PGA National's 'Bear Trap' Ranks as Toughest Three-hole Stretch in Golf

Holes 15-17 on the Champion course at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., rank among the toughest trio of holes in golf. After South African Ernie Els won the recent Honda Classic, the numbers bore this assertion as the PGA Tour players circuited the "Bear Trap" set of holes in an astounding 356 over par, compared with 254 over in 2007.

The three holes have undergone two separate sets of renovations by Jack Nicklaus in as many years. "We are thrilled with the extensive renovations by Nicklaus Design and Superior Golf Concepts," said PGA National Resort & Spa managing director, Joel Paige. "The combined scores from holes 15, 16 and 17 have shown that our 'Bear Trap' offers professional golfers the toughest three-hole stretch anywhere in the world."

Improvements to Champion were part of an extensive multi-million-dollar, resort-wide makeover that included a new front entrance, lobby bar, steak and seafood grille, freeform zero-entry pool and waterside bar and grill. The work at Champion involved reshaped and expanded bunkers.

For more details about the facility, visit www.pgaresort.com.