The Honda Classic

Several changes have been made to put some bite into PGA National Resort & Spa's Champion Course in preparation for the Honda Classic and the arrival of the greatest golfers in the world. But none of the alterations will be more pronounced than the set-up of the course as a Par-70 rather than the traditional Par 72.

The par-5 holes at No. 6 and No. 10 will be played as long par-fours for the tournament. The sixth hole will set up as a 488-yard par-four and the 10th hole will set-up as a 525-yard par-four.

In addition to those adjustments, several new tees have been built that will stretch the course from its previous long distance of 7,048 yards to the tournament length of 7,241 yards.

New tees have been built at No. 2 (464-yard par-four), No. 5 (217-yard par three), No. 8 (455-yard par four), No. 9 (421-yard par four), No. 11 (479-yard par four), No. 17 (190-yard par three) and No. 18 (604-yard par-five).

A new pot bunker was built at the front of the first hole and a new greenside bunker was built on the left side of the seventh green to increase the difficulty of approach shots on those holes. A new putting green was also built adjacent to the Champion range and will be used by the pros.

Jack Nicklaus, who redesigned The Champion in 1990, consulted with PGA National on the most recent alterations. The course hosted the Ryder Cup in 1983 and the 1987 PGA Championship.

"The addition of the seven extra tees combined with the reduction of par to 70 and the extra bunkers to put a premium on shot making have brought the course to a level that will challenge the Tour players of today," said Bob Coman, PGA National's Director of Golf. "They have modernized the course. I expect them to get a good test and if the wind blows it will be a really good test."