Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Orlando, Florida
Mention the Bay Hill Club & Lodge and serious golfers will probably get a dreamy look in their eyes. Bay Hill, located in southwest Orlando, is one of the most prestigious semi-private clubs in the country, if not the world. Arnold Palmer is affectionately known as the “King” and is generally regarded as the one of the greatest golfers who ever played the game. In 1965 Arnold visited Bay Hill, quickly fell in love with the club and ended up buying it in 1976. This is where Arnold and his family have called home during the winter months for nearly 40 years and is also the home of the PGA Tour’s Bay Hill Invitational, which was won by Ernie Els this past March… The Sun and Fun Golf Association experienced an event that was fit for a “King”! Arnold’s grand plan was for his members and guests to experience a feeling of belonging to a private club, one where the staff treats them well and where all the amenities they expect at such a club are available for them to enjoy. His vision for Bay Hill Country Club and Lodge has become a reality. All who participated will agree. We had a fantastic time, from the luxurious accommodations to the world class golf and the delicious meals, it was a great trip. We didn’t meet Arnold but we saw his pictures and memorabilia throughout the club. And we did see LPGA Tour players, Brittany Lincicome and Maria Hjorth working on their games while we were waiting for our first of two 18 hole tournaments to begin. Speaking of our tournament, although no one played as well as Ernie Els, it sure was fun to play the same course the pros do. On the first day we played a practice round on the Challenger Course then played “Two Best Balls of Four Mixed” format followed by a “One Best Ball of Two” format the next day. Both of our tournament rounds were on Bay Hill’s Championship Course. Special recognition goes out to Ann Moore from the Meadows Country Club, who played strong and helped her teams to victory both days. The Heils also played well, Beverly was on a winning team the first day and Harold finished in first the second day.
Any club with Arnold Palmer as president must be special. Like it states on their website, "Arnold Palmer’s Bayhill Club & Lodge is charming, inviting and all about being best of the best - and not just when it comes to golf."
Bayhill amenities include quaint accommodations in this 70-room lodge, a luxurious spa, salon and fitness center, a gorgeous pool and tennis courts and of course, the kind of golf only available where Arnold lives and plays. Bayhill is only open to Club members and guests staying at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, by attending this event you have a rare opportunity to play golf on one of the most popular courses on the PGA Tour and Arnold Palmer's home course. With 27 holes of tournament championship golf with the "Champion", "Challenger" and "Charger" links.
Event Update:
Bay Hill was such a fantastic resort the S.F.G.A. can't wait to go back...
Visit Bay Hill Club & Lodge on the web at: www.bayhill.com
