• The Palmer Course during the evening at PGA National Resort.

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The Palmer

“The King” of Golf Courses at PGA National

Named after its legendary designer Arnold Palmer, this championship golf course is one of the more forgiving at PGA National Resort. It’s also one of our most overall entertaining courses for players of all skill levels. There are plenty of opportunities for creative shot-making, and picturesque approach shots abound. Paired with a great series of finishing holes (including the stunning par 5 on the 18th), The Palmer golf course is all about risks/rewards and genuinely fun. Just like its namesake.

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GET AHEAD OF THE GAME

Tour The Palmer

Set yourself up for success with a tour of The Palmer golf course, and get Palmer tips from a Leadbetter Certified Instructor.

TeeGenderYardageParRatingSlope
BlackMens70797274.7142
BlueMens66847272.9139
B/W ComboMens63277271.1138
WhiteMens61157270.3133
GreenMens55307267.8121
WhiteLadies61157276.3143
GreenLadies55307272.9135
G/R ComboLadies52207271.0129
RedLadies48107269.0119

Palmer History in the Making

Arnold Palmer knew how to build courses as well as take them apart. Never was that more apparent than three decades ago at PGA National Resort.

In early 1984, “the King” was ruling the 50-and-older circuit when he arrived at PGA National Resort to play in the PGA Seniors Championship. Of course, Palmer didn’t just arrive anywhere.

As soon as he walked out of PGA National’s clubhouse, he was greeted by his legion of Arnie’s Army fans who wanted his autograph, a picture, and a chance to chat with the legend. Palmer didn’t disappoint.

He shot a 69 on The Champion course to tie Bob Toski, Doug Sanders, and Jack Fleck for the first-round lead. Then Palmer produced the kind of magic his fans came to see.

He made an eagle and seven birdies in the second round to fire a nine-under 63. It wasn’t just the course record at The Champion, it was the course record by five shots! The 63 also broke the tournament record and matched Gene Littler as the best score on the PGA Champions Tour. It also was Palmer’s best score in 18 years and gave him an eight-shot lead.

“Certainly, you get pumped up when you have a round like this,” Palmer said. “The conditions I felt were ideal, but I was making the shots. I can’t recollect when I had a round like this. Maybe in my dreams.”

The weekend almost proved to be a nightmare, however, when a cold front dropped the temperatures into the 40s with heavy winds. Palmer struggled to a 79 in the third round — almost a shot per hole higher — but he maintained a two-shot lead over defending champion Don January.

Palmer worked out his swing issues and made four early birdies in the final round to jump to a six-shot lead. That gave him breathing room to make three late bogeys and still win by two shots over January and earn the $35,000 first prize.

“I was glad to come out strong,” Palmer said. “Nobody wants to shoot a course record and not win.”

Palmer wasn’t just making birdies that week; he also was finalizing plans for his new course, The General, that would open in a few months at PGA National. The General was known for its risk-reward strategies — no surprise there, considering Palmer’s gambling style — and also being fair enough to accommodate high-handicappers.

In 2006, Palmer did a total renovation and PGA National officials honored him by re-naming the course The Palmer. The course continued to allow golfers to take chances, just as his namesake did throughout his career.

“It’s an emotional experience for many of our members and our resort guests to play on a course that’s named after Mr. Palmer,” PGA National Vice-President and General Manager Greg Saunders stated.

In addition to his victory in 1984, Palmer also finished third at PGA National in the 1982 Senior PGA Championship, fifth in 1988, and had three other top-20 finishes.

– By Golf Writer Craig Dolch for PGA National Rresort

PGA National Golf Instruction & Services

Professional Lessons

As a leader in golf instruction, PGA National Resort offers a variety of lessons and training techniques for every skill level, every age. Take strokes off your game with our world-class training programs.

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Pro Shop

Choose from one of the nation’s largest variety of golf and sports attire with designer and traditional brands. Our creative retail staff can also help you customize and order clothing, equipment, prizes, and gift items for groups.

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Golf Groups

Our PGA National golf specialists make it easy to create the perfect golf getaway for your group — be it a customized corporate tournament for colleagues or a friendly golf competition with your college buddies.

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Club Fitting

We want you to play better golf. In fact, that’s why we’ve partnered with the world’s largest independent club fitters. So you can feel confident you’re going to receive the best golf clubs for you and your game.

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  • The Champion
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  • The Palmer Course during the evening at PGA National Resort.
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Five Championship Courses, One Resort

Immaculately groomed fairways and fast greens have inspired championship play at PGA National Resort since its opening in 1981. The famed 1983 Ryder Cup, decades of dramatic PGA Senior Championships, and years of exciting PGA Cognizant Classic challenges have made PGA National the site of many of golf’s most memorable moments and famous players. Isn’t it time for you to come out and play?

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    Treat yourself to this gem of a package, featuring luxury accommodations, breakfast each day, and golf daily on your choice of championship course.

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