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PGA National is one of three 18-hole courses at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield. Designed by Dave Thomas, it was developed after The Brabazon and The Derby and is currently presented by the resort as England's only PGA-branded golf course. The Belfry's main course listing gives the layout as par 72, 7,081 yards with a slope of 144, although the dedicated PGA National page currently publishes a conflicting 6,921-yard figure.
The course is designed around an inland links-style character, with fast-running fairways, pronounced green run-offs and extensive bunkering; the resort states that approximately 70 bunkers form part of the layout. PGA National has hosted European professional events and Challenge Tour competition, but it did not host The Belfry's four Ryder Cups, which were played on The Brabazon. The course shares the resort's driving range, PGA Academy, golf shop, accommodation, restaurants, bars, spa and leisure facilities.
The course is an 18-hole resort golf course. It plays to par 72, 6,475m (7,081 yards), slope rating 144. The course was designed by Dave Thomas. It is open to resort guests. On-site facilities include Driving range, PGA Academy, Golf shop, Putting facilities, Practice bunkers, Clubhouse, Restaurants, Bars, and 3 more.
PGA National was added after The Belfry's original Brabazon and Derby development, expanding the resort to three 18-hole courses. The course is credited to Dave Thomas, one of the architects responsible for the original Belfry golf complex. Its creation strengthened the long-standing connection between the resort and the Professional Golfers' Association, whose headquarters had been established at The Belfry in the 1970s.
Thomas gave PGA National a markedly different identity from The Brabazon. The resort describes it as an inland links-style course, with fast-running fairways, severe run-offs around greens and a large bunker count. The objective is strategic rather than purely aerial golf, with ground contours and approach positioning contributing heavily to scoring difficulty.
PGA National formed the third major course at The Belfry and completed the resort's 54-hole golf offering. Course setup and published playing measurements have changed over time, and current sources show several different tee yardages and pars. This is particularly important when comparing historic scorecards with modern WHS ratings.
The course has staged professional tournament golf, including European Tour and Challenge Tour events, and its PGA branding distinguishes it within English golf. Its history should not be conflated with The Brabazon's Ryder Cup record.
PGA National remains one of The Belfry's three bookable courses. The resort currently promotes it as a par-72 inland links-style layout with a slope of 144, alongside direct visitor tee-time and golf-break booking.
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