The Champion

Experience the championship golf course at The Champion in PGA National Resort, located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This famous course was first designed by Tom and George Fazio and was beautifully redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2014. It stretches 7,045 yards from the back tees and has a par of 72.

The course has wide landing areas, large TifEagle Bermuda greens, and different tee options that range from 5,145 yards to 7,045 yards, making it perfect for golfers of all skill levels. Most of the course is flat and laid out in a clever way, with two loops that go clockwise. This design encourages players to be precise and manage their game while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of South Florida.

Course Layout and Challenges

Players face tough challenges at The Champion golf course in the PGA National Resort. Water comes into play on 16 out of 18 holes, adding danger at every turn. The hard winds and thick grass make it important to hit accurate shots. Deep bunkers and sloping greens also require smart choices, making this course one of the hardest on the PGA Tour. However, the design doesn’t just intimidate; it also offers chances for birdies. For example, the reachable par-5 holes, like the 538-yard third hole and the 530-yard tenth hole, are perfect for long hitters looking to score well.

Signature Holes

Signature holes make this Palm Beach Gardens golf course famous. One of the most well-known features is the “Bear Trap,” a tough stretch of three holes from 15 to 17.

The 15th hole is a par-3 that is 179 yards long, and it requires a careful shot over water to reach a tricky green. Next is the 16th hole, a par-4 that stretches to 434 yards. It has water on the right side and in front, making any mistakes very costly. Finally, there’s the 17th hole, another par-3 that is 172 yards. This hole also has a challenging shot over water, which has defeated many professional golfers during big tournaments.

Other challenging holes include the sixth hole, a par-4 that used to be a par-5, featuring multi-level greens that make it tough to putt. Then there’s the 11th hole, a par-4 that has no bunkers but is still very frightening because water can easily come into play.

Facilities

PGA National Resort makes your golf holiday truly special. Guests can learn from expert teachers at a great golf academy, which offers personalised advice and tours of The Champion course. The practice areas are great, featuring well-kept driving ranges, putting greens, and short-game zones.

You can also relax at the resort’s 40,000-square-foot spa, play on any of the 19 tennis courts, or enjoy meals at one of the nine restaurants. As part of a members’ club with a total of 99 holes across six different courses, it offers a great variety for golfers looking for the best spots in Florida.

Hosted Tournaments

The Champion has a rich history of hosting major golf tournaments, making it a well-known spot on the PGA Tour. It was the site of the 1983 Ryder Cup and the 1987 PGA Championship, which Larry Nelson won. From 1982 to 2000, it also hosted the Senior PGA Championship. Since 2007, The Champion has been the place for the annual Cognizant Classic, previously known as the Honda Classic. Each spring, top golfers come to challenge themselves on its tough course. These events show that The Champion is a top choice for championship golf in Palm Beach Gardens.

Book Now

No matter if you’re a golf expert or just play for fun, The Champion at PGA National Resort is a must-visit. This Florida golf course combines a beautiful setting with exciting challenges and great facilities. Reserve your tee time today and enjoy an amazing golfing experience!