The infamous 17th hole at PGA National claimed another victim in the first round as David Ford battled the water hazard.
David Ford experienced a frustrating moment on one of golf’s most notoriously difficult par-3s during the first round of the PGA Tour‘s Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches at PGA National Resort.
The 17th hole at the Champions Course, famously known as “The Bear Trap,” claimed another victim when Ford found himself in the water not once, but twice during his opening round. The par-3 has earned its nickname through decades of punishing golfers who fail to find the fairway, with its island green surrounded by water making it one of the most feared holes in professional golf.
The Bear Trap Strikes Again
Ford’s troubles on the signature hole began when his initial approach shot found the water. After taking a penalty and a drop, he faced the hole again, only to see his next attempt meet the same watery fate. The sequence of events left Ford with no choice but to take another drop and ultimately card what would become a significant blemish on his scorecard for the day.
The 17th at PGA National has long been a defining feature of the Cognizant Classic, consistently ranking among the most difficult holes on the PGA Tour schedule. Its treacherous reputation stems from the tight tolerance required for accuracy, where even a well-struck shot can end up in trouble if the wind shifts or the aim is slightly off.
Ford’s experience is hardly unique at this venue. Throughout the tournament’s history, numerous players have fallen victim to the Bear Trap’s demands, making it a critical test of both skill and mental fortitude for the field.
The Cognizant Classic continues to serve as a showcase for how specific holes can define a player’s round, and the 17th remains one of the most talked-about challenges on the professional circuit.
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