the event benefit Play Yellow and The First Tee, two incredible organizations that focus on helping kids through golf. As a new dad, I find myself way more emotional about stuff like this. You think about the next generation a lot more when you’ve got a little one at home. If my son ends up loving golf as much as I do, maybe one day we’ll be playing in events like this together—though right now, we’re still working on basic motor skills, so that feels like a long way off.
Battle for Palm Beach: Can You Keep Up?
If you’re not just a fan of golf but someone who loves the idea of rubbing shoulders with influencers and trying your hand against some serious competition, the “Battle for Palm Beach” is where it’s at. Running from November 3rd to 6th, this 36-hole, two-man scramble sounds like something straight out of my dreams—well, dreams I used to have before my baby started waking up at 3 a.m. for no reason whatsoever.
The rate for the full weekend is $5,500 per team, you get three nights’ accommodations, an opening practice round on the fun, par-3 Staple Course (perfect for a guy like me who likes to think he’s better at short game than he actually is), and then two rounds of tournament play on the Fazio Course and the Champion Course. The idea of playing the same course where the pros face down the Bear Trap is enough to make any golfer drool. Plus, there’s breakfast, lunch, and drink tickets included—which, let’s be honest, sounds like the perfect way to balance out the inevitable triple bogey or two. And the fact that every participant gets a welcome gift worth $1,100? You had me at swag.
The kicker: the winning team takes home $800 per player. I don’t know about you, but in my world, a couple of hundred bucks and some bragging rights go a long way, especially when your regular competition is your dad buddy who’s still working off his dad bod. And, of course, Good Good and Fore Play will still be hanging around, so there might even be a chance you’ll get to interact with them—whether on the course or over drinks after a tough day on the links.
Beyond the Golf: What Else is Happening at PGA National?
Of course, a resort like this isn’t just about golf (though if you ask me, it should be). It’s about the experience—and this place is loaded. From world-class dining to an epic spa(my wife and mom both say it’s their favorite spa) there’s something here for everyone, even if your significant other is more into relaxation than 5-hour rounds in the Florida sun.
The Butcher’s Club, run by “Top Chef” winner Jeremy Ford, sounds like the kind of place I’d treat myself after surviving 18 holes. And there’s Honeybelle, with its seasonal American cuisine by James Beard Award nominee Lindsay Autry. That’s exactly the kind of spot I’d want to hit with my wife after a day on the course—assuming we could convince Grandma to watch the baby for just one night (and trust me, I’d owe her big time for that one).
But here’s the thing: as much as I dream of perfecting my swing and getting in a few more rounds, the reality is life is busy, and sometimes it’s just about finding balance. A place like this? It sounds like the kind of destination where I could not only play some great golf but also take a much-needed break. And yeah, maybe sneak in a round of pickleball or a treatment at the spa while I’m at it. The resort’s spa, redesigned by Venus Williams’ firm, offers all kinds of relaxation, from acupuncture to Himalayan Salt Rooms. I could see myself there, rejuvenating after a long week of work and parenting. And did I mention there are pickleball courts now? As if I needed another hobby to get hooked on.
In anticipation, you’ll find me practicing my short game in the backyard, between baby naps and work calls. And if you’re thinking about going, let me live vicariously through you, will you? Whether you’re watching the scramble, hitting up the spa, or just enjoying the sunshine, this place sounds like a dream—one that’s just a quick trip away from real life, even if only for a weekend.
- Get your tickets to the event HERE: The Battle for Palm Beach
- Check out & Get Tickets for the Fore Good Scramble
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