PGA National Resort Spa has five 18 hole golf courses that offer a challenging experience for everyone who plays them The Champion course home of the PGA Tour s Honda Classic was the site of the 1998 PGA Championship won by Larry Mize and the 1983 Ryder Cup won by the United States was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1990 The course is a classic Florida course making use of sand and water along with wind to make low scores tough to earn The most notable holes on the course are the 15th 16th and 17th which together comprise The Bear Trap This challenging series of holes near the end of the players round can quickly wreck a good scorecard As difficult as it is the 186 yard par 3 17th is also one of the most appealing holes at PGA National Your tee shot must carry water all the way hold a green crowned along the water s edge and avoid receptive bunkers threatening on either side of the putting surface The Haig Course was the first to open at PGA National in March of 1980 A Tom and George Fazio design it uses blooming rose bushes at the 150 yard markers as a tribute to the course s namesake Walter Hagen who often advised people to stop and smell the roses The Squire Course done by Tom and George Fazio is named after Gene Sarazen It is the shortest of the courses at PGA National but players must negotiate around and over 63 bunkers and 17 water hazards in order to remain safe Located 5 miles west of the main facility Karl Litten s Estate Course mixes of challenging holes with easier holes to create a fun layout for mid and high handicap players While there are several fairway bunkers and water hazards on the course it is the second shortest layout at PGA National and the generous landing areas often make stray tee shots more manageable The green complexes are spacious and the homes along the course are set well off the fairways to enhance the open feel The General Course was designed by Arnold Palmer and has a links feel The General Course favors a Scottish links tradition with undulating fairways numerous grass bunkers and a common green shared by holes 8 and 12 Water comes into play on sixteen holes As would be expected of any resort that encompasses five golf course PGA National also provides many diversions off the links With over 300 guest rooms and outstanding recreational facilities this resort provides just about everything a golfing vacation requires Add to the mix a spa facility that specializes in working with golfers on flexibility and it s no surprise that your game may improve as much as your tan while staying here