35 Context-Free Observations from Jessica Hadwin at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

It’s Disney week! More importantly known as the always amazing Arnold Palmer Invitational (API). The API never fails to be a challenging and high stakes week of golf so we (I) like to balance things out by adding the also always challenging and stressful Disney visit to the schedule! The golf might have been a bit lackluster, the Disney lines might have a bit long, but the laughs and lessons learned were plenty for a week in Orlando.

Pre-Tournament

-Spent Sunday night, Monday, Tuesday at Disney and wow that could be it’s own column. I’ll spare everyone.

-Adam went with us Sunday night then got to work at the course the rest of the week

-I really am amazed at how disciplined he is to stay on task with golf prep. I feel like I could be swayed to change plans with the offer of a churro.

-Wednesday was back to a typical golf week. Back to a Residence Inn (we stayed at Disney the first 2 nights). Our daughter to tour school. Me finding a Pilates class nearby and just getting organized for the rest of the week.

Thursday

-Woke up to a text about high winds this AM and the course maintenance. Instantly thought uh oh for Adam’s morning tee time

-Turn on PGA TOUR live to see if I can catch any of the early holes while getting ready, and see Adam’s entire group digging in the bunker lip for his ball. Pain.

-It is a true blustery chilly Florida morning. I didn’t know they had those here.

-As we near the end of the round it seems like the wind is dying down quite a bit as the afternoon wave starts. Is it wrong to be sad about that?

-Really proud of how Adam battled and stayed steady during the windy conditions

-The volunteers and staff at AP are so dang nice. Also, the food is great.

-My parents and I head to pick up my daughter from Tour School. It’s on universal property this week. [Cue: "Won’t somebody think of the children!" Meme]

-Kill time at the hotel then head to a party that the API puts on at universal for the kids. Again, rough life for these children, but also the party is always great!

Friday

-The sun is shining, low humidity, and it feels like it’s gonna be a good day.

-I’m wearing socks with sandals + a fanny pack today. I’ve reached peak cringe in golf course attire.

-Pull up to Valet in our fancy little minivan while my dad and I put every ounce of our brains together to try and figure out how to assemble his scooter

-Steady front nine and Adam is making some putts despite my daughter and I’s best/worst impressions of them on Instagram.

-I know it’s probably not as hard as them having to compete, but but walking while eating an apple and trying to breathe is proving to be a close second.

-The Shotlink guy walking with Adam’s group has the most legit OG type of mullet I’ve ever seen. 10/10

-Seemed like a fairly solid day of golf but Adam heads straight to the range so maybe not?

-We sneak out for dinner while the grandparents and Maddox hit up Chuck E. Cheese. They beat us back and don’t show up till 10pm after a real rager with the animatronic rodents.

Saturday

-It’s another beautiful day. The group is smiling and appear in good spirits on the first tee.

-Adam’s opening tee shot goes OB and ends in a triple bogey. Oh.

-Hoping it is not an indicator of how the whole day will go for him

-Unfortunately as the round goes on, it does seems to be an indicator

-Despite the struggle, I respect how far Adam has come in maintaining his composure and attitude.

-I discover that work remains on the composure as a water ball on 11 led to a violent club swing to the bag.

-Walked and talked with a friend for the last few holes and witnessed a nice birdie on 18 to end the day

-Hang around the hotel for the rest of the evening with the grandparents before they have to head back to Kansas and call it a night

Sunday

-Adam leaves bright and early before we even are awake. Happy to see him alive and well on PGA TOUR Live on the first tee.

-By hole 6 he’s alive, but I’m not sure he’s well.

-There is far too much water on this golf course

-Use today to do laundry and get packed up to head to the next stop in Jacksonville for the PLAYERS

-Bummer of a golf week but a really fun one for extra curricular activities.

-Picked Adam up from the course and our daughter from tour school

-We are off, in the world’s quietest minivan (shoutout Toyota), for a 2 hour drive to TPC Sawgrass and a fresh week!