From the Bay Hill Club in Orlando FL, the Arnold Palmer invitational is playing with a field of golfers representing all levels of greatness. Many if not all of these golfers were inspired by Mr Palmer. Both by his play and his magnanimous personality off the course. He befriended golfers of all ages, telling them stories of tournaments of old as well as people he had met along the way. Ask any professional golfer his or her opinion of Arnold Palmer and you would be hard pressed to find any who would say anything unflattering. One of the greatest honors the PGA has bestowed on him besides the many green jackets he has won, was to name this tournament after him. Now the best of the best will gather to take this coveted trophy home.
DEDICATION OF THE PLAYERS
Not only is this a challenging course, it is set in the beautiful area of Orlando FL. At early sunrise, warming up and getting themselves familiar once again with the course Wednesday morning were two of the best. Tiger Woods and Rory Mcilroy testing their swings and enjoying the quiet practice time. Both of these men are very capable of winning as they have both have had the rank of number one for long stretches. Tiger much longer than Rory but Rory has been playing less time. But the field is full of young and veteran dedicated players all ready to go.
RIDING THE WAVE FROM THE VALSPER INVITATIONAL
Last week’s tournament paved the way for the Arnold Palmer invitational in a way few things could. The excitement of the final round was amazing but also very noteworthy was the surge up the leader-board by Tiger Woods on Saturday. As he climbed the board into a tie for first place. Social media exploded with the excitement and anticipation of him winning once again. With all credit given to the others in the field, few can get that reaction.
On Sunday the leader-board was close the entire day. Tiger came up just short shooting a -1 for the day and finishing one stroke behind Paul Casey. The golf world got so excited about Tiger that other impressive things received little attention. Such as Sergio Garcia with a strong -6 push in the final round to finish in fourth place. The last few weeks have shown the more experienced golfers are far from done winning. They are making an impact in this sport every week. Keeping the younger golfers on their toes to stay in the game.
WHO WILL HOIST THE TROPHY
Defending champion Marc Leishman has just as much chance as anyone to win. All in all just as any tournament a lot will fall on conditions of the course. Speed of the greens. Weather on the weekend and ultimately, focus of the players and who keeps it all the way through. Whomever wins, there should be some real excitement and fun throughout the weekend.
Enjoy the last tournament before the official start of spring.
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