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Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

PGA National Resort - The Champion Course

Conquer the infamous Bear Trap—one of golf's most treacherous stretches where PGA Tour pros come to be humbled every February.

About the Course

The Champion Course at PGA National Resort is where championship golf is tested and refined. Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio in 1981 to host the Ryder Cup, the course underwent a dramatic transformation in 2014 when Jack Nicklaus redesigned it to create the legendary "Bear Trap"—a three-hole gauntlet of holes 15, 16, and 17 that has become synonymous with one of professional golf's greatest challenges. At 7,045 yards from the back tees with a slope rating of 148, this is not a course designed for ego. Water comes into play on 15 of 18 holes, narrow fairways demand accuracy, and tricky South Florida winds constantly shift the equation. The course hosts the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic each February, and recreational golfers get to walk the exact same fairways where the world's best players regularly fall short. The experience is humbling—many would say in the best possible way—and staying at the resort ensures you're fully immersed in championship golf culture with amenities rivaling any five-star destination.

Why It's Great for Groups
  • ✦Play the exact same track as the PGA Tour pros at the Cognizant Classic—only a month after tour players struggle with the Bear Trap
  • ✦The Bear Trap (holes 15-17) is one of golf's most iconic finishing stretches, testing nerve, accuracy, and course management in equal measure
  • ✦Five world-class courses on property allow daily golf variety without leaving the resort, plus a $100 million transformation including a 40,000-sq-ft spa and multiple dining options
  • ✦Mandatory forecaddies provide insider knowledge on this championship layout—crucial for reading deceptive greens and managing risk/reward decisions
  • ✦Complimentary same-day replay allows your group to attempt redemption rounds or perfect your game plan on a second loop
Courses on Property
⛳
The Champion18 holes · Par 72

The flagship tour venue at 7,045 yards with the famous Bear Trap finale and 148 slope rating

⛳
The Palmer18 holes · Par 72

Arnold Palmer design at 7,079 yards featuring open fairways and larger greens with links-style character

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The Fazio (formerly The Haig)18 holes · Par 72

Recently renovated Tom Fazio II course at 7,050 yards with modernized layout and expanded greens

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The Match (formerly The Squire)18 holes · Par 72

Strategy-focused course at 6,447 yards requiring accuracy with fairway woods and long irons

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The Estates18 holes · Par 72

Located 8 miles west at 6,694 yards offering variety from the main clubhouse

⛳
The Staple9 holes · Par 27

Par-3 course perfect for warming up or unwinding with shorter holes

✦
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Key Details
💰
Green Fees
$150–$450/person est.
🚶
Walking Friendly
Cart recommended
🎒
Caddies Available
Yes
📅
Best Time to Visit
January through March is peak season with ideal temperatures around 72-74°F and the celebrated Cognizant Classic in February, though expect highest green fees and crowds. September through October offers the best value with lower rates, though heat and humidity are challenging. Avoid June-August for the heat; December has occasional rain. Winter months (Dec-March) provide perfect playing weather and the tournament energy that makes this course legendary.
ChampionshipRyder CupMajor VenueWaterfrontCart RequiredCaddies AvailableResortBucket ListPGA TourParkland
Stay on Property
Luxury on-site accommodations include 339 guest rooms and 21 cottages in coastal mid-century modern style with transformed amenities following a $100 million renovation. Options range from standard rooms with balcony views to premium suites and the Championship Suite with three balconies overlooking the Fazio driving range. All rooms feature premium bedding, modern tech, and access to complimentary breakfast in select packages. The resort features nine restaurants, a 40,000-square-foot spa with 32 treatment areas and "Waters of the World" mineral pools, a 33,000-square-foot Sports & Racquet Club with 19 tennis courts, and extensive meeting facilities.

Luxury on-site accommodations include 339 guest rooms and 21 cottages in coastal mid-century modern style with transformed amenities following a $100 million renovation. Options range from standard rooms with balcony views to premium suites and the Championship Suite with three balconies overlooking the Fazio driving range. All rooms feature premium bedding, modern tech, and access to complimentary breakfast in select packages. The resort features nine restaurants, a 40,000-square-foot spa with 32 treatment areas and "Waters of the World" mineral pools, a 33,000-square-foot Sports & Racquet Club with 19 tennis courts, and extensive meeting facilities.

Nearby Lodging