PGA GOLF CLUB (800-800-4653)
Florida Golf Course Review
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-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.
Ryder Course review 1/29/05
The Ryder Course at the PGA Golf Club is a 7076 yard Tom Fazio design with a distinctive North Carolina feel that features rolling hills, majestic pines and challenging water
hazards. With lakes or ponds in play on eleven of the eighteen holes, plentiful waterfowl and native wildlife can be seen throughout the acreage.
Wide sloping fairways are dotted with penal, high lipped sand bunkers - which make recoveries for par a tough proposition. Greenside these traps are also difficult to maneuver
out of, especially if situated amongst many of the noticeably raised green complexes. While not as visually intimidating or numerous as those on the Dye Course, the 80 plus sand
bunkers are located from tee to green.
The putting surfaces are challenging in themselves. These oversized greens are quite undulating, with ridges and swales often dividing the playing surface - requiring accurate
placement of approaches. Depressions, collection areas and deep bunkers often flank the green complexes, creating tough up and down situations. A good short game, including
the ability to use high pitches and lobs, certainly comes in handy on this course.
Five sets of tees on the Ryder Course play to 7076 yards/132 slope, 6606 yards/128 slope, 6147 yards/124 slope, 5590 yards/115 slope for men and 123 slope for women, and
4933 yards/110 slope for men and 114 slope for women. For more info, visit our informational page for the Ryder 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.
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