
The Palmer Course
PGA National Resort

About this course
The Palmer course at PGA National Resort, carved into the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, delivers a stern test born from its risk-reward design. It's a demanding yet engaging course for golfers of all skill levels. Crafted during the modern era, the Palmer presents a parkland style playing field with strategic bunkering and undulating greens that require astute course management. Generous fairways tempt you to unleash the driver, but errant shots find trouble quickly. The approach shots demand exacting distance control to avoid water hazards that lurk near the green complexes. Arnold Palmer’s design philosophy emphasizes playability, ensuring an enjoyable round, even when the scorecard reflects the course’s bite. Originally designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the course bears his signature features: a mix of accessible challenges and subtle nuances that reward thoughtful play. While the Palmer course has hosted a variety of regional and amateur events, it is perhaps best known as a staple for golfers seeking a challenging resort experience. While the Champion course rightly grabs headlines at PGA National, the Palmer's allure lies in its understated difficulty and the resort's commitment to impeccable conditioning. After navigating the Palmer's challenges, many golfers unwind with a perfectly mixed cocktail at the resort’s 19th hole, recounting tales of birdies made and bogeys barely avoided.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in FL
Quick facts
- Location
- Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1985
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Arnold Palmer, Ed Seay
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,079 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.6/141
- Course Vaults score
- 7.3
Getting there
Most arrivals to PGA National Resort flow through Palm Beach International Airport, a swift twenty-minute drive north along Florida's Turnpike into the manicured sprawl of Palm Beach Gardens. Private aviation finds its natural home at nearby Lantana Airport, favored by those seeking discretion and proximity. The final miles transition from interstate efficiency to the resort's signature boulevard entrance, where championship banners and towering royal palms announce one of South Florida's most storied golf destinations - a compound where professional legacy and modern luxury converge beneath the subtropical sun.

FAQ
Common questions about The Palmer at PGA National Resort
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Palmer at PGA National Resort has a Course Vaults score of 7.3 out of 10 based on 72 logged golfers.
The Palmer was designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay.
Yes. The Palmer at PGA National Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at The Palmer is 72.
The Palmer plays 7,079 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Palmer is 141.





