The Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, a standout course designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin, was immediately recognized by Golf Digest as its “Best New Private Course” upon opening 20 years ago.
Dicky Pride, familiar with the demanding championship course at The Concession and a winner on both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions, supports the PGA of America’s decision to bring the PGA Senior Championship here for the next three years, with the first tournament scheduled for April 16-19.
Pride, a 56-year-old Orlando resident who was a member for more than a decade, notes that many of his contemporaries are planning practice rounds while the over-50 circuit hosts back-to-back tournaments in Florida in the coming weeks.
“They’d better make time for a practice round. But after that, no advice from me,” Pride said with a smile.
Adding to the anticipation, Australian Michael Wright, who finished tied for second—just a shot behind this Sunday’s Chubb Classic winner David Toms—fully intends to see The Concession as soon as this week.
“I’ve heard the greens are quite complex with a lot of run off areas, so I was told to go have an extra look at it,” Wright said.
The Concession’s reputation is underscored by its hosting of several professional events, including the Workday World Golf Championship won by Colin Morikawa five years ago.
“I’m going to get an early look at it too because I don’t know much about it, added Tommy Gainey, last October’s winner of Constellation Furyk and Friends. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the golf course. I’m looking forward to it, no matter what it looks like, and getting a shot at it.”
Gainey secured his place at the first senior major of the year with his 2025 victory.
“Winning out here is a big feat. These guys can still play—just look at the tough setups and scores every week. It’s a testament to their talent at this age,” Gainey added.
The PGA Tour Champions are typically three-day events, not four like the majors, and Gainey says that does make a difference.
“Out here, you might play well one day, poorly the next, and then decent the third. But in a major, you get one more shot,” Gainey said. “The course is tougher, so even par is great. And you never know—you could get hot on the last day and catch up.”
Whether 54 holes or 72, Pride says you still have to bring your best stuff each time out.
“You need a plan for every hole and must execute if you want to contend. You have to be at your best every day,” Pride said.
Beyond his recommendation to wear sunscreen, when pressed for a scouting report, Pride offered just a bit more insight.
“I think that the guys are going to get over there to see it because it’s as advertised. You’ve got to know where to hit the ball, but you’ve got to know where not to hit the ball as well. So, it’s going to be a very difficult championship, and you’re going to have to be very patient,” added Pride.
With The Senior PGA Championship at The Concession Club marking its first return to Florida in twenty years, players face strategic par-5s and drivable par-4s—features sure to challenge even the world’s best.