Two years after the PGA TOUR unveiled its plans for a new 187,000-square-foot global headquarters, the building is complete and will begin housing employees this month.
The largely glass-and-steel structure, designed by Foster + Partners, is located just off County Road 210, situated between the Couples and the Nicklaus gates. It replaces 17 other facilities scattered throughout the area.
Surrounded by water, the building was inspired by the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. It is actually two three-story buildings connected by bridges and a 44-foot-tall atrium, a feature that would allow all employees to gather in a single place.
“We could have an entire company meeting in this room,” said Kirsten Sabia, vice president of integrated communications.
The extensive use of glass and five 1,400-square-foot skylights made from a weather-resistant material illuminate the entire structure with natural light.
“Our architect, prior to designing and building the space, interviewed hundreds of employees, and light and meeting space were the two top answers of what people desired in the new building,” said Sabia.
There are about 100 conference rooms in the new structure, up from the current 12.
The work environment is rich in amenities, including a den with golf swing simulator; a genius bar where employees can get help with technical issues; a fitness center with treadmills, cycles, yoga studios and more; and a coffee bar.
The large café, under the direction of Chef Eric Butcher, prides itself on the high quality of its products and partnership with local vendors. It offers vegan, keto and gluten-free options, as well as more mainstream fare.
“We’re always so aware of wellness and wellbeing, and we have amazing benefits here at the TOUR,” said Sabia. “But what the chef and his team are able to provide from a healthy perspective is just really incredible.”
The amenities will prove attractive to prospective employees as the organization grows.
“We want the smartest accountants, the brightest lawyers,” said Sabia. “To be able to provide them this office space that’s an amenity unto itself, we’re very fortunate.”
The interior of the building also features a variety of local artists commissioned to depict the PGA TOUR brand personality and the heritage of the First Coast.
Sisters Holly Blanton and Heather Blanton supplied canvas paintings of significant moments in PGA TOUR history. Four Jacksonville artists – Dustin Haywood, Ansley Randall, John Votel and Shawn Thurston – painted murals in the building’s stairwells.
Currently, the PGA TOUR has about 750 employees locally. Though most are working from home during the pandemic, they will have the option of moving into the new space as of Feb. 17. The building’s total capacity is 1,100 employees.
The general contractor for the project was Clark Construction Group of Tampa. Clark also delivered the clubhouse at TPC Sawgrass in 2007.
The PGA TOUR moved to Ponte Vedra Beach from Washington, D.C., in the late 1970s and started off with three employees in a single house in the Players Club development in Sawgrass.
“We’ve been here for over 40 years, and we’re excited for another 40-plus to come,” said Sabia.
