Florida Swing: Ranking Best 9 Holes
By Ryan Andrade
7. 17th hole at PGA National
The last shot on “The Bear Trap” leaves you nowhere to hide.
PGA National is one of the most beautiful courses on tour. It’s the finish, however, that can leave even the best players in the world trembling.
“The Bear Trap” is one of the most difficult three hole stretches on the PGA TOUR. It is the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes at PGA National for the Honda Classic. All three of which feature water which is very much in play.
The 17th hole leaves you nowhere to miss. Obviously the cardinal sin would be to come up short of the green and land in the water. Because of this, we see many players go long into the bunker behind the green. This is no easy up and down. The green is running away from you and taking the ball right towards the water. Par is always a good score on this hole.
The pin placements vary. If the hole is cut in the front left, then that will provide the best chance at birdie. However, when the hole is cut in the back right, like it is on Sunday, this really makes your target small and brings water even more into play.
Next: No. 6 - The Heart of the Snake Pit