Just when you thought Orlando was only on the map for the theme parks — think again. The beautiful central Florida city has luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants and, most excitingly, an annual PGA tournament.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational (previously known at the Bay Hill Invitational) has been one of Orlando’s leading events of the year, drawing crowds from all over the country. Not only does golf legend Tiger Woods call the city home, but he has also conquered the Bay Hill tournament seven times, including the 2012 tilt. This year’s event will take place March 18 through 24, with the actual tournament starting on the 21st. Legendary names who will be swinging for their piece of the $2.6 million pie include Woods, Brandt Snedeker, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and many more.
The invitational hosts several events for spectators before tournament action commences on Thursday. Here are a few of the highlights:
Monday, March 18
-Champions for Arnold’s Kids Pro-Am tournament Round 1
-Publix Youth Day – all youth free (17 and under) with paid adult
-Free Coca-Cola Junior Clinic on the Driving Range
Tuesday, March 19
-Practice/Pro-Am Round 2
Wednesday, March 20
-Practice/Pro-Am Round 3
The invitational takes place at Orlando’s premier golf community, Bay Hill, in a town named Dr. Phillips. You will have plenty of hotel and dining options in Dr. Phillips. In fact, not far from Bay Hill sit Waldorf Astoria Orlando, the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes and Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Bay Hill is also within a mile of the area’s famed Restaurant Row, a strip of elite eateries such as Roy’s Restaurant, Bravo and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse.
For tickets and more information about attending this year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, visit its website here.
Photos courtesy of iStock-ranplett
