The Champion Course at PGA National
The Champion Course at PGA National is a championship golf course in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. It regularly hosts professional tournaments and matters deeply to the region's sports scene and economy. Jack Nicklaus designed it, and the course is famous for being brutally difficult, especially the infamous "Bear Trap" – holes 15, 16, and 17. These three holes have humbled even the best golfers in the world. Though it sits in Palm Beach Gardens, its reach extends throughout the West Palm Beach area.
History
Back in the 1960s, developers built the land as a residential community centered around golf. It wasn't designed for major tournaments initially. Instead, it was meant to be a high-end recreational amenity for residents. That changed over time. Professional golf wanted a course worthy of major events, so Jack Nicklaus got the call to redesign it in 1986. He transformed the layout completely, ramping up the difficulty and turning it into a premier destination. [1]
Nicklaus's biggest contribution was the "Bear Trap." Those three holes spanning the 15th through 17th feature heavy water hazards and shots that demand precision. The name itself reflects how tough they are, a nod to Nicklaus's nickname. Since the redesign, The Champion Course has hosted numerous PGA Tour events, most notably the Honda Classic for many years. The course's story is inseparable from professional golf's evolution in South Florida. It became a tournament circuit staple and drew major media attention to the region.
Geography
The course sits in a subtropical climate, which shapes how it's maintained and how it plays. The land is pretty flat, like most of South Florida, but Nicklaus used water features and rolling greens to create real challenges. Native Florida vegetation – palms, pines, flowering plants – covers the grounds and makes it visually striking. Numerous lakes and canals scattered throughout add beauty and serious hazards. [2]
Drainage matters enormously here. The region gets hammered with rain, so water management is constant work. The sandy soil typical of coastal Florida adds another layer of complexity for turf care. The location helps too. Mild winters pull golfers from colder places year-round. The course anchors the entire PGA National resort, sitting on substantial acreage.
Attractions
PGA National offers far more than just golf. The resort has multiple courses, a state-of-the-art tennis center, and a luxury spa. Several restaurants and bars dot the property, serving all kinds of cuisines. West Palm Beach sits close by, so guests can hit the city's cultural spots, shops, and restaurants easily. [3]
The Honda Classic is a major draw. Held annually at The Champion Course, it attracts tourists and golf fans from everywhere. The tournament gets serious media coverage and pumps money into the local economy. Outside tournament season, golfers of all abilities flock here. PGA National also runs conferences and special events. The resort delivers a complete experience, not just golf.
Economy
PGA National and The Champion Course drive significant economic activity locally. The resort employs hundreds in hospitality, course maintenance, and related fields. The Honda Classic brings substantial revenue to hotels, restaurants, and transportation businesses. The course's reputation draws high-spending tourists, which boosts local tourism dollars. [4]
Real estate values around PGA National are strong, boosting the property tax base considerably. Benefits spread beyond Palm Beach Gardens into the broader West Palm Beach area. Professional golf's association with the course enhances the region's image. Ongoing investments in course and resort upgrades keep money flowing through the local economy. The impact extends beyond direct spending too. The course functions as a regional marketing tool, positioning the area as a destination for leisure and business.
Getting There
Most visitors arrive by car. Interstate 95 runs nearby, providing quick access from cities all along the Florida coast. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is the closest option for flights. From there, you can rent a car, grab a taxi, or use ride-sharing services. [5]
Public transit to PGA National is sparse, so a personal vehicle works best. Local buses serve the surrounding areas and provide connections. Ample parking exists for visitors and tournament crowds. Major roadways make getting there easy from West Palm Beach and surrounding towns. The PGA National website has detailed directions and transportation details.