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2023 Honda Classic Course Preview – PGA National Champion Course

Avery Wiseman

The 2023 Honda Classic and what to expect from the venue for this week's event! 🏌️💰

History of the PGA National Resort

The PGA National Resort is a luxurious golf resort located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States. The resort was built in 1981 by E. Llwyd Ecclestone Jr., a prominent Palm Beach businessman and developer, and was originally known as the “PGA Sheraton Resort.”

The resort quickly gained a reputation as a premier golf destination, with its five championship courses designed by legendary golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Fazio. The resort hosted the Ryder Cup in 1983, and has also been the site of numerous other major golf tournaments, including the Honda Classic and the Senior PGA Championship.

In 2006, the resort underwent a major renovation and expansion, which included the addition of a new hotel tower, spa, and conference center. The resort also introduced several new dining options and recreational facilities, including a water park and tennis complex.

Today, the PGA National Resort is widely regarded as one of the top golf resorts in the United States, and attracts golf enthusiasts from around the world. It has also expanded beyond golf, offering a range of amenities and activities for guests of all ages and interests.

PGA National Champion Golf Course

The PGA National Champion Golf Course is one of the most famous and challenging courses in the United States, located at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Champion Course opened in 1981 and has hosted the prestigious Honda Classic tournament since 2007.

The Champion Course is known for its demanding layout, with deep bunkers, water hazards, and fast greens that require precision and skill from even the most experienced golfers. The signature hole of the course is the par-3 17th, known as the “Bear Trap,” which requires a shot over water to a small green surrounded by bunkers.

The course underwent a major renovation in 2014, which included a redesign of several holes and the installation of new turf and irrigation systems. The renovation was overseen by Jack Nicklaus himself, and the course remains a favorite among professional golfers and avid golf enthusiasts.

In addition to the Champion Course, the PGA National Resort offers four other championship courses designed by golf legends such as Arnold Palmer, Tom Fazio, and George Fazio, making it a premier golf destination for players of all skill levels.

Course Layout

The PGA National Champion Golf Course is a challenging and scenic layout designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. The course has a par of 70 and plays at a length of 7,140 yards from the back tees. Here is an overview of the layout of the course:

Hole 1: A par-4 that requires a well-placed tee shot to avoid the bunkers and water hazards that protect the green.
Hole 2: A long par-3 that requires a precise iron shot over a lake to a large green.
Hole 3: A par-4 with a narrow fairway that requires an accurate tee shot to avoid the bunkers and trees.
Hole 4: A challenging par-4 with water down the left side and a narrow green protected by bunkers.
Hole 5: A long par-4 with a dogleg left that requires a well-placed tee shot to avoid the bunkers and trees.
Hole 6: A short par-4 with a narrow fairway and a green protected by bunkers and water.
Hole 7: A par-4 with a sharp dogleg right that requires an accurate tee shot to avoid the trees and bunkers.
Hole 8: A long par-3 with water on the left and a large green that slopes from back to front.
Hole 9: A challenging par-5 with water and bunkers protecting the green.
Hole 10: A par-4 that requires an accurate tee shot to avoid the water and bunkers that protect the green.
Hole 11: A long par-4 with a dogleg right that requires a well-placed tee shot to avoid the bunkers and trees.
Hole 12: A short par-4 with a narrow fairway and a green protected by bunkers.
Hole 13: A par-5 with water down the left side and a narrow green protected by bunkers.
Hole 14: A par-4 with a dogleg left that requires a well-placed tee shot to avoid the trees and bunkers.
Hole 15: A long par-3 with a large green and bunkers protecting the front and back.
Hole 16: A challenging par-4 with water down the left side and a green protected by bunkers.
Hole 17: The signature hole of the course, a par-3 with water in front and bunkers surrounding the green. This hole is known as the “Bear Trap.”
Hole 18: A par-5 with water down the left side and a green protected by bunkers.

Overall, the PGA National Champion Golf Course is a challenging and exciting layout that requires skill and precision to navigate successfully.

Course Design

The PGA National Champion Golf Course was designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and is known for its challenging and demanding layout. Here are some of the design features that make the course a favorite among professional and amateur golfers alike:

Strategic bunkering: The course features deep and strategically placed bunkers that require golfers to carefully consider their shot placement off the tee and on approach shots to the green.
Water hazards: The course includes several water hazards, including a lake that comes into play on several holes, which adds to the challenge and requires golfers to have accuracy and distance control.
Undulating greens: The greens on the course are known for their undulation, which makes putting a challenge and requires golfers to have a deft touch and good feel for the speed and break of the greens.
Signature hole: The course’s signature hole is the par-3 17th hole, known as the “Bear Trap.” This hole requires a tee shot over water to a small green surrounded by bunkers, and is considered one of the most challenging holes in golf.
Multiple tee boxes: The course offers multiple tee boxes on each hole, making it accessible to golfers of all skill levels.

Overall, the design of the PGA National Champion Golf Course challenges golfers to use every club in their bag and requires precision and strategic thinking to navigate successfully.

Course Experience

Playing the PGA National Champion Golf Course is an unforgettable experience for any golfer. The course is known for its challenging layout, stunning scenery, and world-class amenities that make it one of the top golf destinations in the United States. Here are some of the highlights of the PGA National Champion Golf Course experience:

Challenging layout: The course is known for its deep bunkers, undulating greens, and water hazards that require precision and skill from even the most experienced golfers.
Signature hole: The par-3 17th hole, known as the “Bear Trap,” is one of the most challenging holes in golf and requires a shot over water to a small green surrounded by bunkers. Playing this hole is a highlight for many golfers.
Scenic surroundings: The course is set amidst stunning natural surroundings, with palm trees, lakes, and waterfalls providing a beautiful backdrop for your round.
Professional caddies: The course offers professional caddies to help golfers navigate the layout and provide tips and advice to help them play their best.
World-class amenities: The PGA National Resort offers a range of amenities, including a luxurious spa, multiple dining options, and top-quality accommodations that make it a premier golf destination.
History and prestige: The course has hosted the prestigious Honda Classic tournament since 2007 and has seen some of the best players in the world compete on its challenging layout.

Overall, playing the PGA National Champion Golf Course is a memorable and rewarding experience that offers a true test of a golfer’s skill and provides an unforgettable golfing experience.

Summary

The PGA National Champion Golf Course is a world-renowned golf course located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, the course is known for its challenging and demanding layout that requires precision and skill from even the most experienced golfers. With deep bunkers, water hazards, undulating greens, and a signature hole (the par-3 17th hole known as the “Bear Trap”), the course offers a true test of a golfer’s ability. The course has hosted the prestigious Honda Classic tournament since 2007 and is a premier golf destination with luxurious amenities, including professional caddies, world-class accommodations, a spa, and multiple dining options. Overall, playing the PGA National Champion Golf Course is an unforgettable experience for any golfer seeking a challenging and rewarding round of golf.