Course of The Week: Bay Hill Country Club & Lodge
This week’s “Course of The Week” is Bay Hill Country Club and Lodge in Orlando, FL. Home of “The King”, Arnold Palmer grew his legacy and legendary golf stature by not only continuing to win on the course, but off the course as well. To start with a little bit of backstory, Bay Hill once was a large stretch of land owned by subsidiaries of the Minutemaid corporation. However, the land grew unfertile and hence a change had to be made. Arnold Palmer purchased the land from businessmen from Nashville, TN in 1970 and made many changes to the layout and form of the course till around 1975. It wasn’t until the year 1979, Palmer was successful in negotiating to host the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which is still around today and is one of the most sought-after championships. See below for more Bay Hill History:
The Course
Bay Hill Country Club and Lodge offers an 18-hole championship course, 9-hole challenger course, pristine range and practice areas, tennis courts, lodge, spa, and pool. Just the amenities alone make the club one of the most high-class establishments in the game of golf. However, one is not truly struck with significant history until entering the lodge and being accompanied with hundreds of pictures of Palmer’s history. Immediately players know that they have entered a golfer’s sanctuary will be requested to take their hats off inside (a unique/classy twist). The practice facilities feature an incredible driving range, putting-green, chipping area, and massive 100-yard bunker and short game area. Once players are warmed up and ready for their round, they are presented with a par-72 course, ranging from 6000-7100 yards depending on what tee is selected. Please see the below link for Bay Hill’s own descriptions and videos of each hole:
Playability
The course is covered in strategic bunkers and both manmade and natural water hazards, which brings unique styles of play into effect. Golfers will be forced to drive the golf ball well and make sure that they leave themselves in good areas in order to score well. Obviously, avoiding the bunkers and water hazards is step one, however the Bay Hill rough is another story. Moving methodically down the fairway will bode much better for players taking risks, as the rough plays a key factor in high scores.
Next, around the greens players can expect very fast greens, which will require crafty pitch and chip shots in order to have looks at makeable putts. The greens roll absolutely pure and have a fair about of receptiveness depending on seasonality. Golfers will want to make sure that they error on the side of short rather than long, as being below the hole will certainly result in lower numbers. To recap, driving the golf ball is the most important factor, but keeping the ball in the fairway and below the hole is a must.
Comfort
Once finished with their round, players have all sorts of options depending on the timing of the day to relax, unwind, and enjoy themselves. The grill is fantastic and has all sorts of beverage and high-end food options around steak, seafood, pasta, and more. Additionally, the back patio is a great area to relax and enjoy the sun set on another fantastic day at Bay Hill. The staff and employees at the club are top-notch and make sure that their guests are checked on regularly and completely satisfied with the entire experience of the day. It is truly an all-around fantastic golf course and somewhere everyone should journey out to at least once.
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