Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield

Rankings: 

 

The Takeaway:  Famous on the PGA Tour for its "Bear Trap" finishing holes, the Champion course at PGA National Resort is a challenging course where water hazards are the main features looking to derail your score. The flat terrain and heavy amount of residential development around the course is disappointingly typical of Florida, but the course itself is solid.  Grade B-

Quick Facts

Designer:  Tom Fazio and George Fazio 1981

Cost:  Varies based on season Click for current rates

Phone Number:  800-863-2819

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit PGA National Resort (Champion)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 400 Avenue of the Champions Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida  33418 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of PGA National Resort (Champion)

Similar Course:

• Trump National Doral Miami (Blue Monster)

What to Expect:  The Champion course is one of five courses at PGA National Resort and represents the first stop on the PGA Tour's Florida swing each March. The 1983 Ryder Cup host site was originally designed by Tom and George Fazio in 1981 but received some redesign work by Jack Nicklaus in 1990 and 2014. The layout is crafted over mostly flat ground with some memorable par threes; two of which are found in the famous Bear Trap holes that create the memorable final stretch at the course. As a whole, the layout is solid with a good amount of variety, excellent conditioning, and a handful of water hazards to contend with, however the lackluster terrain makes it difficult to be highly compelling to engage with. In addition, the dated residential development around the property offers little visually for views beyond the property. If you are a fan of Doral, you'll also enjoy PGA National. In the end, the location offers wonderful year-round weather and five courses to enjoy, however, beyond the Bear Trap, the Champion course shares too many similarities with typical Florida golf to stand out as anything exceptional.

By the Numbers

Tees	Par	Yardage	Rating	Slope
Black	72	7081	75.4	144
Gold	72	6712	73.6	142
Blue	72	6348	71.9	136
White	72	5988	70.3	133
Green	72	5280	67.0	125
Red (Women)	72	5061	71.3	130

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  15th Hole – 178 Yard Par 3 –

Best Par 3:  17th Hole – 173 Yards –

Best Par 4:  11th Hole – 449 Yards –

Best Par 5:  18th Hole – 558 Yards –

Birdie Time:  1st Hole – 365 Yard Par 4 –

Bogey Beware:  16th Hole – 444 Yard Par 4 –