NWO Golf Links January 2017

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As the mercury dips lower in
the north, the golf focus shifts
to the sunshine state. If you are
serious about playing golf in
Florida this winter, recalibrate
your compass and head for
Owned and operated by the
PGA of America, the PGA
Golf Club (ranked as one of
America’s top 75 golf resorts
by Golf Digest), has four
golf courses open to the
public – one of which is the
Wanamaker course.
The Wanamaker Course
is named after Rodman
Wanamaker, who was one
of the driving forces behind
the creation of the PGA
of America in 1916. Of
course, the winner of the
PGA Championship each
year is presented with the
Wanamaker Trophy.
Designed by golf course
architect Tom Fazio, the
Wanamaker Course delivers
many memorable moments,
from the opening drive at the
right-to-left dogleg, par five
1st to your journey up the
left-to-right dogleg par four
18th. With five tees to choose
from, this course ranges from
4,964 yards (Forward) to
7,123 yards (Medal). I highly
suggest the Standard tees,
which measure just more
than 6,100 yards.
Some of the many alluring
aspects of the Wanamaker
Course are its six short par
fours that range from 313
yards to 351 yards. At each
hole, a birdie is as likely as
a double bogey. Each of the
four par-three holes has a
different distance so you are
not hitting the same club
twice. There are significant
water hazards on 11 holes,
including the last four, which
is what you should expect
when you play a golf course
built in Florida wetlands.
One of the more unique
features of the course can
be found at the par four 8th.
Two independent greens
form the American version
of a double green. One is
protected by a bunker and
the other by water.
Two power fades are required
to play the 18th hole well.
The entrance to the final
green is protected by a lake
and a greenside bunker. The
presence of the clubhouse
behind the green gets your
attention as you conclude
your round.
PGA GOLF CLUB’S WANAMAKER COURSE:
A MUST-PLAY ON ANY DAY
By Mike May
NWO Golf Links