The Course
An Unforgettable Golfing Experience
The par-72/71 layout at “The National” features one of the most exciting, fun, and challenging at times golf experiences you can find anywhere! Come see if you can “tame the Cat!”
This thinking-person’s test also offers a number of short-range challenges, emphasizing the need for accuracy from the tee, fairways, notable landing areas and multi-layered greens.
In the end, though, it remains a fun adventure for players of varying skill levels.
"Perfect for the Pro Looking For A Challenge
& A Fun Seeking Novice."
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Hole-by-Hole Course Overview
FRONT NINE
- Hole 1 Par 4 | "Set Sail" | 395 yds
- Hole 2 Par 3 | "Sea Gull's Landing" | 167 yds
- Hole 3 Par 4 | "Kraken's Revenge" | 494 yds
- Hole 4 Par 5 | "Island Escape" | 520 yds
- Hole 5 Par 3 | "Barnacle Barque" | 187 yds
- Hole 6 Par 4 | "Razee's Risk" | 302 yds
- Hole 7 Par 4 | "Whale's Way-Lay" | 410 yds
- Hole 8 Par 5 | "Serpentine Slide" | 553 yds
- Hole 9 Par 4 | "Portside Parbuckle" | 458yds
BACK NINE
- Hole 10 Par 5 | "Anchors Away" | 493 yds
- Hole 11 Par 3 | "C.M.’s Taftrail" | 244 yds
- Hole 12 Par 4 | "Jack Tar's Journey" | 390 yds
- Hole 13 Par 4 | "Waypoint Wharf" | 369 yds
- Hole 14 Par 4 | "Hawsepipe Helm" | 427 yds
- The Bobcat's Claw (Holes 15-18)
- Hole 15 Par 5 | "Dockyard Danger" | 583 yds
- Hole 16 Par 3 | "U.S.S. Folds" | 177 yds
- Hole 17 Par 4 | "Frantz's Fairway" | 415 yds
- Hole 18 Par 4 | "Squid Pro Quo" | 448 yds
HOLE #1 (395 yards) — For this dogleg left, a clean drive and solid approach shot suddenly becomes advantageous for the golfer, knowing there are no green-side bunkers hindering an aggressive look at the flag.
HOLE #2 (167 yards) — This par-3 will evoke memories of signature holes from the PGA TOUR, with the golfers potentially being blown away by its grand design, but also captivated by the chase for the perfect placement from the tee area.
HOLE #3 (494 yards) — An accurate tee shot is essential here, given the generous landing areas and lack of obstacles in the initial zone. But things go up a notch for the second shot, factoring in the narrowing area leading up to the green … along with a water challenge to the right side of the green and approach.
HOLE #4 (520 yards) — The “Island Escape” par-5 has attainable landing areas for the approach shots. However, beware of the water obstacles running all the way to the flag; and upon arrival, the golfers will be challenged by the green’s elevated tiers.
HOLE #5 (187 yards) — Most golfers should have the green light with this par-3. The green is large with subtle contours, and there’s only water occupying the front of the landing area. Go for it!
HOLE #6 (302 yards) — A classic risk-reward opportunity for savvy, yet ambitious players. Eagle and birdie chances at the green are within reach; but then again, peril awaits for those who cannot avoid the green-side bunkers.
HOLE #7 (410 yards) — For this dogleg right, it’s important to properly read the slope of the greens, while avoiding the back bunker.
HOLE #8 (533 yards) — Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy this scenic and attainable par-5, which features a huge body of water to the left and tree-lined obstacles to the right. On top of that, the direction shift of the water almost creates a peninsula-like effect for this majestic hole.
HOLE #9 (458 yards) — The water hazard that runs along the tee area shouldn’t be a problem for most golfers, just like the fairway bunkers to the left. As for the trees running down the entire right side … just focus on the best possible angles for attacking this slight dogleg right.
HOLE #10 (493 yards) — The famous 13th hole at Augusta National serves as the inspiration for No. 10 at Charlotte Harbor National, nicknamed “Anchors Away.” It’s essentially a reverse or mirror-image of the par-5 experience at The Masters, where birdie (or even eagle) can be had with two solid approach shots. On the flip side, be weary of the three-tiered green.
HOLE #11 (244 yards) — Say hello to one of the most formidable par-3s in Florida. It’s so memorable, thanks to the triangular shape of the green. Speaking of which, proper ball placement around the flag means everything here. Find a way to execute a two-putt … and happily move on. Our Members call it the easiest par five on the course.
HOLE #12 (390 yards) — The distance looks doable, and the landing areas are quite generous. In other words, feel free to be aggressive when shooting for the flag. The one hindrance: A large water hazard to the left of the green.
HOLE #13 (369 yards) — This short par-4 offers good birdie potential for the players, minus a few key caveats: The fairway is narrow, the approach shot will likely be blind and there’s a pot bunker adjacent to the green.
HOLE #14 (427 yards) — This slight dogleg right has intriguing birdie potential, assuming the golfers can steer clear of water on the left and the trees to the right.
HOLE #15 (583 yards) — For many years, this behemoth stood as one of the longest par-5 in all of Florida. Fast forward to the present: It’s still quite long … and the layered green can be tricky. Second- and third-shot precision are crucial for carding
a birdie or par. This hole starts the four hole stretch known locally as “The Bobcat’s Claw”.
HOLE #16 (177 yards) — The final par-3 on the course. The green is surrounded by bunkers, and reading the wind can be a problematic task … especially when teeing off over the lake.
HOLE #17 (415 yards) — The fairway bunkers can be daunting for those making inaccurate drives off the tee; but that’s nothing compared to the potential trouble with the approach shots. First, the bunkers in front of the green can wreak havoc when judging distance to the flag; and secondly, the elevated green places a high premium on optimum angles.
HOLE #18 (448 yards) — This finishing hole draws rave reviews for those playing at sunlight or sunset, thanks to the reflecting-pool waters and breathtaking surrounding views. From a strategy standpoint, a driver/6-iron combination might be good enough to solve this dog-leg-left puzzle. Also, watch out for the three bunkers near the greens as you complete your round on one of the finest courses anywhere. We hope you will survive “The Bobcat’s Claw”.