It's Not Without Its Faults, But Bay Hill Produces Every Single Year

I’m going to start this by saying Bay Hill isn’t my favorite type of golf. I’m a sucker for run-off areas, tight lies that expose certain guys with sub-par short games. When the PGA TOUR goes to a course with long rough around the greens, a lot of intricate and more advanced shots get taken out of the equation, and that’s a bummer. It’s a lot of hit and hope and that becomes dull real quick, especially for people like me who get lost in the couch for eight hours a day over the weekend. Think Pinehurst. That’s the type of course where short game instantly becomes one of the best parts of the week.

At Bay Hill, it’s a lot of chunk and runs. And that’s both around the greens and off the fairways.

But I’m tired of hearing the slander towards Arnold Palmer’s baby.

Every single year, this is arguably the most challenging course these guys play—and that includes the majors. Hell, this place plays just as hard as a U.S. Open. Just ask Max Homa or Cameron Young. Homa signed for a 9-over 81, and Young was one worse at 82. And they weren’t the only big names who struggled on Thursday.

“You got to stay patient with the golf course, it's really hard,” defending champion Scottie Scheffler said after shooting 1-under 71, “and there's a lot of stuff that can frustrate you out there, but just try and stay in it.”

The Arnold Palmer Invitational produces some of the best leaderboards every season. Just look at the recent winners. Scheffler twice, Rory McIlroy in 2018, Bryson DeChambeau in 2021. Oh, and a guy named Tiger Woods turned this place into his personal playground, winning eight times from 2000-2013.

*Getty Images

And the vibes. Don’t get me started on the vibes. I went to college at USF in Tampa, so every year I used to buy the weekly badge and head up the road to Orlando to watch the best players in the world battle this beast. After a few trips, it turned into one of my favorite stops on the TOUR’s schedule. Everyone has an Arnold Palmer in their hand—preferably the spiked version—enjoying the beautiful weather central Florida has to offer in early March.

Plus, the players love coming back here every year. For four days they get to celebrate the wonderful life of The King, one of the most beloved sports figures of all time.

So, yes, I understand where the haters are coming from. This type of golf isn’t for everyone—in some circumstances myself included. But you can’t argue with what this place produces year in and year out.

Crack open an Arnold Palmer this weekend, find a comfy place on the couch, and enjoy Arnie’s place.

I sure as hell will (and so will Dan).