ARNOLD PALMER'S BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE (407-876-2429)
Florida Golf Course Review
Note: This course is available to play for Members and Resort Guests only.
The golf course at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge is one of the most respected and time honored golf courses in Florida - as it continues to host the annual PGA Bay Hill
Invitational each March, featuring many of the top names in US and international golf. (2006 tour date is March 13-16 - for info on this prestigious tournament CLICK ON THIS
LINK http://bayhillinvitational.com). The course is the centerpiece of a full service resort that features a variety of upscale accommodations- including a 70-room lodge that
underwent a 7 million dollar renovation in 2005, a full service spa, salon, fitness center, swimming pool and tennis courts. Homes are also available for rent for Bay Hill guests.
For more info on the resort, visit our page for Bay Hill on our Florida Golf Resort section by clicking here.
There is something about playing a course that you have observed many times on television...Bay Hill is a breathtaking layout designed by Dick Wilson in 1961, that sweeps
across 270 landscaped acres along the shores of the Butler Chain of Lakes. 27 well groomed golf holes create a variety of shot values that provide a challenging test for all levels
of players. What's more, the property has been the winter home of the Palmer family since the club was purchased by Arnold Palmer in 1976.
The 18 holes that annually comprise the championship layout are designed along manicured fairways flanked by magnolias and other native trees, with lakes helping to form the
borders on 12 of the holes. There are some forced carries, particularly on some of the longer holes, which present adventurous risk/reward opportunities. Many of the green
complexes are daunting, as significant bunkering is often situated in front of and around the large putting surfaces, which are usually raised and frequently tiered or undulating. In
total, 105 sand bunkers line the fairways or are situated greenside. A good short game is required to score well on this layout as a variety of approaches are necessary, from high,
quick-stopping lobs to run-up chips. The high quality strain of grass - Tif Eagle is utilized on the greens, creating true rolling and extremely quick playing surfaces.
There are five sets of tees on the Challenger and Champion nines that play to distances and slopes measuring 7267 yards/140 slope, 6920 yards/135 slope, 6647 yards/131
slope, 6220 yards/129 slope and 5235 yards with a slope of 128 for men and 140 for women playing from the forward sets. The Charger nine measures from between 2377 to
3422 yards. For the championship course, daily pin placement sheets are mounted on the carts, which also provide rear covers to protect clubs during inclement weather.
Sprinkler heads plus 100, 150 and 200 yard markers are posted in the fairways, which are constructed from 419 Bermuda with Palmer Rye over-seed during the winter months.
Clubhouse facilities include a well stocked pro shop with logo attire, clubs and accessories, luxuriously appointed locker rooms with showers for both men and women, a Grill &
Lounge plus two restaurants with breakfast, lunch and dinner available. Banquet and outing facilities on property can host full outings and large numbers for events and special
activities. There also is a targeted grass range, putting greens and a short game area with sand bunker on property.
This is one remarkable golf experience - and one that we obviously highly recommend. Be prepared for a challenging experience as this course demands length, accuracy and
strategy to fare well in the scoring department. Visitors will find a top 100 golf shop on property, and lessons are available at the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy. Keep in mind that
play on Bay Hill is available to members and resort guests only! You must stay here to play here! For more info, visit our page for the golf course, with direct link to their website
by clicking here.
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