The Champion
One of the Best Golf Courses in the US
Do you have what it takes to conquer “The Champ?” Considered one of the toughest tests on the PGA TOUR, The Champion golf course at PGA National Resort is 7,045 yards of peril, with tricky South Florida winds constantly causing havoc, and seemingly tranquil water penalty areas lurking throughout — ready to strike down even the world’s best golfers. Home of The Cognizant Classic and The Bear Trap, The Champion is a must-play on any avid golfer’s list.
Tour The Champion
Set yourself up for success with a tour of The Champion golf course, and get Champion tips from a Leadbetter Certified Instructor.
| Tee | Gender | Yardage | Par | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | Mens | 7045 | 72 | 75.4 | 144 |
| Gold | Mens | 6727 | 72 | 73.6 | 142 |
| Blue | Mens | 6373 | 72 | 71.9 | 136 |
| White | Mens | 5984 | 72 | 70.3 | 133 |
| Green | Mens | 5581 | 72 | 67.0 | 125 |
| White | Ladies | 5984 | 72 | 76.4 | 141 |
| Green | Ladies | 5581 | 72 | 72.4 | 132 |
| Red | Ladies | 5145 | 72 | 71.3 | 130 |
Champion History in the Making
Originally designed by Tom and George Fazio for major tournament play, The Champion was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 2014 and hosts the PGA TOUR’s Cognizant Classic each spring. It features The Bear Trap, which spans three demanding holes designed by Nicklaus, and is called “one of the toughest stretches in golf.” Listen to the designer describe it in his own words.
According to a story by The New York Times, “The Champion’s layout at PGA National is 7,045 yards of venom, a king cobra of a course that rises without warning to strike down the world’s best golfers. Snake charmers may have a better chance of taming it than the players at The Honda Classic.”
Fortunately, our Champion golf course has five sets of tees to make the course more playable for golfers of all levels. However, even though the course has generous landing areas and spacious and accepting TifEagle greens, golfers are presented with course management challenges throughout the round. It’s unquestionably one of the best golf courses in Florida and the entire country!