PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort: Champion
PGA National Resort: Champion
400 Avenue of Champions
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418-3619
United States
Overview
One of five courses at PGA National, the Champion Course hosts the Honda Classic every year. Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio for tournament play, Jack Nicklaus redesigned the course in 2014, creating the infamous three-hole stretch aptly named "The Bear Trap." Routinely one of the toughest courses on Tour, The Champion is a true ball-striking test.
About
Awards
ranking history:
Best in State: Ranked inside the top 20, 1987. Ranked 38th, 2023-'26. Ranked 40th, 2021-'22.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 38th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“Located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida one hour north of Fort Lauderdale Airport, this Jack Nicklaus ( 1981) holds the annual PGA Cognizant tournament every year in February. It features numerous water hazards and strategic bunkering."
Read More2025
Review
“A course where all players have access to see how they compete against the pros, it is a beautiful layout that may get too many public rounds compared to local private courses which is expected for a course that has annual tour stops. This may knock it down a notch in conditioning with overplay, but being able to see some approach angles and risk reward the pros endure through holes like the Bear Trap is truly a treat for the recreational golfer. A humbling experience with some very challenging holes. Some long water carries and very tough approaches where even single digit handicappers can see some very high scores if they miss in the wrong spot. With 3 months to prep for the tourney and 3 months to break it down, odds are when you play you will see some remnants of grandstands and get that tour tournament feel. 16 is one of the greatest holes with the player able to hit an iron with a longer approach over water, or opt to flirt with the water with a longer tee shot and still have a similar distance to the green albeit a different angle. The Bear Trap is truly a bucket list 3 holes of golf and to play with the grandstands still up a month before or after the tourney makes it even more special."
Read More2025
Review
“A good tough resort course where the pros say it is difficult. Play up."
Read More2023
Review
“The annual host of the Honda Classic, PGA National's Champion Course is the most notable layout at a bustling resort. A fairly typical Florida course, this terrain is nearly dead flat and plays around plenty of water and bunkers. The conditioning was very strong, and the course features thicker non-Bermuda rough which I found unique for the area. As a PGA Tour course, PGA National can play very challenging especially when the wind blows. The course's closing stretch nicknamed the "Bear Trap" is very memorable with four difficult holes playing over and around water. The 16th and 18th in particular provide the golfer numerous options and are very good holes. Unfortunately, you have to stay on property to play, but I did enjoy this course and think it's a fun, worthwhile play."
Read More2023
Review
“Long, tight, and difficult. Definitely built for a tour event. A bit repetitive of a routing with holes feeling/playing similar to ones played earlier in the round. The short par 4 4th hole was the most interesting on the property."
Read More2022
Review
“It is always fun to play where the pros play. This course hosts the tournament on the Florida swing. The greens are fast and firm. The course is a typical Florida course. It is flat and goes through the neighborhoods. I love the par 3 holes and the Beartrap is a fun thing to tell your friends about."
Read More2021
Review
“If you enjoy getting your brain challenged for 18 holes, I strongly recommend this course and surviving the bear trap is greatest feat of all."
Read More2020
Review
“The Bear Trap is memorable; course is challenging but playable for most all handicaps with scoring opportunities. In great shape, greens are firm, fast and true. Wind is a major factor. Other than the Bear Trap, course could be any parkland course, anywhere."
Read More2019
Review
“Course is a true championship test. Course features don't jump out at you but design is subtle and keeps you thinking throughout the round. Course conditions were good-not great."
Read More2018
Review
“It is the little things and the details on the course that add up to a great playing experience. Without focusing on the features, some visitors might just see another flat Florida course with ponds. But it is more than this. And then there is the photo op with the bear statue at the beginning of the Bear Trap - fun stuff. And, great staff!"
Read More2018
