The Staple Course packs creativity into nine eminently playable par-3s, blending modern design with a walkable, low-stress vibe. Come for the resort camaraderie and stay for clever contouring, vibrant green complexes, and a finish as lively as any 18-hole closer.
Course DNA
Difficulty
38
Scenery
62
Conditioning
86
Shot Variety
73
Walkability
91
Green Complexity
81
Wow Factor
69
Design Quality
78
Don't miss
Kick back in the signature Adirondack chairs beside the greens for post-round laughs with your group as the sun sets.
At a glance
Quick facts
Hole Count
9
Fastest Hole
6 (48 yards)
Longest Hole
9 (130 yards)
Course Format
All par-3s, walking-friendly
Figure-Eight Routing
Distinctive crossover layout
Adirondack Chairs
Relaxed, social greenside seating
Green Complexes
Contoured, playful putting surfaces
Resort Atmosphere
Casual, family- and group-friendly
The design
The architecture
The Staple Course is a showcase of modern short-course creativity, transforming old Fazio-era fairways into a purposely compact, strategically lively experience. Andy Staples leveraged the former Squire’s opening and finishing corridors to design a crossover figure-eight routing—ideal for walking, socializing, and spirited wedge contests. The greens feature dramatic, playable contours, rewarding bold approaches while punishing indifference, and the tightly grouped layout brings both pace and camaraderie to the spotlight. It’s a prime example of how ‘fun-first’ design philosophy can inject new life and purpose into a legacy golf site.
Andy Staples specializes in modern, creative short-course and community layouts, bringing energy and inclusivity to the Staple’s playful design.
Defining features
Figure-eight short-course routing
Striking green contouring, especially on shorter holes
Frequent crossover points and social gathering spots
Excellent drainage and year-round playability
Casual Adirondack chair seating and fire pit areas
Designed for quick rounds and group enjoyment
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Opener With Bite
PAR
3
YARDAGE
119
An inviting but strategically subtle opener, this 119-yard par-3 demands a cleanly struck wedge to an exposed green and sets the tone for a round built on pace and playability. Don’t be fooled by the yardage: wind and green position can transform this into a quick wake-up call.
Play it smart
Favor center-green for a reliable start; don’t chase pins unless you have the perfect number.
Where it bites
Miss left or short and a testing up-and-down awaits, especially with shifting winds.
Course management
Shots to think about
Wind above the palms on Hole 1
Take an extra club if the flag is stirring—breezes fool many on the opener.
Buried lie near a contoured back pin
Don’t get cute; set up for a safe two-putt rather than forcing a highlight reel save.
Off a tight lie on Hole 6
Keep your hands soft and focus on clean contact—thin shots are irrecoverable here.
Pinned above the hole on Hole 5
Err short and leave an uphill putt; above the hole, it's hard to stop a three-putt.
Late round momentum on Hole 9
Ignore peer pressure—commit to your club of choice to finish strong, not just flashy.
Tempted by a tucked flag on Hole 3
Go center-green; the risk-reward isn’t worth attacking unless you’re dialed in.
Green-side slope run-off
Think bump-and-run, not flop; use the contours to your advantage for recovery.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Superbly maintained playing surfaces blending fun and challenge across every green.
Pace
Quick, sub-hour rounds—loopers can walk multiple times in an afternoon.
Vibe
Relaxed, collaborative, and perfect for group banter; tradition meets modern resort friendliness.
Dress code
Resort casual golf attire; no jackets or stuffy rules, just respect the relaxed-yet-golfy ambiance.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring a Range of Wedges
Gap, sand, and lob wedges all feature—distance control is everything.
02
Polish Your Short Game
Practice bump-and-runs and spinning chips for varied green surrounds.
03
Embrace the Social Vibe
Expect gallery laughs and cheers—bring friends or join another group.
The lore
How it came to be
1983
Squire Course opens, designed by Tom and George Fazio
2021
Andy Staples converts Squire Course land into The Staple short-course
2021
Official opening as part of PGA National’s $100 million resort upgrade
2021
Figure-eight routing and casual social atmosphere debut
2021
Major drainage upgrades installed, transforming playability
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Transformation
A Social Short Course Revolution
The Staple was born from the spirit of golf’s modern short-course revival, flipping the Fazio-era Squire into nine engaging, quick-fire par-3s. Adirondack chairs invite onlookers to linger, while groups, families, and beginners experience golf in a friendlier, less intimidating way.
Shotmaking
Where Fun Meets Strategy
While the vibe is casual and approachable, the subtlety of the green sites and slopes puts a premium on precision and creativity. Expect to reach for every wedge in the bag and learn quickly that missing the ideal spot can turn a birdie look into a survival scramble.
Course Condition
From Rainout to Runway
A major drainage overhaul brought the Staple’s surfaces to life, allowing the newfound routing to shine where its predecessor often muddied up. With 66 new drains, rain delays are a thing of the past—now, the turf is as playable after a downpour as under the Florida sun.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
The entire layout fits on just two former Squire holes.
2
A figure-eight routing lets golfers cross paths and socialize multiple times per loop.
3
Signature fire pits and Adirondack chairs invite evening gatherings post-round.
4
Drainage upgrades mean it’s playable right after heavy rain.
5
Designed to welcome beginners and non-golfers, not just the serious player.
Build the trip
If you're making a Palm Beach golf trip out of it
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PGA National – The Match
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Creative blend of formats and risk-reward at the same complex.
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Municipal
Solid public Nicklaus design minutes away.
Breakers Rees Jones Course
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Upscale resort round near the ocean.
PGA National – Estates Course
Resort
Challenging, scenic 18-hole complement to your short-course day.
Palm Beach Gardens is the ideal hub for golf at PGA National and quick access to Palm Beach-area highlights.
Course DNA
If You Like PGA National Resort
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Community Sentiment
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