Florida, USA
PGA National Resorts - Champion Course
Course Highlight
Redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, the course is famous for the legendary 'Bear Trap' (holes 15-17)—three consecutive water-laden holes considered among the toughest stretches on tour, annually testing PGA Tour's finest at the Honda Classic.
Tournament History
Ryder Cup (1983), PGA Championship (1987), Senior PGA Championship (1982-2000), Honda Classic/Cognizant Classic (2007-present)
About the Course
Since 1984, this course has served as the permanent home of the PGA Tour's Honda Classic, earning worldwide recognition for its notorious 'Bear Trap'—the consecutive par-3 stretch from holes 15 through 17, considered one of the most challenging three-hole sequences on the professional tour. Each hole is surrounded by water hazards, where even the slightest breeze transforms short iron shots into championship-defining moments that have derailed countless contenders. The 17th hole stands as particularly treacherous: while measuring just 176 yards, its island-like green nearly encircled by water consistently produces over-par scoring averages among tour professionals, with Sunday final rounds regularly delivering dramatic turning points. This course masterfully blends Florida's tropical landscape with championship-caliber difficulty, serving as the ultimate proving ground for professional golfers' technical skills and mental fortitude.