PGA National Golf Courses - Golf course

Change the Game Again!

The Champion

The Champion, the most famous course at PGA National Resort, was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1989 and again in 2002. It now hosts the Honda Classic each spring on the PGA TOUR. Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio for major tournaments, the Champion’s history includes the 1983 Ryder Cup, the 1987 PGA Championship, and 19 Senior PGA Championships from 1982 to 2000. The course features numerous strategic challenges and spacious Tif-Eagle greens with multiple pin locations, making it a must-play for any golfer.

Original Designers: Tom & George Fazio
Most Challenging Hole: No. 16
Most Scenic Hole: No. 16

The Palmer

Opened in 1984 as “The General,” this Arnold Palmer-designed course was completely renovated in 2006 and reopened as “The Palmer Course.” Offering both risk and reward, the Palmer features spectacular natural obstacles, open yet undulating fairways, and a large Champion Bermuda green. It provides numerous opportunities for creative shots, inviting players to take risks if they dare.

Original Designer: Arnold Palmer
Most Challenging Hole: No. 17
Most Scenic Hole: No. 18

The Fazio

Honouring five-time PGA champion Walter Hagen, The Fazio blends classic architecture with modern advancements. This course perfectly balances challenging single-digit handicappers while providing an entertaining resort golf experience for higher handicappers.

Original Designers: Tom & George Fazio
Most Challenging Hole: No. 8
Most Scenic Hole: No. 18

The Estate

The Estate offers a pleasant mix of challenging and approachable holes, catering to players of all skill levels. As one of the shortest courses at PGA National Resort, its generous fairways make errant drives more manageable, while the wide and welcoming greens make it enjoyable for high-handicap players. Forced carries over hazards and bunkers to many greens add an enjoyable test to each round.

Original Designer: Karl Litten
Most Challenging Hole: No. 8
Most Scenic Hole: No. 5

The Match

The Match Course combines classic golf course design principles with a radical approach to format. You’ll find modern versions of “Template” holes that inspired Golden Age architects like Seth Raynor, C.B. Macdonald, and Donald Ross. The format encourages match play competitions such as best ball, foursomes, or skins. The winner (or loser, your choice) of the hole selects the next tee location, adding a strategic element to the competition unlike any other.

Original Designers: Tom & George Fazio
Course Opening: September 2021
Most Challenging Hole: No. 17
Most Scenic Hole: No. 4

The Staple

Created by visionary golf architect Andy Staple, The Staple is a 9-hole course dedicated to pure fun. Holes range from 60 to 130 yards, featuring unique undulations, funnel shots, and tricky shelves. With its unique figure-eight layout intersecting holes 2-3 and 7-8, expect social interactions with other players on an open-air bench. The Staple offers a relaxed setting perfect for post-work play and practice, all while maintaining a fresh and always fun design.