PGA National Resort’s rebirth ready for closeup at Cognizant Classic

Located just west of I-95 and 60 minutes north of Miami (and a 10-minute drive from the Palm Beach International Airport), PGA National opened in 1981 and features 99 holes of golf. It is best known for the Champion Course, originally designed by Tom Fazio and host of the 1983 Ryder Cup and the 1987 PGA Championship before being redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1990. The Bear Trap, three water-laden holes beginning at No. 15 that demand precision, have gained notoriety over the years as many hopes of winning a PGA Tour title have drowned here. But those aren’t the only water hazards to avoid – they can be found on every hole except two. This is a big-boy course, part of an era where golfers sought the toughest tests and a high slope rating was a huge selling point. But times have changed and most of today’s golfers – especially during vacation – aren’t looking for a beat down day after day. Guests should definitely give it their best shot at the Bear’s Trap and see how they compare to the pros, but what makes PGA National attractive is you don’t have to get your lunch handed to you there day after day.

The seventh green at PGA National’s Fazio Course.

There are options galore, beginning with The Fazio, previously called The Haig and dedicated to five-time PGA Championship winner Walter Hagen and designed by Tom and George Fazio. It opened in 1980 as the resort’s original course. Its latest renovation was led by third-generation designer Tom Fazio II. There’s also The Palmer Course and the Estate Course, located five miles west of the main resort, which may explain why it is something of a hidden gem. Free shuttle service is provided to guests.

With my daughter in tow on my most recent visit, it didn’t make sense to play Champion but we got her out in a cart and played 10 holes at The Match before she let us know that she was ready to do something else.

In 2021, designer Andy Staples took the course formerly known as The Squire and reimagined it into two layouts, using two of the holes to create a nine-hole short course called The Staple, with holes ranging from 60-130 yards and featuring greens with wild undulations and some difficult-to-reach shelves. The day I was out there it was packed with kids of all ages, which was refreshing to see. The rest of the course became The Match, and the idea is for you and your playing partners to engage in…