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![Golf course next to the water on a overcast day at PGA National Resort.]()
The Match
Your New Way to Play at a Legendary Resort
The Match
Because Nobody Cares What You Shot!
Say goodbye to stroke play, along with all your preconceived notions about what a round of golf is supposed to be.
Andy Staples’ “The Match” is a golf course is a truly distinct golf experience that is destined to generate spirited conversation among golf course design enthusiasts for years to come, while also providing a canvas for players of all abilities to enjoy all the thrills of golf — albeit in a non-traditional setting.
The Match Course combines classic golf course design principles with a radical take on format. Here you’ll get to experience a modern twist on the “Template” holes that inspired golden age golf architecture’s foremost names including Seth Raynor, C.B. MacDonald and Donald Ross. As far as competitive format, the intention is for you and your playing partners to engage in some type of match play, be it best ball, foursomes, skins, whatever. The hole’s winner (or loser — again, you decide) gets to choose the tee location for the next hole, introducing a strategic element to the competition you won’t find anywhere else. And if you’re on a bit of a time crunch, not to worry. House rules dictate that players who are “out of the hole” are expected to pick up, meaning you can count on a fast round at 3 hours or less.
The Match’s turf grass is cut to fairway height across the entire playing area to place an emphasis on the ground game. Creative approaches and strategic chipping areas present multiple options for trajectory and strategy around the green. Hazards are minimal, with fewer than 20 natural rough-hewn, irregular-edged bunkers in play to keep things fun!
If all of this sounds a little too out of the tee box for you, no problem: We’ve got four other 18-hole championship courses for you to bring out the pencils.
Match History in the Making
Originally designed as The Squire in 1983 by the design duo of Tom and George Fazio, the reimagination plan by Andy Staples of Staples Golf Design was to completely renovate the course, while looking for ways to expand its appeal to both the avid golfer and casual player, as well as beginners and even non-golfers.
See how he has transformed The Squire into one of the most unique golf courses in America. Or as Staples likes to put it, “My 6 beats your 7!”
“My 6 Beats Your 7!”
At least that’s according to the philosophy of Andy Staples, the much-in-demand golf architect who is, dare we say it, is revolutionizing the game of golf.
According to Staples, “We as architects spend a fair bit of time discussing how golfers should experience courses. One trend I hope to be out in front on is this idea of designing a course specifically for match play; a format many enjoy watching every couple years through the Ryder and Presidents Cups. You may have heard of Ohooppee Match Club in Georgia, which is the first to my knowledge in the modern day golf courses being designed exclusively for match play.
I’ve just finished a 2nd at PGA National Resort. Built on the site of the old Squire Course, I’ve fashioned a concept that converts these outdated 18 holes into a 9-hole par 3 course called The Staple, and an 18-hole match play course called The Match, all on the same property.
As it stands today, there will be no par, the course will not be rated, stroke play will be forbidden (without using hand cuffs), and specific “house rules” will guide players through the course, with the intention of playing a four ball, foursomes, a team scramble, Wolf, you name it! As I’ve become accustomed to saying in describing The Match, ‘My 6 beats your 7!’”
The Man Behind The Match
Cutting-edge course designer Andy Staples is the visionary of The Match, in addition to our new par 3 course The Staple. His projects have won national awards from numerous major golf publications, and they continue to be listed on the “Best Places to Play” in their respective states.
His company, Staples Golf Design, is a nationally renowned golf course architecture firm based in Scottsdale, AZ. It implements sustainable, efficient designs and management practices on golf courses throughout the US, and is known for its signature development vision, Community Links — a paradigm-shifting approach for community golf integration.
With almost 30 years of design, construction, and long-term maintenance experience throughout the world, Staples has accomplished 25 Master Plans throughout the US, four new golf course designs, and performed over 100 golf course efficiency audits. He is a member of the Board of Governors of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of the America (GCSAA), and is an active speaker within the industry having presented to the USGA, GCSAA, ASGCA, among others, with regularity.
The Match Gallery
PGA National Resort Golf Instruction & Services
Professional Lessons
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Pro Shop
Choose from one of the nation’s largest variety of golf and sports attire with designer and traditional brands. Our creative retail staff can also help you customize and order clothing, equipment, prizes, and gift items for groups.
Golf Groups
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Club Fitting
We want you to play better golf. In fact, that’s why we’ve partnered with the world’s largest independent club fitters. So you can feel confident you’re going to receive the best golf clubs for you and your game.
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Golf Offers & Packages
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Family, Golf, StayExtended Stay Offer
Extend your stay and enjoy 30% when you stay 7+ nights in a beautifully-transformed suite or private 2-bedroom cottage.
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Experience, Golf, Stay20% Gold Golf Experience
Treat yourself to this gem of a package, featuring luxury accommodations, breakfast each day, and golf daily on your choice of championship course.
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GolfPowered by Champions Package
Learn how to golf like a pro with this golf vacation package featuring accommodations, three hours of instruction, and a round of golf each day.