Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler kind of stepped in it last week by not playing. For two guys who generally do all the right things, their absence (and that of other top Americans) at Bay Hill was noticeable. Yes, their schedules are very hectic and both have been doing quite a bit of traveling this year. Still, it’s Arnie’s week.
All tour players owe a great deal to Arnold Palmer for popularizing golf beyond the country club set, for trailblazing endorsement deals, and so much more. Unfortunately, the number of times left that he’ll be there to shake the winner’s hand as they come off the 18th is dwindling. This year he will sit out the ceremonial first drive at the Masters because he can no longer hit it like he wants to. American pros, find another week to get your rest in, this one belongs to the King.
Best t-shirt at Bay Hill? “Arnie for President, 2016.” We could (and probably will) do worse.
Let’s hit the links.
Hole #1: Day Takes the King’s Tourney
Jason Day didn’t look as sharp as he did the first two days, but two-under on the weekend was enough to get his eighth PGA Tour victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Water and rough helped by tripping up the chasers down the stretch. [Link]
Hole #2: Kim Goes Low
The week that Se Ri Pak announced her retirement, one of her countrywomen shot lights out to take the LPGA Founders Cup. Sei Young Kim shot 62 on Sunday, tying both the course record and the 72-hole LPGA scoring record (-27) set by Annika Sorenstam in 2001. Runner up Lydia Ko was five shots back. [Link]
Hole #3: Woody Wins
Woody Austin eagled the 15th in the final round and held on to win the Tucson Conquistadores Classic by a stroke. It was his first victory on the senior circuit. [Link]
Hole #4: Se Ri to Pack It In
Se Ri Pak, who inspired a generation of South Korean girls to follow in her footprints, announced her retirement last week to focus on life and being a better person. [Link]
Hole #5: An Olympic Test
The often-criticized and behind-schedule Olympic golf course in Rio finally opened to rave reviews by an elite Brazilian field. [Link]
Hole #6: AP Invitational Gets Elevated Status
Beginning last, Winners of the Arnold Palmer Invitational have received a three-year tour exemption. Beginning next year, they will get the lion’s share of one of the largest purses on tour, $8.7 million. [Link]
Hole #7: Carbo Loading
Jordan Spieth ate a lot of macaroni and cheese during his recent ESPN commercial shoot, like, a lot. [Link]
Hole #8: Grand Slam Canned
The Grand Slam of Golf pitted the season’s major winners in a head-to-head, made for silly-season TV event. The PGA of America has cancelled the often hard-to-watch competition, for good. [Link]
Hole #9: 7-Year-Old Returns Trophy
I had occasion to do the same thing last year. I can attest that when you do this as an adult, however, people just make fun of you for making the mistake in the first place. [Link]