PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., site of the fourth stop on The PRO Tour schedule April 21-23, is no stranger to hosting elite golf events. From a Ryder Cup to majors to being a current stop on the PGA Tour, PGA National — and The Champion course, in particular — has seen the world's best make history.
Here's a look at some the details and history of PGA National.
The Courses
Three 18-hole courses
Course (yards) -- To Par
- The Champion (5,061 - 7,081) — 72
- The Palmer 4,044 - 7,077 — Par 72
- The Fazio 4,054 - 6,977 — Par 72
History
- 1983 Ryder Cup
- 1987 PGA Championship
- 1982-2000 Senior PGA Championship
- Cognizant Classic (2007-present)
Key Moments
1983 Ryder Cup
Nobody knew it at the time, but the Ryder Cup at PGA National became significant for what happened afterward. With Europe on the verge of its first Ryder Cup — and taking it on American soil — Lanny Wadkins hit an approach wedge to within three feet on 18 to halve his hole against Spain's Jose Maria Canizares and Tom Watson survived a late charge from Scotland's Bernard Gallacher as the U.S. won 14.5-13.5 to maintain the Cup.
As for that afterward part? Europe would win two years later to end the United States' near-30-year reign.
1987 PGA Championship
PGA National had already made headlines before the first tee shot in 1987, but not because of anything on the course. Played in the first week in August in the middle of a heat wave, the 1987 PGA Championship was dubbed "The Hot Major" by Golf Digest in the week leading up to the tournament.
Wadkins again found himself at the center of attention, this time finishing as one of only two players under par after 72 holes. Unfortunately for Wadkins, Larry Nelson finished tied with Wadkins at 1-under 287 at the conclusion of 18 on Sunday. On the first playoff hole, the par-4 No. 10, both players missed the green. Nelson was able to make his six-foot putt for an up-and-down par but Wadkins missed his par attempt, giving Nelson the title.