PGA National Resort & Spa’s celebrated Champion Course, the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout that hosts the PGA TOUR’s Honda Classic and features the notorious Bear Trap, has reopened following a significant re-grassing and renovation of the par-4 14th hole.
The renovation introduced Celebration Bermuda grass across the fairways, green surrounds and tees of The Champion Course. This resilient turf is designed to perform well year-round and will deliver consistent playing conditions for both touring professionals competing in the Honda Classic and resort guests enjoying a round.
“Celebration Bermuda will allow us to present major-like conditions,” said Lukus Harvey, director of agronomy at PGA National Resort & Spa. “The Honda Classic consistently attracts a world-class field comparable to golf’s majors, and now the turf supports those standards. Our members and guests will also benefit from improved year-round playability and upgraded irrigation. The grass is dense and resilient, reducing the chance of a poor lie.”
As part of the course updates, four greens on The Champion — Nos. 1, 9, 15 and 17 — have been restored to their original, larger sizes. Those greens remain surfaced with TifEagle, a putting turf known for its true roll and consistent speed. On the 14th hole, in particular, Jack Nicklaus shifted the green 17 yards to the right to bring water into play on the approach, while the tee was moved back 10 yards. Bunkers were added both in front of and behind the green to further fortify the 465-yard challenge.
The combination of improved turf, expanded greens and strategic bunker placement enhances the course’s playability and championship character while maintaining the design intent of one of South Florida’s most renowned golf venues. Guests and competitors alike can expect firmer, faster surfaces, more consistent lies and renewed strategic interest in several holes, especially the reimagined 14th.