What you need to know about Bay Hill Golf Course
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill opened its first 18 holes, The Champion and Challenger combination. It was also the first course to receive Bermuda grass. In 1965 Arnold Palmer won his first tournament here, fell in love with Bay Hill, and vowed to his wife that he would own it one day. This became a reality in 1975 after a five-year lease. Palmer purchased it at Bay Hill and gradually began to put the Arnold Palmer stamp, and polishing of the course started.
In 1979 Arnold Palmer negotiated with the PGA Tour to make Bay Hill an official venue and The Arnold Palmer Invitational event where the pros play. Over the years has developed its popularity and standing, the course getting better and better under the personal guise of Arnold Palmer and its length extended to 7,196 yards.
The invitational is played over the Champion and Challenger combination. It makes this excellent golf course that sits adjacent to the Butlers chain of lakes a bucket list must-play golf course whilst staying at the Bay Hill Club Lodge. The course is available to members and guests of the Arnold Palmers Bay Hill & Lodge, with numerous tee-boxes to choose from, making Bay Hill a playable option for golfers of all abilities. So stay and Play here if you get the opportunity, one we can personally recommend and arrange for your golf trip to Florida. Go ahead. You know it makes sense!
Signature Holes
A tough opening couple of holes at the Bay Hill Club and an exciting final trio– let’s take a closer look:
Hole 1: The first at Bay Hill is a challenging par-4 dogleg. The tee shot requires a proper club selection as the fairway curls around the lake to the right. A wild slice left will find one of two bunkers or a tributary of the lake.
Hole 2: The Challenger course is known for its challenging holes, which will test your skills as a golfer. The second is an excellent example of this, as it is a long and demanding hole that can be pretty tricky to master. However, with some careful planning and execution, you can score well on this hole and enjoy the rest of the course.
Hole 11: The 11th is a great par four from the Palmer tees, with a challenging layout that will test your skills. The tee shot needs to avoid the water left and the bunkers right, while the green is guarded by water left and bunkers short and right. So make sure you consider the wind direction before hitting your tee shot and be prepared for a difficult approach to the green.
Hole 13: The tee shot is especially intimidating, with water lying in front of the green and sand surrounding the back. one must place the second shot perfectly
Hole 17: The 17th at Bay Hill is a challenging par 3 that measures 221 yards from the Palmer tees. The putting surface features a beach bunker short of the green and bunkers left and long left of the green. In front and wrapping around the right side of the green is a large body of water, making this an intimidating hole for even the most experienced golfers. However, a shot that finds the putting surface is well played and can result in a 3 or better.
The Charger Course
The addition of an extra nine holes The Charger came at the end of 1963. This is a more straightforward course and is an excellent introduction to Bay Hill for the beginner or used as a warm-up for the real test of the Champion.
The Arnold Palmer invitational
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is an annual professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour, played at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida. It is named after Arnold Palmer, a patron at Bay Hill. The invitational is one of four tournaments part of the “Florida Swing.” The event has been held at Bay Hill every year since 1979, except for 1983. In 2007, the winner’s share was $1.116 million, making it one of the richest events on the PGA Tour outside of major championships. In 2011, Tiger Woods became the first golfer to win this event six times; he also holds the record for most runner-up finishes (seven). The event is a significant test of golf dependent on the days’ pin positions. The course was built in 1964 by designer Dick Wilson. Every year, the invitational is held at the Bay Hill Club Lodge in Orlando, FL.
Where is Bay Hill Located?
Bay Hill Golf Course is located in Orlando, Florida. Golfers can fly into the Orlando International Airport, only about 20 minutes away. There are also many other airports located within an hour’s drive.
Can you play Bay Hill without staying at the Bay Hill Club Lodge?
The course is only open to members and players staying at the Bay Hill lodge.
