Last year’s headlines at the Cognizant Classic were stolen by complaints about the course, and this year has been no different.
PGA National was traditionally one of the hardest golf courses on the PGA Tour. Redesigned by the great Jack Nicklaus, this Floridian course was designed to test the best players on the planet with its infamous “Bear Trap”, the tough stretch of closing holes.
But last year, changes were made to make the course easier. Bermuda grass was replaced with rye, bunkers were removed, and greens were enlarged to give players a better chance of low scores. And the players hated it.
Jordan Spieth and Billy Horschel were among those who complained about these changes. Jake Knapp shot a 59 as the golf course became the single most captivating storyline of the week.
And Nicklaus, who is most closely associated with the design of PGA National, responded to the players’ comments.
Jack Nicklaus doubled down on PGA National changes despite player complaints
Nicklaus, not one to back or second-guess himself, defended the changes at PGA National despite complaints from PGA Tour stars.
Speaking on the NBC broadcast, the all-time leader in major wins said, “Guys hit it further, the conditions are good, you got a benign day, and guys can shoot a good score. That’s OK. I like that
“If a golf course won’t yield to good golf, then I don’t think it’s a very good golf course. Now, if you have a day like we did Thursday, and 3 under is the low score, then I think it’s the golf course’s fault.”
In fairness to Nicklaus, the conditions on Thursday were perfect, as 115 players finished their opening round under par. But the complaints from 2025 have spilled over into this year.
Shane Lowry says he wishes PGA National was more difficult
In a weaker field at this year’s Cognizant Classic, Shane Lowry enters the week as the tournament favourite.
He’s a master of Bermuda grass, so the Irishman is unhappy with the surface change that the golf course made last year. Reports said that these changes were made to make the golf course look greener for viewers, but Lowry doesn’t think that was the right move.
When asked if he thinks this golf course is still a test for players, he said, “Yeah, I don’t think it is that. I think it’s like probably — it’s probably going to play easier than that, which I don’t like.
“I’d prefer to see it — look, I’m a member of a few courses down here, and all Bermuda, and the golf courses this time of year are incredible. The Bermuda golf courses down here are unbelievable.
“I feel like it’s going to look great on TV. It’s going to be lovely and green. It’s going to be amazing. But I probably would like to see a bit more of the old traditional setup. It is what it is this week, and you just have to deal with the cards you’re given.”
No matter what the “Golden Bear” says, these players have made their opinions heard loud and clear. Until this course is given its teeth again, this event won’t return to its former glory.
