When you think of the game of golf, undoubtedly the name PGA National comes to mind, but you may not have realized how remarkable and legendary the actual resort and courses in Palm Beach Gardens, FL truly are. Most recently, the property has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation that has modernized and taken the resort to an even higher level than before.
As part of the new renovations, each of the five championship golf courses have received new turf, rebuilt bunkers, expanded tees as well as a reinvention of the Haig course which now goes by the Fazio.
The Champion Course
Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio, the Champion Course was re-designed in 1990 by Jack Nicklaus to include generous landing areas and spacious TifEagle greens. The Champion Course is also home to the Honda Classic each spring and features the well-known Bear Trap. The Bear Trap contains three challenging holes, also designed by Jack Nicklaus, and truly tests the skills of each golfer that attempts it.
The Palmer Course
Named after its’ designer Arnold Palmer, the Palmer Course is considered more forgiving than the other five courses. Here you can play a risk/reward game that contains open fairways and a “Champion Bermuda” green that allows you to take chances without being penalized for it.
The Fazio Course
Formerly known as the Haig course, the 72-par Fazio course was redesigned with the goal of improving the classic architecture that dated back to 1980 by updating it with modern advances. Some of the renovations included a 70% increase in total green surface which was then grassed with TifEagle on the greens and Celebration Bermuda grass on the tees and fairways. Additionally, the tee boxes and bunkers were also strategically reconfigured. According to Fazio, this course “achieves the ideal balance where single-digit golfers will be fully challenged while higher handicaps will have a layout ideal for a day of enjoyable resort golf.”
The Squire Course
As a “thinking man’s course”, the Squire is the “ultimate test of accuracy and precision,” and is also the shortest and most demanding of the five courses. Here, you’ll need to use a precise approach to shots in order to achieve that perfect 72-par. The Squire course also weaves around the natural vegetation and wildlife that is home to south Florida with the 5th hole literally running along a natural wilderness preserve.
The Estates Course
At the Estates course, you can play a well-balanced mix of both challenging and not-so-challenging holes, and it’s ideal for players of all ages and skill levels. This course will test just enough of your skills by including bunkers and water hazards while also providing inviting greens and generous fairways.
No matter which of the five championship courses you choose to play, a trip to PGA National Golf Resort is a must. At Ship Sticks, we can’t get enough and love visiting each course as often as possible. Experience a place where luxury meets legends and take your next golf trip to the beautiful south Florida area and PGA National Resort today!