The PGA Golf Club Ryder Course with its rolling hills, vast stands of old-growth pine trees and seemingly endless water hazards is the type of wetland layout one would expect to find in the coastal regions of South Carolina rather than southern Florida. The layout does, in fact, border a vast wildlife sanctuary. The fairways are sometimes tight, sometimes generous; the greens are large, undulating and fast; the overall layout is stunningly beautiful and the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxing. In fact, Audobon International awarded the course its "Signature Status" environmental award in 1996. The PGA Golf Club Ryder Course, formerly the North Course, was named after Samuel Ryder, namesake of the famed international tournament.
Five sets of tees are designed to make play enjoyable for golfers of all levels of skill: it would seem, however, that if your handicap is 15 and over you’ll have a tough time scoring well on the PGA Golf Club Ryder course. All of this is topped off by a magnificent clubhouse and the exceptional service we’ve come to expect from the PGA. Located in Port St. Lucie, 45 minutes north of West Palm Beach - just minutes north of Stuart, right off I-95 and the Florida Turnpike.
The 18-hole PGA Golf Club Ryder Course at Port St. Lucie, Florida plays 7,025 yards from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 73.8 and the slope is 133 on Bermuda grass fairways with Tifdwarf greens. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course opened for play in 2006.
Green Fees: From $29 to $99 depending upon the season, time of day and day of the week. Green fees are always subject to change. Please contact the course/resort for up-to-date information and tee times.
Verdict: There’s no doubt that all the courses at the PGA Village are unmatched in quality, value, and amenities. This is especially so during the summer moths and the consensus is that the Ryder course is the best of the best.
Contact:
PGA Village, 916 Perfect Dr., Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986-3029; Toll Free: (800) 800-4653, Fax: (772) 464-5598
Where to Stay:
When I am in the area, I usually try to stay and make my base camp at the PGA National Resort & Spa in West Palm Beach. It’s handy to the courses in and around Miami, and also those just to the north in Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie.
Compare Prices for nights at PGA National Resort & Spa
Aside from the PGA Village itself, there are, of course, quite a number of fine hotels in the greater Miami area. Here is my Miami Hotel Guide of locations I am familiar with and have stayed at myself.
How to Get There:
The closest regional airport is West Palm Beach International Airport. The airport is served by almost all domestic airlines, including American, Delta, Continental, US Air, and United, along with several other regional airlines.
Look for the best airline and car rental deals with these two aggregators, which provide travelers with an up-to-date search tool to compare prices on airfares and car rentals of all ratings:
And don’t forget: there are many other opportunities for great golf all over the world. Favorite locations include Scotland, Florida, the American Southwest, Bermuda, the Bahamas and many more. For up-to-date golf travel news and information, be sure to subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
