Hole 16 at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion)
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 434 yds
- Stroke index
- 2
- Hazards
- 4 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 33 yds deep × 30 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 4 · 434 yards
The plan for No. 16
The 16th hole at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) stands as one of golf's most demanding par 4s, earning its reputation as the second-hardest hole on this championship layout. At 434 yards, this straight, no-nonsense test requires precision from tee to green, with little room for error despite the absence of traditional water hazards that define other holes on this famous Florida track. The tee shot demands accuracy over distance, as the fairway narrows considerably in the prime landing zone. Players must thread their drive through a corridor that punishes wayward shots with thick rough and challenging recovery angles. The approach shot to the small, elevated green presents the hole's ultimate challenge, requiring precise distance control and proper club selection to hold this compact target. What makes this hole particularly treacherous is its deceptive simplicity – the lack of visible water doesn't diminish its bite. The small green complex demands surgical precision, and anything short, long, or offline faces severe consequences. This is pure championship golf at its finest.
Off the tee
The tee shot strategy centers on maximizing distance while maintaining accuracy down the center of the fairway. Given the 434-yard length, most golfers will need their longest reliable club off the tee - typically driver for the majority of players. The straight layout allows for an aggressive line down the middle, but focus on a controlled swing that prioritizes finding the fairway over maximum distance. A drive of 250-280 yards will leave a manageable approach shot, while shorter drives create increasingly difficult long-iron or hybrid approaches to the small green. ## APPROACH The approach shot represents the hole's primary scoring challenge. With a small green as the target, precision becomes paramount over power. Depending on your tee shot distance, expect anything from a mid-iron to a long-iron for your approach. The key is committing to enough club to reach the green comfortably - coming up short on a long par 4 with a small green typically results in a difficult up-and-down. Focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact surface makes getting close to any pin location achievable with solid putting. ## ON THE GREEN The small green size means every putt matters significantly. Without specific hazard information, assume standard green-side challenges like subtle slopes and potential false fronts. Focus on lag putting to ensure two-putts, as three-putting on a small surface can be particularly costly on a difficult hole. Speed control becomes crucial - small greens often feature more pronounced slopes that can send poorly judged putts well past the hole. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, instead demanding solid execution of fundamental shots. The main decision point comes with tee shot club selection - choosing between maximum distance (driver) versus control (3-wood or hybrid). Given the hole's length, most players benefit from taking the distance, but those struggling with driver accuracy might consider the more conservative approach and accept a longer second shot. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low-Handicap Players:** Attack with driver off the tee, aiming for 270+ yard drives to leave short-to-mid iron approaches. Focus on pin-seeking approach shots while respecting the small green size. This represents a legitimate birdie opportunity with two quality shots. **High-Handicap Players:** Prioritize finding the fairway with your most reliable tee shot, even if it means accepting a longer approach. Focus on reaching the green in regulation rather than getting close to pins - the small green rewards accuracy over aggression. Accept par as an excellent score on this demanding hole, as it plays as the second-hardest on the course. The 16th hole exemplifies championship golf course design - no tricks or gimmicks, just a demanding test that rewards quality shots and penali
Approach & recovery
The approach shot represents the hole's primary scoring challenge. With a small green as the target, precision becomes paramount over power. Depending on your tee shot distance, expect anything from a mid-iron to a long-iron for your approach. The key is committing to enough club to reach the green comfortably - coming up short on a long par 4 with a small green typically results in a difficult up-and-down. Focus on the center of the green regardless of pin position, as the compact surface makes getting close to any pin location achievable with solid putting. ## ON THE GREEN The small green size means every putt matters significantly. Without specific hazard information, assume standard green-side challenges like subtle slopes and potential false fronts. Focus on lag putting to ensure two-putts, as three-putting on a small surface can be particularly costly on a difficult hole. Speed control becomes crucial - small greens often feature more pronounced slopes that can send poorly judged putts well past the hole. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, instead demanding solid execution of fundamental shots. The main decision point comes with tee shot club selection - choosing between maximum distance (driver) versus control (3-wood or hybrid). Given the hole's length, most players benefit from taking the distance, but those struggling with driver accuracy might consider the more conservative approach and accept a longer second shot. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low-Handicap Players:** Attack with driver off the tee, aiming for 270+ yard drives to leave short-to-mid iron approaches. Focus on pin-seeking approach shots while respecting the small green size. This represents a legitimate birdie opportunity with two quality shots. **High-Handicap Players:** Prioritize finding the fairway with your most reliable tee shot, even if it means accepting a longer approach. Focus on reaching the green in regulation rather than getting close to pins - the small green rewards accuracy over aggression. Accept par as an excellent score on this demanding hole, as it plays as the second-hardest on the course. The 16th hole exemplifies championship golf course design - no tricks or gimmicks, just a demanding test that rewards quality shots and penali
On the green
The small green size means every putt matters significantly. Without specific hazard information, assume standard green-side challenges like subtle slopes and potential false fronts. Focus on lag putting to ensure two-putts, as three-putting on a small surface can be particularly costly on a difficult hole. Speed control becomes crucial - small greens often feature more pronounced slopes that can send poorly judged putts well past the hole. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole offers limited risk/reward opportunities, instead demanding solid execution of fundamental shots. The main decision point comes with tee shot club selection - choosing between maximum distance (driver) versus control (3-wood or hybrid). Given the hole's length, most players benefit from taking the distance, but those struggling with driver accuracy might consider the more conservative approach and accept a longer second shot. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low-Handicap Players:** Attack with driver off the tee, aiming for 270+ yard drives to leave short-to-mid iron approaches. Focus on pin-seeking approach shots while respecting the small green size. This represents a legitimate birdie opportunity with two quality shots. **High-Handicap Players:** Prioritize finding the fairway with your most reliable tee shot, even if it means accepting a longer approach. Focus on reaching the green in regulation rather than getting close to pins - the small green rewards accuracy over aggression. Accept par as an excellent score on this demanding hole, as it plays as the second-hardest on the course. The 16th hole exemplifies championship golf course design - no tricks or gimmicks, just a demanding test that rewards quality shots and penali
Watch for
- Use mapped hazard edges and the hole 16 aerial for the selected tee before committing to a line.
Hole 16 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 4,518 sq ft
Course coverage
Tournament and creator videos about PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) — shared course coverage, not hole-specific clips.
Tournament coverage
Cognizant Classic highlights
Cognizant Classic | Final Round Highlights
2025
Featured by these creators
Creator videos about this course
YouTube creators who filmed or featured PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion). · Stats as of Oct 12, 2026 · 5d ago
Has the PGA Tour wrecked PGA National? & FBF to Steve Pate's win in Palm Beach | The Shotgun Start
TGL's future & Todd Watch returns at PGA National for Cognizant Classic | The Shotgun Start
PGA National - Hole 5 - 238 yard par 3
How did Hole 16 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 434 yards.
What's the best strategy off the tee?
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For this 434-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 16?
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This hole is a moderate challenge for most golfers. Key challenges include: water in play.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 16?
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Key hazards include: water at 371.5 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 16?
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The green is medium-sized with moderate targets. Pay attention to pin placement when selecting your approach club.
What's a good score on hole 16?
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This hole is a demanding hole where bogey is not unusual. This longer par 4 will test most golfers. Focus on position over distance.