2014 Arnold Palmer Invitational
The PGA Florida Swing heads to Orlando this week and the 2014 Arnold Palmer Invitational. In the last two weeks the PGA has seen Patrick Reed win the WGC – Cadillac Championship in Miami and John Senden see victory in Tampa but this week we see the return of a more familiar name as he seeks to retain his title at Bay Hill. We are talking about Tiger Woods, of course, and he’ll be going for a record ninth win at what the locals affectionately call “Arnie’s Place.”
Woods’ health remains in question, however, as last time out at Doral he was in obvious distress as back spasms contributed to a worst ever score at that event of 78. A week earlier he withdrew from the final round of the Honda Classic as it flared up and an awkward stance to hit a shot from a bunker on the sixth hole in Miami saw Woods hobble home in completing his round.
Defending his title at Bay Hill is important to Woods as he cherishes his relationship with Arnold Palmer but with the Masters looming a few weeks away, few will be surprised if he decides not to take too many risks.
It still promises to be a fascinating week in Orlando though as six of the top ten and twenty of the top thirty in the current FedEx Cup standings are due to play. Also, half of the world’s top ten players are due to compete including the top three; 1) Woods, 2) Adam Scott and 3) Henrik Stenson. The tournament will also see 10 of the 15 different winners on tour this year turn out as Ryan Moore, Chris Kirk, Harris English, Zach Johnson, Patrick Reed, Scott Stallings, Bubba Watson, Russell Henley, Chesson Hadley and John Senden will all be in the field.
Some familiar names also return as previous Arnold Palmer Invitation champions are in the field. Martin Laird, Vijay Singh, Rod Pampling, Chad Campbell, Tim Herron, Paul Goydos, Robert Gamex and Woods.
The Pro-Am begins at 7.30am on Wednesday as Tiger Woods off number one tee and Brandt Snedeker off number ten, start the days events. It’s always the best day for fans to get up close and to get some autographs signed before the serious play begins on Thursday.
Tickets are still available for all days play and you can get them at http://arnoldpalmerinvitational.com/
