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 floorplans 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-site 35 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.
Wanamaker Course review 1/30/05
The Wanamaker Course is recognized by many as the most challenging layout at the PGA Golf Club, with a top
slope rating of 140 - and also is considered one of the most beautiful courses in Florida. Set amidst a backdrop
of wetlands, palm trees and palmettos, this 7076 yard layout is one of two Tom Fazio championship designs on property.
As with the other championship layouts on at the PGA Village, the raised green complexes with undulating
putting surfaces protected by deep lipped bunkers and rolling mounds and swales are the main obstacles for those hoping to score well. Water is visible on nearly every hole, with the hazards affecting tee shots and
approaches on at 10 or 11 holes.
Natural areas also come into play several times, with some challenging carries from the back tees. There are
also 90 high quality sand bunkers situated along the fairways and greenside - many intricately designed and
oversized in nature. As witnessed by the photographs in this review, the combination of sand, water and tropical
foliage make for a visually stunning - and challenging golf experience. The four par threes are particularly beautiful.
Five sets of tees provide ample choices for a wide range of abilities, with the tips playing to 7076 yards with a
slope of 140. Alternate sets measure 6606 yards/137 slope, 6147 yards/131 slope, 5590 yards/122 slope for
men and 126 for women, and 4933 yards with a slope of 108 for men and 122 for women. For more info, visit our informational page for the Wanamaker course by clicking 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.
|
