Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
The Fazio Course at PGA National offers a playable but strategic Florida resort round, blending classic Fazio design with a 2012 modernization by Tom Fazio II. With its tree-lined fairways, enlarged greens, and player-friendly tee options, it challenges accuracy without overwhelming length. Conditioning can vary, but the experience is rooted in the tradition of Fazio family architecture.
Take a quiet stroll down the brief Haig Walk—near the 1st tee marker you'll find a historical tribute sign commemorating the original Haig course and Walter Hagen's legacy.
PGA National’s Fazio Course is a study in classic, strategic resort golf—originally crafted by George and Tom Fazio and thoughtfully reimagined by Tom Fazio II. The routing eliminates forced carries and crossing water hazards, making it playable for all skill levels, yet its tree-lined fairways, well-placed bunkers, and expanded, modernized greens demand constant attention to angle and miss management. The 2012 renovation swelled green sizes by over 70%, reconfigured tees and bunkers, and stretched the challenge without losing the parkland character or the course's central role in resort life.
The Fazio Course is among the rare modern routings to fully embody both original and renovation-era Fazio family design principles.
The longest par 5 on the course, this right-to-left dogleg tempts longer hitters with its length but rewards precise, chess-like layups and prudent second shots. A true 'board hole,' it’s where scorecards swing, requiring careful consideration on every shot.
Play conservatively to set up the ideal angle for your third shot; avoid the temptation to attack in two unless you’ve kept your drive accurately in play.
Miss left off the tee and the trees come into play; poorly judged layups flirt with deep bunkers and uneven lies.
Modern greens and tee boxes, conditioning varies with weather; can be soft or spongy after rain.
Standard resort pace—expect a relaxed, steady round fitting the resort vibe.
Polished, high-end resort feel with a friendly, professional staff; expect a welcoming, golfer-centric atmosphere.
Resort casual—collared shirts required, no denim.
Tee times for the Fazio Course can fill up quickly, especially with resort guests—reserve as early as possible for prime slots.
Pack an extra towel and prepare for soft underfoot conditions—recent reviews highlight variable drainage after storms.
Expanded greens mean daily pin locations can change hole character dramatically—study the sheet to plot your approach.
The opening stretch has quick scoring opportunities, so get dialed in on the range before heading to the first tee.
The Haig opens as the first course at PGA National Resort, designed by George and Tom Fazio.
Major renovation and modernization by Tom Fazio II; course renamed The Fazio.
Greens, tees, and bunkers expanded and rebuilt; green sizes reportedly increase by 70%.
Received new turf upgrades as part of wider PGA National resort improvements.
Originally christened The Haig, the course was dedicated to five-time PGA Champion Walter Hagen—an unusual, respectful tribute to one of the game's earliest stars. It stood as the very foundation of the now iconic PGA National Resort.
The 2012 transformation, conducted by Tom Fazio II, didn’t erase its roots but instead built on the Fazio family blueprint—enlarging greens and lengthening the course for modern play while keeping its member-friendly essence. It’s a rare multi-generational Fazio project all within one routing.
From the first draft, the Fazio Course’s architecture deliberately avoids forced carries and crossing water hazards, emphasizing a strategic but approachable round for all golfers. It set a tone for the player-friendly ethos that still runs through the resort.
While other PGA National courses have hosted Ryder Cups and PGA Championships, the Fazio Course has remained the local favorite—quietly basking in the glow of its big-stage siblings, and serving as the resort's true original.
The Fazio was originally called The Haig, honoring five-time PGA Champion Walter Hagen.
It was the first course built at PGA National Resort, predating even the renowned Champion Course.
The 2012 renovation by Tom Fazio II increased the total putting surface by over 70%.
No crossing water hazards—a true rarity for Florida resort golf.
The Fazio family has left design marks on the same routing for over 40 years.
Play the famed 'Bear Trap' and walk in the footsteps of PGA Tour legends.
Top-quality public course with a fun, contemporary design near downtown.
Locals' favorite with accessible rates and welcoming atmosphere.
Pete Dye’s boldest Florida public layout—worth the short drive up to Port St. Lucie.
Stay in Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter for the fastest access to both PGA National and the best nearby public golf.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Milwaukee Country Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to PGA National Resort – Fazio Course.
Why it matches: If PGA National Resort – Fazio Course is your kind of course, Fort Mill Golf Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Nevel Meade Golf Club is a natural next stop after PGA National Resort – Fazio Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Championship pedigree and Ross magic, restored
America’s classic canyon championship, reborn for the century
Major pedigree, legendary Bear Trap, relentless water hazards.
Fazio-crafted strategy among oaks and water
Lowcountry strategy meets Fazio’s signature marshside drama
Dramatic Fazio golf in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?