Golf to salute ‘The King’ at Palmer Invitational

Golf to salute ‘The King’ at Palmer Invitational – Arnold Palmer will loom large over the Bay Hill Club & Lodge this week as the tournament which bears the golf legend’s name takes place for the first time since his death.

Australia’s defending champion Jason Day and world No 3 Rory McIlroy will headline an event which is expected to unfurl as a four-day celebration of the life of one of golf’s most beloved figures.

Palmer, who died last September aged 87, is widely credited with transforming golf during his glittering playing career, broadening the sport’s appeal while building a worldwide legion of devoted fans known as “Arnie’s Army.”

Those admirers at Bay Hill in Orlando this week will get the chance to honor Palmer before a newly installed 13-foot statue of the golfer which was unveiled last weekend between the first and 10th holes.

Officials say fans will be encouraged to touch the statue and take selfies beside it, reflecting the down-to-earth, approachable qualities that Palmer became famous for.

“Bay Hill this week, it is going to be pretty emotional,” reigning Masters champion Danny Willett said on Tuesday, revealing that many players would honor Palmer by sporting multi-colored umbrella pins, a symbol which became synonymous with the American.

“I think the whole vibe of the place is going to be great. We remember him for the great man he was and what he did for the game, but I think it’s going to be a celebration of what he did for the game.

“You can see everything, when you walk through the doors, everything just oozes with class, and that’s the guy that he was.

“I think it’s all going to make for an unbelievable week.”