The Jackie Gleason Legend
Legend has it that comedian Jackie Gleason was so thoroughly tested by the original Red Course that he dubbed it the ‘Red Tiger’—a name that stuck, giving the layout its enduring identity and a bite of showbiz charm.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Trump National Doral Miami – Red Tiger Course
Miami, Florida
Established
1962
Architect
Original: Dick Wilson or Robert von Hagge (disputed); Major Renovation: Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner (2015)
Access
Resort
Par
Par 72
Length
4,525 – 6,395 yds
Green Fees
$$$
The verdict
Miami’s Smart Resort Second Act
Red Tiger offers a strategic, engaging round that rewards precision over pure power. With water on 14 holes, a tight routing, and a bold modern redesign by Gil Hanse, it’s a must-play for those who appreciate thoughtful golf architecture—even if it doesn’t have the Blue Monster’s larger-than-life reputation.
Course DNA
Difficulty
72
Scenery71
Conditioning83
Shot Variety76
Walkability64
Green Complexity75
Wow Factor66
Design Quality74
At a glance
Quick facts
Water Hazards
In play on 14 holes
Distinctive Routing
6 par 3s, 6 par 4s, 6 par 5s
Major Renovation
Gil Hanse & Jim Wagner (2015)
Tight Compact Layout
Old World New England-style feel
Jackie Gleason Lore
Famed comedian’s ‘Red Tiger’ name origin
Hosts Resort Guests
Playable for Doral resort visitors
Resort Luxury
Upscale Trump-branded atmosphere
The design
The architecture
Red Tiger balances clever, strategic demands with the fun of a true resort round. Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner’s renovation produced a tighter routing defined by bold bunkering, water hazards seemingly everywhere, and a distinctive 6-6-6 rhythm. While not as daunting as the Blue Monster, it offers a cerebral test with angles, runoffs, and well-defended greens—demanding thought from the tee but still plenty playable for mid-handicaps. The ‘Old World, New England-style ambience’ might sound surprising in South Florida heat, but the compact layout and nuanced green complexes give it a vintage shotmaker’s spirit—modernized for today’s traveler.
Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner delivered a major transformation, adding imagination and strategic bite while keeping the course enjoyable for a broad range of resort guests.
Defining features
- Bold bunkering and water on 14 holes
- Compact, strategic routing
- Medium-sized modern greens
- Distinct 6-6-6 mix of hole types
- Restoration-era feel in a resort setting
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Opening Gauntlet
PAR
4
YARDAGE
473
A long and demanding opener, the first hole sets the tone with its substantial yardage and a fairway that rewards smart positioning over brute force. The green complex requires a well-struck approach, even if you've found the short grass.
Play it smart
Take aim for the safe side of the fairway; avoid being overly aggressive early.
Where it bites
Any miss right brings water and big numbers into play.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approach shots over water to mid-sized greens
Favor the safer side; don't chase tricky pins unless you’re dialed in.
Short par 4s under 300 yards
Consider laying up for your favorite wedge unless your drive shape fits perfectly.
Long par 3s (4 and 17)
Club up, take your medicine, and prioritize a stress-free par.
Windy conditions on exposed holes
Trust yardage but pick a flighted club to fight gusts.
Greens with subtle slopes
Spend extra time reading breaks before big putts.
Closing stretch under pressure
Stick to your plan—don’t get greedy with late heroics.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Typically excellent, with strong post-storm recovery, true greens, and lush South Florida turf.
Pace
Mostly steady, but can slow on busy resort days and group events.
Vibe
Polished luxury resort, upbeat energy and a sense of special-occasion golf.
Dress code
Collared shirts, golf shorts or pants, and soft spikes required.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Dial in Short Irons
Half the approach shots are wedge range—bring a sharp short game and practice flighting.
02
Practice Water Carry Shots
You’ll see water on most holes. Hone high, controlled approaches and layup decisions.
03
Ready for Resort Fast Greens
Greens tend to be smooth and quick; carve out time for a pre-round putting session.
04
Study the 6-6-6 Rhythm
Prepare for repeated shifts in hole type—mental reset is key after every loop of three.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1962
Doral opens with original Red, Blue, and Green courses
- 2001
Co-hosts LPGA Office Depot Championship (won by Grace Park)
- 2015
‘New’ Red Tiger unveiled as centerpiece of the renovated Doral
Stories & legends
What makes it special
A 6-6-6 Routing Twist
Golfers routinely remark on the Red Tiger’s rare 6-par-3, 6-par-4, 6-par-5 structure. This creative configuration calls for constant adjustments in both rhythm and club selection, keeping even seasoned resort-goers on their toes.
LPGA Comes to Doral
In 2001, the Red Tiger stepped onto the national stage as co-host of the Office Depot Championship, where Grace Park edged out Karrie Webb in a dramatic finish seen live across the golf world.
A Dramatic Modern Makeover
The course was completely reborn in 2015, as Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner’s renovation transformed the old Red into a tighter, bolder, more strategic test—earning praise from architecture fans and resort golfers alike.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Jackie Gleason gave the course its ‘Red Tiger’ name after getting ‘beaten up’ during a round.
2
The Red Tiger features water hazards on 14 out of 18 holes.
3
The course has a rare 6-6-6 split of par 3s, 4s, and 5s.
4
It was dramatically redesigned and re-routed by celebrated architect Gil Hanse in 2015.
5
The original course’s design credit remains a subject of debate, with both Dick Wilson and Robert von Hagge cited by historians.
Build the trip
If you’re building a Miami golf hop around Red Tiger
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Blue Monster at Trump National Doral
Resort
The flagship South Florida challenge—iconic and must-play if you’re at Doral.
Miami Beach Golf Club
Public
Easiest true public booking in Miami, central location, and classic municipal experience.
Crandon Golf at Key Biscayne
Public
Scenic island layout with compelling holes and local favorite status.
Biltmore Golf Course
Resort
Walkable, historic Ross-inspired architecture—contrast to Doral’s resort feel.
The Club at Emerald Hills
Semi-Private
Respected for strong conditions and big, bold design close to the airport.
Stay onsite at Trump National Doral for ease of access—or choose Brickell for nightlife, or Miami Beach for full vacation energy.
Course DNA
If You Like Trump National Doral
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.5
Firestone Country Club (West Course)
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Why it matches: If Trump National Doral Miami – Red Tiger Course is your kind of course, Firestone Country Club (West Course) is worth a look because it puts the same premium on presentation.
Strong DNA Match8.0
River Oaks Country Club
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Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in River Oaks Country Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match8.3
Mossy Oak Golf Club
West Point, MississippiWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Mossy Oak Golf Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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