ORLANDO, Fla. — The Arnold Palmer Invitational has always held a distinct place in the PGA Tour schedule, even more so during the pandemic.
The API was the last Tour event to host full crowds prior to the March 13, 2020, COVID-19 shutdown and became the first to welcome fans back on Tour, though limited to 5,000 patrons in 2021.
Now at full capacity again, business is booming at Bay Hill Club and Lodge.
Tournament director Joie Chitwood said 50 new companies have purchased premium seating at various capacities as the API expanded available options. Rather than require companies purchase space to entertain three or four dozen people, a local business can entertain dozen or fewer executives, employees or clients.
“The key is having the right product mix for whatever the company’s budget is,” Chitwood said. “What are their desires? Is it to entertain new customers, prospects, or maybe it’s just their own C-level group, their executives? The key is really understanding that you have options.”
The new approach is another way to boost interest Orlando’s PGA Tour stop.
The grounds at Bay Hill were busy buzzing, but organizers do not provide attendance figures.
Kirk continues resurgence
Chris Kirk has a history of solid play in the API, including a tie for eighth last March.
In 2020, though, he did not tee it up at Bay Hill. Kirk’s game was in shambles and personal life getting back on track.
Kirk quit drinking alcohol April 29, 2019, citing abuse. He closes in on his third year of sobriety.
The 36-year-old’s golf game is trending. A tie for seventh at last week’s Honda Classic followed a 14th-place tie at Phoenix two weeks earlier.
During brutal conditions Saturday at Bay Hill, Kirk’s 4-under 68 tied Scottie Scheffler for the day’s low round. He sits four strokes behind leaders Billy Horschel and Talor Gooch.
A four-time winner on Tour, three of the victories in 2014-15, Kirk will need a magical Sunday to contend. But he’s well positioned for his third straight strong finish and another nice week at Bay Hill, where he has four top-15 finishes and a T16 in eight previous starts.
Homa’s ace pays off
Max Homa’s hole-in-one at the par-3 14th hole Saturday was his first on the PGA Tour.
The 31-year-old ended up paying for much more than a round of drinks in the clubhouse.
Homa’s holed pitching wedge from 163 yards generated a $200,000 donation by tournament sponsor to the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation. In honor of the ace, Mastercard also will reward fans who purchased third-round tickets to the Palmer Patio at No. 14 two grounds passes to the 2023 API.
Homa’s hole-in-one was just the sixth on No. 14 during the tournament’s 44-year history, but the third in two years. Kris Ventura and Jazz Janewattananond made 1 at the par-3 in 2021.
Arnie’s infants
Palmer’s signature red cardigan is awarded Sunday’s winner.
A future API participant just might be getting one this weekend, too.
Babies born at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies during tournament week received a “red cardigan onesie” in honor of the late Palmer and his wife.
The API has generated support the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation, allowing it to provide tens of millions in funding for the hospitals bear their names. This includes Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, one of the largest birthing centers in the U.S. averaging 35 births per day and 13,000 annually.
The hospital also features the country’s largest neonatal intensive care unit under one roof, caring for more than 1,600 premature and critically ill babies annually.
