PGA National Resort: The Complete Golf Guide (2026)
Few golf resorts in America carry the name recognition and championship pedigree of PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Home of the Honda Classic PGA Tour event and one of the most iconic finishing stretches in professional golf, PGA National Resort is a bucket list destination for serious golfers visiting South Florida.
This complete guide covers everything you need to know about planning a golf trip to PGA National Resort, including the legendary Bear Trap, green fees, lodging, and insider tips for making the most of your visit.
Where Is PGA National Resort Located?
PGA National Resort is located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, approximately 15 miles north of West Palm Beach and 70 miles north of Miami. The address is 400 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. Palm Beach International Airport is the closest major airport, approximately 20 minutes away, making PGA National one of the most conveniently accessible major golf resorts in South Florida.
The resort sits in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, a city that has grown up around golf and offers outstanding supporting infrastructure including world class dining, shopping, and accommodation options.
The Champion Course: What To Expect
The Champion Course is the flagship layout at PGA National Resort and the host of the Honda Classic PGA Tour event. Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio in 1981 and later renovated by Jack Nicklaus, the Champion Course presents a demanding test of golf that has challenged the world’s best players for decades.
The course plays to 7,048 yards from the championship tees with a course rating of 74.7 and slope of 142. Water hazards come into play on the majority of holes and the Bermuda grass greens are among the most challenging putting surfaces in Florida golf.
The Bear Trap
The Bear Trap — holes 15, 16, and 17 — is the most famous and feared finishing stretch at PGA National Resort and one of the most talked about sequences of holes in professional golf.
Hole 15 is a long par-3 played over water to a green surrounded by bunkers. The slightest miscalculation in club selection or ball flight results in a wet ball and a penalty stroke.
Hole 16 is a demanding par-4 with water guarding the entire right side of the fairway and the green. The approach must be precise to hold a green that slopes aggressively toward the water.
Hole 17 completes the Bear Trap with another par-3 over water, this time to a small green that offers little margin for error. Wind off the water makes club selection particularly challenging.
The Bear Trap has ended more Honda Classic title hopes than any other stretch of holes in the event’s history and will provide an equally memorable — if occasionally painful — experience for visiting golfers.
Green Fees at PGA National Resort
Green fees at PGA National Resort vary by season:
Peak Season (October through May)
- Champion Course: approximately $250-$375 per round
- Includes cart fee
- Resort guests receive preferred rates and tee time access
Off Peak Season (June through September)
- Reduced rates typically in the $175-$250 range
- Summer heat and humidity are factors but morning rounds are very manageable
- Easier tee time availability
Other Courses at PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort offers five courses in total, giving golfers outstanding variety during a multi-day stay.
Estates Course — A challenging layout that provides an excellent complement to the Champion Course for multi-round stays.
General Course — A more forgiving option suitable for higher handicap golfers or as a warm-up before tackling the Champion.
Haig Course — Named after Walter Hagen, this nine-hole course offers a quick but enjoyable round for golfers short on time.
Squire Course — Another nine-hole option named after Gene Sarazen, providing additional variety for resort guests.
Where To Stay at PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort offers a range of accommodation from standard rooms to luxury suites and private cottages. The resort underwent a significant renovation in recent years, bringing the accommodation up to the standard expected of a world class golf destination.
Staying on property provides direct access to all five courses, preferred tee time scheduling, and the complete PGA National experience. The resort’s central location in Palm Beach Gardens also puts guests within easy reach of the area’s outstanding dining and shopping options.
Practice Facilities at PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort offers extensive practice facilities befitting its status as a PGA Tour host venue. The driving range, short game area, and putting greens are maintained to tournament standards and provide excellent preparation for a round on the Champion Course.
Golf instruction is available from the resort’s teaching professionals for golfers looking to improve specific aspects of their game during their stay.
Dining at PGA National Resort
PGA National Resort offers multiple dining options to suit every taste and occasion. The resort’s flagship restaurant provides upscale dining in a setting that captures the elegance and tradition of a world class golf resort. More casual options are available throughout the property for golfers looking for quick meals between rounds.
Tips For Playing PGA National Resort
Respect the Bear Trap. Going into holes 15, 16, and 17 with extra care and a conservative game plan pays dividends. Take one extra club, aim for the center of the greens, and accept that par is an excellent score on each of these holes.
Play the Champion Course first. If you are staying multiple days start with the Champion Course while your energy and focus are fresh. Save the more forgiving layouts for later in your stay.
Arrive early for practice. The practice facilities at PGA National are outstanding. Arriving an hour before your tee time to warm up properly sets you up for a much better round than heading straight to the first tee.
Consider a South Florida golf trip. PGA National’s location in Palm Beach Gardens makes it an ideal anchor for a broader South Florida golf trip. Trump National Doral in Miami, Tiburón at The Ritz-Carlton in Naples, and the new Panther National club are all within reasonable driving distance.
Book accommodation on property. The convenience of staying at PGA National Resort — walking distance to the courses, preferred tee times, and the complete resort experience — makes on-property accommodation worth the investment.
Is PGA National Resort Worth It?
Absolutely. PGA National Resort delivers a world class golf experience anchored by the legendary Champion Course and the iconic Bear Trap. For golfers visiting South Florida the resort represents a must-play destination that combines PGA Tour history with outstanding resort amenities and convenient access to everything Palm Beach Gardens has to offer.
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