No Par, No Problem
The Match was designed to break free from the classic scorecard: there are no fixed pars and no official course rating. Golfers build their own round, focusing on match play creativity, not medal-play stress.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
PGA National Resort – Match Course
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Established
2021
Architect
Tom Fazio, George Fazio (original); Andy Staples (2021 redesign)
Access
Resort
Par
Par 72
Length
1,823 – 6,447 yds
Green Fees
$$$$
The verdict
Resort golf reimagined for fun
The Match Course at PGA National is all about inventive strategy, not just raw distance. Its match-play-centric design creates a lively, social round with wide options off every tee, bold greens, and no fixed par to weigh you down. More approachable and fun than PGA's pure championship tests, it's a must-play for anyone seeking a modern, memorable round in Palm Beach.
Course DNA
Difficulty
63
Scenery61
Conditioning80
Shot Variety82
Walkability65
Green Complexity79
Wow Factor74
Design Quality83
Don't miss
Ask the starter for match-play tips or the best daily tee locations—the staff often suggest quirky setups that make your group’s match more memorable.
At a glance
Quick facts
Designed for match play
No fixed par or tee markers
Strategy over brute force
Focus on options and decisions
Golden Age template greens
Features Redan, Biarritz, Punchbowl, and Short styles
Part of PGA National Resort
One of five premier resort courses
Broad audience appeal
Built for avid golfers and new players alike
Nearly all grass areas in play
Course has no rough
Walkable, flat terrain
Easy-moving Florida routing
No course rating for medal play
Intentionally not rated for USGA
The design
The architecture
Andy Staples’ 2021 transformation of the former Squire Course into The Match delivers a bold break from resort golf convention. Designed for match play, the course ditches fixed par and tees, instead embracing movable teeing areas, no rough, and a parkland landscape filled with Golden Age-inspired greens. Each hole teases multiple routes and challenges, requiring golfers to pick lines and landing zones creatively. The result is a resort round that's welcoming for new players but nuanced enough for skilled match-play veterans. Run-off areas, template greens, and strategic angles mean every shot is a decision without traditional scorecard pressure.
Andy Staples’ design philosophy creates a joyful, tactical, and highly social golf experience where every group can rent their own version of difficulty, and even non-golfers can enjoy the game.
Defining features
- No fixed tee markers or par
- Bold Golden Age template green complexes
- No rough—entirely fairway height around greens
- Multiple attack angles and risk-reward choices
- Broad run-off areas for creative recovery
- Flat, walker-friendly routing
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Opening Invitation
PAR
5
YARDAGE
497
A wide, welcoming par 5 to start, 'Opening Invitation' invites confident drives and early scoring. With generous space and little rough, bold players can attack in two or lay up for the perfect opening wedge.
Play it smart
Favor your best angle off the tee to set up a manageable layup or bold eagle attempt; the safest play is down the middle for a three-shot birdie look.
Where it bites
Miss right and bold swings can bring tricky recovery from bunkers or awkward lies.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching par 5s in two
Only go for the green if you have a preferred angle—otherwise, wedge tactics often pay off.
Short par 3s with wind
Club for carry—not just the yardage—and aim for a safe side with generous run-offs.
Playing from no rough
Embrace bump-and-run recovery—old-school options are always in play.
Above-the-hole chips
Be wary—downhill or sidehill putts here get away in a hurry; stay low for stress-free matches.
Tight match going to 18
Match play means no holding back—pick the line that truly gives you a winning chance, not just safety.
Worrying about the scorecard
Let it go—this course isn't scored for medal play. Play to win holes and savor the tactical twists.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Well-maintained resort turf with smooth, template-inspired greens and generous fairways; minimal rough means plenty of playable ground.
Pace
Resort-paced, with potentially slower peak rounds; afternoons and twilights are usually quicker.
Vibe
Social, relaxed, and match-play competitive but welcoming—less formal and intimidating than classic tour venues.
Dress code
Upscale resort; collared shirts and golf attire required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Brush up on match play
This is a course for fun head-to-head battles—not medal grind—so plan your strategy accordingly.
02
Pack for weather
Palm Beach weather is humid and can be suddenly rainy or sunny—bring layers and sunscreen.
03
Plan a group match
The course shines with fourball or two-vs-two games; book with friends for the full experience.
04
Leave the scorecard anxiety
Embrace the format—play freely, and enjoy where the game takes you rather than tracking every stroke.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1983
Original Squire Course opened, designed by Tom and George Fazio
- 2021
Andy Staples reimagines and opens The Match, replacing The Squire
- 2021
No fixed par or course rating; Match play concept debuts
- 2021
Part of $100M PGA National resort transformation
- 2021
Split footprint also spawns nine-hole Staple course
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A Nod to the Golden Age
Andy Staples filled The Match with green complexes inspired by architectural classics like the Redan, Punchbowl, and Biarritz—giving every approach a unique puzzle, even for first-timers.
Squire to Match: Radical Redesign
Where many redesigns tweak bunkers or tees, The Match erased the old Squire’s outline, creating a course built for fun, challenge, and every kind of player, regardless of expertise.
No Rough Is the Real Test
Eliminating rough means wider run-off areas and true recovery options—every miss brings strategic opportunities, not simple penalties, making for dynamic, fast-paced matches.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The Match has no traditional rough, encouraging creative recoveries.
2
Designed for match play, the course skips official par and rating.
3
Template green complexes (Redan, Biarritz, Punchbowl, Short) are featured.
4
Teeing grounds are movable with no fixed markers, so each round is different.
5
The former Squire course’s land supplies both The Match and the quirky Staple short course.
Build the trip
If you're making a Palm Beach golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
PGA National Resort – The Champion
Resort
Host of the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic and a must-play championship test.
PGA National Resort – The Palmer
Resort
A player-favorite for risk-reward holes and resort fun.
North Palm Beach Country Club
Municipal
Top public-access course in the area—affordable and strong design.
Abacoa Golf Club
Public
Welcoming, value-driven round just minutes from PGA National.
BallenIsles Country Club
Private
Elite private club; only if you can score an invite.
Book a stay at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens for instant access to The Match and the entire resort lineup.
Course DNA
If You Like PGA National Resort
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.8
Ohoopee Match Club
Cobbtown, GeorgiaWhy it matches: There is real overlap here. Ohoopee Match Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to PGA National Resort – Match Course.
Strong DNA Match7.1
Valdosta Country Club
Valdosta, GeorgiaGreen Complexity
Why it matches: Valdosta Country Club is a natural next stop after PGA National Resort – Match Course: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match9.1
The Lido
Nekoosa, WisconsinShot Variety
Why it matches: What links these two? Rewards imagination from tee to green — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Lido's own setting.
The architect's other work
More from Andy Staples
Sand Hollow Resort Championship Course
Hurricane, UtahDramatic desert golf amid red rock vistas
Meadowbrook Country Club
Northville, MichiganClassic Detroit golf, bold design beautifully restored
Arizona Country Club
Phoenix, ArizonaClassic Phoenix golf with historic tournament pedigree
Mesa Country Club
Mesa, ArizonaClassic Golden Age parkland golf in Arizona
Mira Vista Country Club
Fort Worth, TexasDramatic elevation, big views, and pure private-club challenge
PGA National Resort – Staple Course
Palm Beach Gardens, FloridaA playful, nine-hole par-3 short-course experience
Community Sentiment
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