Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
The Palmer Course delivers a modern, strategic, and thoroughly playable test set within the heart of PGA National’s resort experience. It rewards smart play and embraces golfers of all skill levels with its generous fairways and strategically positioned hazards, making it a must-play for anyone visiting South Florida. While not a national bucket-list stop, it stands out as a top-tier resort round in the region.
Ask the starter about the hole locations—certain pin positions on the recently enlarged Palmer greens can completely transform your strategy, especially on holes 8 and 14.
Arnold Palmer’s design signature is immediately apparent on the Palmer Course: generous landing areas off the tee, strategic choices on every hole, and green complexes that mix forgiveness with just enough bite to keep you honest. The 2017 renovation preserved the original routing while enlarging greens, rebuilding every bunker, and introducing new turf varieties—modern touches that keep the course fresh but true to its roots. Routed over gently rolling resort ground, it’s less severe than the Champion but far from a pushover, with water hazards to navigate, angled approach shots, and strong finishing holes.
Arnold Palmer’s design focuses on making the game fun and engaging, blending forgiveness with plenty of strategic intrigue. The Palmer holds true to his belief that resort golf should reward bold and thoughtful play in equal measure.
This bold par 5 twists over 556 yards, offering the classic Palmer temptation: attack in two shots or lay up for a wedge with water and bunkers lurking. It's the front nine's top eagle opportunity but penalizes poor positioning.
A well-placed drive sets up the chance to go for the green in two, but those who miss their target off the tee may be forced into a three-shot plan to avoid trouble.
Water and bunkers protect both landing zones and the green—getting greedy can quickly turn a birdie look into a card-wrecker.
Expect excellent, modern resort conditioning—freshly resurfaced fairways, pure TifEagle greens, and crisp bunkers.
Rounds tend to be steady but can slow on peak or tournament days; earlier tee times offer smoother play.
Relaxed resort atmosphere, with plenty of energy yet far less tension than the tournament-track next door.
Standard golf attire: collared shirt, proper shorts or pants, and soft spikes required.
Peak mornings fill quickly, especially during winter season; plan ahead to avoid a slow, crowded round.
The large, recently expanded greens and angled fairways make knowing your distance and pin location essential for scoring.
Florida’s humidity and heat are relentless—stay hydrated, even in cooler months.
The course plays very differently from each set; pick your tee by ability, not ego, to maximize fun and pace.
Opened as The General, designed by Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay, and Robert Walker
Major renovation and relaunch as The Palmer
Comprehensive update: bunkers rebuilt, new turf, enlarged and regrassed greens
The course opened in 1984 as The General, later adopting The Palmer name to honor its signature architect after a comprehensive update. The spirit of Arnold Palmer’s creativity and playability defines its enduring identity.
Nearly every bunker and green was rebuilt in 2017, modernizing the course while preserving Palmer’s routing. The result is a layout that plays true to its designer’s intent, with more dynamic short-game tests.
Distinct from the brutal Champion course next door, the Palmer delivers a welcoming, strategic experience where creativity and smart risk-taking are rewarded for players of every level.
Opened as “The General,” later renamed to honor Arnold Palmer.
All 62 bunkers were rebuilt in the latest 2017 renovation.
Features expanded TifEagle Bermuda greens for top-tier putting surfaces.
Has hosted numerous resort and member events but not major pro tournaments.
Part of a five-course resort complex, ideal for destination golf stays.
It’s the flagship Honda Classic venue and one of Florida’s toughest—and most famous—tests.
Top-tier public golf with modern flair, easily accessible from Palm Beach Gardens.
A reliable, enjoyable local alternative just north in Jupiter, with fun, open layouts and year-round play.
Fabulous oceanfront short course for a scenic bonus round or group outing.
Championship feel and great conditions, making it a worthy regional roundup addition.
Palm Beach Gardens for convenience to PGA National and Jupiter for access to North County standouts.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Cowboys Golf Club is a natural next stop after PGA National Resort – Palmer Course: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Coral Creek Club's own setting.
Why it matches: Daniel Island Club (Ralston Creek) is a natural next stop after PGA National Resort – Palmer Course: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
America’s ultimate seaside bucket-list test
Arnold Palmer’s legacy, Florida’s pure championship test
Four championship courses, endless South Florida challenge
A Palmer classic, newly revitalized for members
Championship desert golf from Arnold Palmer’s era.
Dramatic risk-reward golf on Arnold Palmer’s boldest stage
Community Sentiment
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