PGA National Course at The Belfry

The PGA National course opened for play in 1997 to strengthen The Belfry as a golfing resort and ease the traffic over the world famous Brabazon Course. Since then the PGA National has established a superb reputation of its own, hosting the Seniors European Open tournament, and was the 1st course in Europe to carry PGA branding.

The main feature of this parkland course is the tremendous bunkering, designed to protect the large, undulating greens and when you add it all up, the course presents a stern challenge very much in an American Stadium style. A number of newly constructed lakes – water comes into play on no less than 8 holes so pack plenty of balls! – and manmade mounds provide definition to the holes and while the PGA National Course has clearly been built with tournament golf in mind, it offers an entertaining test from start to finish.

From the championship markers, the PGA National stretches to over 7,000 yards but fear not; multiple sets of tees on each hole allow all golfers to find their comfort zone. Still a relatively young course, The Belfry’s second championship course is sure to continue maturing in the years to come. 

Signature Hole – No. 12: Par 4, 405 yards (Blue Tees)

The 4th on the PGA National Course offers drama and demands good accuracy and course management from tee to green. You can choose to play safe from the tee, hugging the right hand side of the fairway but this leaves a long and difficult approach shot into the raised green which is well protected by 4 bunkers which aren’t visible from the fairway, and are ready to catch anything coming up short.

Braver players can take on a forced carry of about 220 yards to the left portion of the fairway which leaves a much more manageable approach but with water all around, there is risk a plenty. There are no places to hide on this hole and there won’t be many undeserved pars being handed out either.