Hole 18 at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion)
- Par
- 5
- Yardage
- 556 yds
- Stroke index
- 6
- Hazards
- 16 bunkers · Water
Aerial source not provided
Green size: 33 yds deep × 29 yds wide
Scorecard yardage is for Championship tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.
Championship tees · Par 5 · 556 yards
The plan for No. 18
The 18th hole at PGA National Resort & Spa (Champion) serves as a dramatic finale to one of Florida's most challenging championship layouts. This straight par 5 stretching 556 yards demands precision and power, with the famous Bear Trap's psychological pressure still lingering from the previous holes. The tee shot opens to a generous fairway that gradually narrows toward the green complex, requiring golfers to carefully position their drive for the optimal approach angle. Despite the absence of major water hazards on this concluding hole, the small green demands surgical accuracy on the final approach, making distance control paramount. Strategic layup positioning becomes crucial for setting up a manageable scoring opportunity to cap off this legendary South Florida test.
Off the tee
The tee shot sets up everything that follows on this hole. With no significant hazards to navigate, focus on finding the optimal position in the landing zone around 250-280 yards out. Driver is the obvious choice for most players seeking maximum distance, but consider a 3-wood if accuracy has been an issue during the round. The straight layout allows you to aim down the center and trust your swing. Position is more important than pure distance here - being in the fairway gives you options for your second shot that rough lies simply don't provide. ## APPROACH Your approach strategy depends entirely on whether you're going for the green in two or laying up. Stronger players with 200 yards or less remaining should consider the risk/reward of attacking the small green. A successful approach requires precise distance control and the right trajectory to hold that compact putting surface. For the layup option, position your ball around 80-100 yards from the green to leave a comfortable wedge distance. Avoid getting too cute with the layup - favor the center of the fairway to ensure a clean lie for your third shot. ## ON THE GREEN The small green demands respect and precision with your putting. Expect subtle breaks that can be difficult to read, especially under pressure on the closing hole. Focus on lag putting to the correct level, as three-putts can quickly turn a birdie opportunity into bogey. Pay attention to pin position - back pins require extra carry on your approach, while front pins allow for more aggressive angles. The key is getting your approach shot below the hole whenever possible, as uphill putts are always more makeable. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents a classic risk/reward scenario. Going for the green in two offers legitimate eagle and birdie chances, but the small target means misses can be costly. Players should honestly assess their current form and what the round situation demands. Leading by several shots? Play conservatively for a safe par. Need to make up ground? The aggressive line becomes more appealing. The beauty of this hole is that both strategies can work - it's about matching your approach to your abilities and circumstances. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers:** Should seriously consider going for the green in two when in position. Focus on precise distance control and commit fully to the shot. If laying up, be aggressive with the third shot to capitali
Approach & recovery
Your approach strategy depends entirely on whether you're going for the green in two or laying up. Stronger players with 200 yards or less remaining should consider the risk/reward of attacking the small green. A successful approach requires precise distance control and the right trajectory to hold that compact putting surface. For the layup option, position your ball around 80-100 yards from the green to leave a comfortable wedge distance. Avoid getting too cute with the layup - favor the center of the fairway to ensure a clean lie for your third shot. ## ON THE GREEN The small green demands respect and precision with your putting. Expect subtle breaks that can be difficult to read, especially under pressure on the closing hole. Focus on lag putting to the correct level, as three-putts can quickly turn a birdie opportunity into bogey. Pay attention to pin position - back pins require extra carry on your approach, while front pins allow for more aggressive angles. The key is getting your approach shot below the hole whenever possible, as uphill putts are always more makeable. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents a classic risk/reward scenario. Going for the green in two offers legitimate eagle and birdie chances, but the small target means misses can be costly. Players should honestly assess their current form and what the round situation demands. Leading by several shots? Play conservatively for a safe par. Need to make up ground? The aggressive line becomes more appealing. The beauty of this hole is that both strategies can work - it's about matching your approach to your abilities and circumstances. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers:** Should seriously consider going for the green in two when in position. Focus on precise distance control and commit fully to the shot. If laying up, be aggressive with the third shot to capitali
On the green
The small green demands respect and precision with your putting. Expect subtle breaks that can be difficult to read, especially under pressure on the closing hole. Focus on lag putting to the correct level, as three-putts can quickly turn a birdie opportunity into bogey. Pay attention to pin position - back pins require extra carry on your approach, while front pins allow for more aggressive angles. The key is getting your approach shot below the hole whenever possible, as uphill putts are always more makeable. ## RISK VS REWARD This hole presents a classic risk/reward scenario. Going for the green in two offers legitimate eagle and birdie chances, but the small target means misses can be costly. Players should honestly assess their current form and what the round situation demands. Leading by several shots? Play conservatively for a safe par. Need to make up ground? The aggressive line becomes more appealing. The beauty of this hole is that both strategies can work - it's about matching your approach to your abilities and circumstances. ## DIFFERENT SKILL LEVELS **Low Handicappers:** Should seriously consider going for the green in two when in position. Focus on precise distance control and commit fully to the shot. If laying up, be aggressive with the third shot to capitali
Watch for
- Use mapped hazard edges and the hole 18 aerial for the selected tee before committing to a line.
Hole 18 Green Complex
Mapped green boundary
Green size: 3,541 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 · 6d 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 18 play?
How did this hole play today?
Frequently asked questions
Yardage reference: Championship tees · 556 yards.
Can this par 5 be reached in two?
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At 556 yards, A true three-shot hole for most players. Position your layup to leave a comfortable wedge distance.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 18?
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Key hazards include: water at 265.2 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 18?
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The green is small and requires precision. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.