The three-hole stretch of PGA National is called “The Bear Trap” for good reason. With water, water everywhere, the 15th, 16th, and 17th holes are among the toughest gauntlets anywhere on the PGA Tour.

The Bear Trap is the three-hole stretch on the Champion Course at PGA National. Comprising holes 15, 16, and 17, it’s a defining feature of this course. As you approach this stretch, you’ll encounter a statue of a bear, which serves as a symbolic gateway. A plaque next to the bear provides an overview of the holes and features a quote from the course designer, Jack Nicklaus (affectionately known as the Golden Bear). Nicklaus’s words resonate: “It should be won or lost right here.”

The Bear Trap begins with the 15th hole, a par 3, 179 yards. There is a slight draw from the tee over the water on the right side. Then the 16th hole, we encounter a dogleg-right par 4. It's 434 yards off the tee. The tee shot must navigate the dogleg, setting up an approach to the green. It’s a hole that demands both distance and accuracy. The Bear Trap culminates with the 17th hole, another par 3. Water guards the front of the green, and bunkers surround it. The wind can be a factor, adding to the complexity.

The name pays homage to Jack Nicklaus, whose redesign of the PGA National Championship Course included this formidable trio of holes. Like a bear ensnaring its prey, the Bear Trap tests golfers’ mettle and decision-making. It’s a place where fortunes can change dramatically.

McIlroy encountered difficulties at the 16th hole. His shot veered to the right of the green, causing the ball to bounce and land at the water’s edge. The ball ended up partially submerged in the water. He removed his shoe and sock. When he attempted the shot, the club entered the water a few inches behind the ball, causing the ball to leap into the air and land about 3 feet up the hillside. However, it rolled back into the water, close to where the first shot had landed.

McIlroy decided to drop the ball on the bank for his next shot. He managed to pitch it to about six feet, but missed the subsequent putt, resulting in a triple-bogey. Despite this setback, McIlroy managed to regain some ground with a birdie at the 18th hole. He finished with a score of one-over-par 72, and with a total of seven under, he is currently six shots behind.