 US
- FLORIDA
PGA National :
six courses
at
Palm Beach Gardens
Five 18-hole tournament golf courses are available at PGA
National Resort and Spa: the Champion course, the Haig course, the Squire course, the
General course and the Estate course.
The Champion Course was originally
designed by Tom & George Fazio and opened in 1981. But in 1989, following the PGA
Senior's Championship, the course was closed and Jack Nicklaus and his team of golf course
designers brought in their earth movers and redesign the layout. The basic objective of
the last redesign in 1998 was only to make it more playable and enjoyable for all skills
levels of golfer. This was done by creating five sets of tee boxes, so that golfers can
choose the most appropriate golf length to their own playing ability.
The Champion Course
has been the host for some of golf's most prestigious Championships: 1982 Grand Slam of
Golf, 1983 Ryder Cup, many PGA Professional and PGA Senior's. The course is the most
spectacular of the five ones in the resort. 16 of 18 holes have water hazards and there
are 107 bunkers all around. The 15th, 16th and 17th holes are called "the Bear
Trap" in celebration of the three holes being named in the "Ten Toughest Holes
on the Seniors" by the PAGA Tour in its final ranking in 1992. The 16th remains the
most challenging as the 18th is the most scenic one, going all along the lake to finish on
a memorable green well defended between water and bunkers.
The Haig Course was the first opened for
play at PGA National in 1980. The course was named in honor of Walter Hagen,
affectionately known as "The Haig". But it also could have been called "the
rose course".
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Indeed, out
of the fact that Walter Hagen won 5 PGA of America Championships, he became a legend
telling always people they should "stop and smell the roses". So rose bushes are
at this course the 150 yards (135 meters) marks. The basic objective was to create a
course playable for all types of golfers. 15 of 18 holes have water hazards, but none has
a crossing over, eliminating a major obstacle (and pressure) for the high handicap player. The Squire Course wears the
nickname of Gene Sarazen, the first golfer to win the "Grand Slam" (US Open,
British Open, PGA Championship et the Master). The Squire is the shortest course of the
five but it is also the narrowest so that you have to play like a "squire" as
"the thinking man's course". The golfer has to test his accuracy with woods or
irons to get precise into the greens. It is not a course for big hitter but for straight
and precise shots. Good for seniors.
The General Course is named for its
gallery appealing designer, Arnold Palmer, the leader of an army of golf enthusiasts. This
course favors the Scottish traditions with links layout, undulating fairways, grass
bunkers and 8th and 12th sharing a common green. Water hazards on 16 of 18 holes.
The Estate Course is located at a few miles out off the
resort. Distinguishing the Estate Course is its serenity on the Florida landscape. The
golfer will find a masterful mixture of sand and water, while playing on lush green
fairways and greens which wind through the open meadows, lined with Florida pines and
subtropical foliage.
The Academy of Golf, directed by the smiling professional
Mike Adams, combines physical and mental aspects of the game into a complete program using
the latest in computer and video technology to analyse student's game and help to correct
the defaults. Each student is directed to a special program to fit his individual needs.
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Ducks like golf courses
Water, water everywhere
The "bear trap"
on the 15 th...
A par 3 on the Squire
Swinging at the Academy
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