The Palm Beach County Sports Commission proudly supported the return of PGA TOUR Champions golf to The Palm Beaches through the inaugural James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational, held April 4–6, 2025, at The Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton. This innovative tournament featured 26 Pro Football Hall of Famers competing alongside 78 PGA TOUR Champions professionals and was broadcast live on the Golf Channel. After a competitive weekend, it was Ángel Cabrera who emerged as the tournament’s champion, turning in rounds of 68-66-71 to secure a two-stroke victory.
Cabrera became the second professional golfer in 2025 to capture a PGA TOUR-sanctioned title in The Palm Beaches, further reinforcing the destination’s reputation as Florida’s Golf Capital. His victory at the James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational follows Joe Highsmith’s breakthrough win at the 2025 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches earlier this year. With two champions crowned this year, The Palm Beaches continues to solidify its standing as a premier destination for world-class golf.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled with how the inaugural James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame played out,” said Ken Kennerly, Executive Director of the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational. “All of the NFL Hall of Famers keep telling us they can’t wait to come back next year. We believe this championship has a great future.”
Since 2007, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission has supported PGA TOUR Champions events in The Palm Beaches, continuing to attract world-class competitions that generate significant economic impact and elevate the county’s reputation as a premier sports tourism destination. Hosting the James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational further solidified The Palm Beaches’ position as a top-tier host for major sporting events.
The Invitational welcomed some of the NFL’s most legendary players, including Hall of Famers Anthony Muñoz, Warren Sapp, Rondé Barber, Dwight Freeney, and Calvin Johnson. These football greats competed alongside top senior professionals from the PGA TOUR Champions, including John Daly, Darren Clarke, Miguel Ángel Jiménez, and Jerry Kelly.
The host venue, the Old Course at Broken Sound, delivered a scenic and memorable setting for both spectators and athletes. The recently redesigned course is renowned for its pristine putting surfaces—considered among the best on the PGA TOUR Champions circuit. Attendees also enjoyed premium hospitality experiences, diverse food and beverage options, and unparalleled views of the course. The Old Course’s serene atmosphere made it one of the most intimate and beautiful places to enjoy professional golf in The Palm Beaches.
Beyond the competition, the event provided substantial benefits for the local community, generating media attention, attracting visitors, and contributing to the region’s economy. The James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational created an estimated economic impact of over $10.6 million and generated approximately 2,500 room nights for the local lodging and hospitality sector.
