PGA GOLF CLUB (800-800-4653)
Florida Golf Course Review 1/28-30/2005
General Information:
The PGA Village is a resort complex of over 300 units with amenities that feature a variety of luxurious options -
including full kitchens, laundry facilities and pool access. Accommodations range from standard guest rooms
and one-bedroom golf villas to two and three-bedroom townhomes with spacious floor plans and breathtaking
golf or lake views. There are three heated swimming pools on the resort property. For info on the resort, please see our page for the PGA Village listed in our Florida Golf Resort section by clicking here.
Learn Where the Pros Learn - The PGA of America Golf Schools at the PGA Village offer a variety of
instructional programs using the most up-to-date teaching methods and the latest state-of-the-art technology.
Instructional programs are open to the public and vary from 2 1/2 day weekend to 4 1/2 day schools, with a
commitment to continued improvement and enhanced enjoyment of the game. The on-site35 acre PGA Learning
Center is one of the most advanced practice facilities in the world, and includes extensive short game, full swing
and specialty shot areas, as well as a 3-hole teaching course and 6 hole short course. There are 8 styles of
bunkers available with 4 different types of sand. For more info on the PGA Learning Center (which is open to the public) click here (coming soon) to visit our detailed page for them.
The three public courses at the PGA Golf Club are among the only courses owned and operated by the PGA of
America. The ecologically sensitive 430-acre world-class facility offers two Tom Fazio courses and a Pete Dye
course. A full service pro shop and 150 seat banquet/outing room are on property, as well as the 61st Hole Grill
which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. There is a double-ended driving range with nearby practice putting greens and bunkers, plus the short course with holes ranging from 35-60 yards.
Each of the three courses is serviced by the same clubhouse/pro shop, making replays and all day golf very
convenient. A new line of golf carts features weather covers (to protect golf clubs during inclement weather)and
dividers that separate the two sets of clubs, divot repair containers, plus a compartmentalized dash that makes it
efficient to store incidentals. The courses are well marked, with sprinkler heads providing measurements to the
front, middle and back of the green, 100, 150 and 200 yard markers, and yardage blocks that are measured to
the center of the green posted in each tee area. Color coded flags indicate the day's pin placements. The stakes
situated near the landing areas serve as directional devices - and do not indicate any specific yardage.
Dye Course review
In our opinion, the Dye course is the most challenging layout on property. This 7150 yard design plays to a 139
slope and features a variety of "dye-abolical" sand bunkers - about 95 in total - plus acres of coquina waste
areas. Water comes into play on just 3 holes, but the moguls and mounding present along the fairways and greenside more than compensate as hazards.
The fairways are generally ample, and the greens are large and deceptively undulating. Land in one of the many
pot bunkers situated greenside and up and downs will require the best of your sand skills. The putting complexes
also feature significant mounding, and are often raised. Number seven is a visually stunning hole, with a
minefield of sand traps located from 80 yards in. Waste areas border many of the fairways, and natural areas must be negotiated off the tee, with some significant carries on numbers 9, 14 and 18.
Five sets of tees feature yardages/slopes measuring 7150 yards/139 slope, 6625 yards/133 slope, 6030 yards/125 slope, 5715 yards/116 slope for men and 121 for women, and 5015 yards/ 107 slope for men and
117 for the ladies. Keep in mind that the course plays longer - as all the fairways are slightly raised! This links
style course offers pure Florida surroundings, with hints of design from traditional British Isles courses for flavor. For more info on the Dye Course, click here
The PGA Golf Club is open for public play, with rates during the 2005 season, including cart, topping out at $89
per round. The courses have achieved Audubon International Signature status, and also have been awarded 4
1/2 stars by Golf Digest Best Places to Play. Golfers pay $15 to use the PGA Learning Center for the entire day,
including unlimited range balls and use of all short game facilities. The PGA Historical Center offers
complimentary admission to view trophies of the major championships and Ryder Cup, with other historical
information also available. The PGA Golf Club and Village is easily accessible from either the Florida Turnpike or from I-95.
Visit the official PGA Golf Club website by clicking here.
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