PGA National Resort (The Champion)

USA (Est.1980)

18 holes

● Par 72 (70 para Honda Classic)

● 7058 yds

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Buggy

Trolley

Caddie

Driving

Proshop

Cloakroom

Description

The course is part of the PGA National Resort & Spa, which has four other courses (plus a par 3 course), a modern hotel, pool, tennis courts and other activities. The Champion was built in the 80s designed by Tom and George Fazio, originally designed to host a Ryder Cup and PGA Championship won by Larry Nelson in 1987, and later renovated by Jack Nicklaus in 2014.

Signature Hole

It would be unfair to highlight a single hole, but the Resort itself identifies these as its trademark, considered one of the toughest stretch of golf holes on the PGA Tour. Holes 15th and 17th are two par 3s that, depending on the chosen tee, play between 160 and 190 yards with water in front and to the right; and with very small greens. The 16th is a very tough par 4, with a long hazard on the right and front, with a very hard green to read. Together, they are referred to as "The Bear Trap".

Wegolf Insider Tip

WeGolf was fortunate to attend to a IAGTO NAC in 2010 that was hosted at PGA National Resort & Spa, where we played a tournament on the final day of the event in The Champion course and that was an unforgettable experience. Although the course was not at its best as it had been aerated a few weeks ago, we still felt the adrenaline and difficulty of playing a PGA Tour course.

A highlight was the difficulty of the holes 6th to 9th and 15th-16th-17th, Bear Trap, which in our case caught us mercilessly.