Beyond the "Bear Trap" at PGA National's Champion Course

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. - On the Champion Course at PGA National, holes 15, 16 and 17 are known as the "Bear Trap." During the 2011 Honda Classic, the field averaged one stroke over par on these holes. They provide a difficult challenge for golfers, but great times for golf fans.

"This is where everybody comes to have fun, half of the people actually don't even watch golf," said Brent Waugh, the director of operations. "They sit in the middle and they have a good time and party. It's so exciting that we have to shush the people on this side a lot because they're having too much fun and the players are coming in. It's a fine line because we're trying to promote this fun festive atmosphere, but also let the players go around and be able to play their game."

The course was designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.

So what is it exactly about the "Bear Trap" that makes it so tough on golfers?

"It's a couple of things, obviously it's towards the end of the round with it being 15, 16 and 17," said Lucas Harvey. "The golf course doesn't have a whole lot of let up the whole way through. You turn that corner in a prevailing wind like this and you're trying to hit those shots under pressure, it just mounts."

This Thursday, some of greatest golfers will try to conquer the infamous "Bear Trap."