Inaugural Event Will Benefit Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and T.J. Martell Foundation

New York, NY – (January 31, 2012) – Music fans will converge on Orlando this March to take part in a memorable concert event while supporting the battle against cancer.

The first-ever Music for Champions concert will take place on Monday, March 19, 2012 at Hard Rock Live Orlando. Proceeds from the concert will jointly benefit Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research. The concert will kick off the 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

(TORONTO) - Arnie - a partnership between Arnold Palmer Enterprises and the co-founders of Quagmire Golf clothing - announces that PGA Tour star and style icon Ryan Moore has become the brand ambassador for the new golf and lifestyle apparel line directly inspired by Arnold Palmer's classic looks from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

ORLANDO, Fla. (December 6, 2012) - The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, one of very few "invite only" tournaments on the PGA TOUR, is proud to partner with Publix Super Markets in Central Florida to make tickets available for purchase to Publix customers. Tickets for the 34th annual tournament March 19-25, 2012 at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando will be available at 95 Publix locations in Central Florida from now through tournament week.

“We are extremely proud to partner with Publix this year as a new outlet for our fans to purchase tournament tickets and by doing so raise money for our hospitals.” said Tournament Director Scott Wellington.

ORLANDO, Fla. (December 1, 2011) - The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, one of very few "invite only" tournaments on the PGA TOUR, is inviting consumers to take advantage of an exclusive opportunity available now through December 16th, 2011. As a special offer during the holiday season, two Palmer Pavilion tickets can be purchased for $300, a 25 percent savings. MasterCard cardholders who purchase the Palmer Pavilion tickets with their MasterCard card during the promotion will receive an additional five percent off for a total of 30% savings.

ORLANDO, FL - Golf legend Arnold Palmer sunk his 20th career hole-in-one on the 7th hole of the Charger Course at Bay Hill today.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Bay Hill Club & Lodge, host of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour, is this week's featured property at OrlandoGolf.com, the leading site for anyone planning to play golf in Orlando.

NEW YORK, NY – Golf legend and philanthropist Arnold Palmer will receive the Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement Award from Tony Martell, Founder and Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer and AIDS Research, at the 36th Annual Awards Gala on Thursday, November 3rd at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Even two years later, the renovation of the Bay Hill Club & Lodge continues to be praised and cherished.

Members, guests, managers and, most important, the PGA Tour pros who tee it up every March in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, have embraced Palmer's thoughtful work to the bunkers and green complexes. The new grass on the greens, Emerald Bermuda, has been deemed "the right fit" by all. The renovation, which was completed Sept. 10, 2009, gives the King another reason to celebrate his birthday each year.

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, one of very few "invite only" tournaments on the PGA TOUR, is inviting consumers to take advantage of an exclusive savings opportunity available today through September 25, 2011. In celebration of Mr. Palmer's birthday on September 10, tickets for the 34 annual tournament March 19-25, 2012 at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando go on sale September 12. MasterCard^® cardholders have the opportunity to pre-purchase tickets for the 2012 event, including a special offer from MasterCard for Daily Tickets. From September 12 - 25 only those who purchase an Any-One-Day ticket with their MasterCard card will receive a second Any-One-Day ticket FREE.

Three-time PGA Tour winner Brian Gay hosts Inside the PGA Tour Tuesday, joined by his friends from the award-winning band Rascal Flatts. The show first airs on Golf Channel at 7:30 pm Eastern time.

The show was taped early in the week of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill last month. It includes a conversation with Gay and his wife Kimberly at their home in Orlando and footage from a rollicking performance by Rascal Flatts at the Palmer Invitational pro-am party.

BY Golfweek Magazine

Orlando, Fla. - Talk about a reversal of fortunes.

Trailing by three shots with four to play, Martin Laird picked up a pair of birdies and two clutch pars to claim the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday, becoming the first European to win the tournament in its 33-year history.

Laird, who led the field by two strokes heading into the final round, struggled mightily for most of the round, giving up the lead to Steve Marino on the back nine. Laird hit into the water on No. 11 for double bogey and a bogey on No. 14 put him three shots behind.

Laird started to climb back with birdies on Nos. 15 and 16, and made clutch pars on Nos. 17 and 18 to secure his second PGA Tour victory. Meanwhile, an ill-timed double bogey from Marino on No. 17 gave Laird a chance to win the tournament with a par on No. 18.

The Scot followed through with a two-putt from just inside 90 feet to seal the victory.

Scotland’s Martin Laird is poised to make a little history today in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. But he’s going to have to earn it.

After a 2-under 70 Saturday on the Championship Course at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Laird will begin the final round here with a two-shot lead over Californian Spencer Levin, giving him a chance to become the first European winner of this tournament, now in its 33rd year.  Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and Rod Pampling are the only international champions here.

Phil Mickelson didn’t quite shoot himself back into the golf tournament Saturday here at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, but the reigning Masters champion and former winner of the event was one of the early starters who made a good move up the leaderboard, pleasing the large gallery following along.

On another sun-splashed day at Bay Hill, Mickelson fired a 3-under-par 69, and he will enter today’s final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard in a tie for 20th place at 2-under 214. The 1997 winner of Palmer’s prestigious invitational, Mickelson carded six birdies against three bogeys on the Championship Course.

Sam Saunders fired a 3-under-par 69 Saturday to advance his position in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

“I hit the ball great, and I’ve hit the ball great all week,” said Saunders, 23, the grandson of the tournament host. “It was actually a pretty easy round; not a lot of drama.”

Well, not a lot of drama if you don’t count the 11th hole, where Saunders hit a 3-wood off the tee and into the right side of the fairway. The ball traveled 278 yards. The clubhead went 60 yards. It seems the epoxy holding the clubhead to the shaft gave out. It ended up near the rope line in the left rough.

Charles Howell III has never missed the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard since he joined the PGA TOUR in 2001, but he’s never had a more enjoyable round than his Friday run at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Howell, 31, who lives in Orlando, fired a 7-under-par 65 on a sunny and calm morning on the Championship Course, his lowest round here by three shots and just his fourth round in the 60s. His reward is a spot just three strokes behind leader Martin Laird as the weekend commences.

Always a good ball-striker, Howell has been concentrating on his short game in recent months. Not just his putting – though that has been stellar with 26 putts Friday after 29 putts Thursday – but the rest of the ensemble.

Tiger Woods hasn’t yet lost his ability to get a huge crowd rockin’ and rollin.’

He may no longer be the No. 1 player in the world, but Woods is still the No. 1 draw in golf, and on Friday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, Woods electrified the fans with a series of big shots and bigger putts.

First-round leader Spencer Levin went out early Friday morning here at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge – just after sunup, in fact – and quickly stretched his overnight lead from three shots to as many as six at one point. Maintaining his blistering pace was the priority.

“If you’re making a bunch of birdies out here,” the youngster said, “there is somebody else who is going to be making a bunch of birdies. If you think you're playing great, somebody else is going to be playing great. It's just a different level than other golf.”

Levin hasn’t yet won a PGA TOUR title, but he sure understands what he’s up against in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

Tiger Woods won the battle Thursday against two hotshot youngsters in the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. He’s got a long way to go to win the weeklong skirmish that decides who claims the trophy.

A disappointing bogey on the final hole left Woods with a 1-over 73 in his first round at Bay Hill’s Championship Course since his 2009 victory. His playing partners, Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland, both 26 years old, encountered more problems. Each ended up at 5-over 77 while playing in front of a huge throng and amid major championship conditions complicated by gusting winds.

Rickie Fowler returned to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge determined to improve on his debut last year when he his best round was an even-par 72 and he ended up tied for 50th place. He’s off to a good start, shooting a 3-under-par 69 Thursday morning, tied for second after the opening round.

Perhaps he received a psychological boost – and maybe a few pointers – when he played a round with a guy who has extensive local knowledge of the Champions Course. Earlier this month Fowler, the 2010 PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year, was paired with Arnold Palmer in the prestigious Pro-Member at Seminole Golf Club in Jupiter, Florida.

In fact, Fowler and Palmer won the event against a field that included Lee Westwood, Jhonattan Vegas, Ernie Els, and U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell. Vegas was paired with Jack Nicklaus.

“Yeah, definitely didn't hurt,” Fowler said of playing with the King. “I played really well with him. I wasn't too nervous, but obviously I felt that if I played well, I wanted to impress him a little bit.”

Spencer Levin is getting a lot of practice leading golf tournaments on the PGA TOUR. Sooner or later he’s going to figure out how to hold that position at the finish.

Levin, 26, of Elk Grove, California, fired an impeccable 6-under-par 66 Thursday here at the windswept Bay Hill Club & Lodge and darted out to a three-stroke lead over Rickie Fowler and Hunter Mahan after the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. The bogey-free performance gave Levin the first-round lead for the third time this year.

Arnold Palmer always knew how to entertain a crowd on the golf course, which is why his galleries always seemed to be overflowing, and how the phenomenon known as Arnie’s Army was created. Even without a golf club, Palmer is still the King, and he hasn’t lost his ability to please a crowd when he’s holding court.

The founder and host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard met with members of the media Wednesday morning before doing what he still does best: giving people a thrill with a golf club in his hands, which he did during the Pro-Am.

Tiger Woods has returned to the scene of his prime.

After a one-year absence, the former No. 1 player in the world is back at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard ready to build on his record of six professional victories on the Championship Course here at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Ernie Els revealed three years ago that his son, Ben, has autism, and since that time he has been busy raising awareness about the condition – and also raising money to see what can be done to combat it.

In the third Els for Autism Pro-Am at PGA National Monday, 21 professionals helped raise $750,000.  The event has raised nearly $3 million for the Els Center for Excellence, which will provide children with autism access to education and therapy services.

Another fund-raising initiative that reaches a national scale is the Els for Autism Golf Challenge, which was created earlier this year, with 30 coordinated amateur events around the country from May through September. The final is scheduled for October 23-24 in Las Vegas.

Exciting and enervating finishes have highlighted the proceedings over the years at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.  The closing stretch at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge has produced fantastic finishes for the past three years, with Tiger Woods making birdies on the 72nd hole to win the 2008 and 2009 editions – for his fifth and sixth titles at Bay Hill – and Ernie Els grinding out a series of tough pars in 2010 to claim his second title in a stirring Monday finish that was among the most memorable conclusions of the year on the PGA TOUR.

Ernie Els has had a Hall of Fame career, which includes 18 PGA TOUR titles – two of which came here at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard – and three major championships, not to mention 44 more victories around the world. Els will be officially inducted into World Golf Hall of Fame in May, but that doesn’t mean he’s done building on his resume.

Els is the defending champion this week here at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge for the 33rd annual tournament, and at age 40 he is working just as hard as ever to get his game in shape for conquering the Championship Course and a stellar field of 120 players. Hall of Fame or not, he’s as ambitious as ever, and he’s still looking ahead.

WHERE GREAT WORK GETS DONE

Proceeds from the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, which includes Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

This is a well-established fact, and an important one, too, because in the 32 years of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, significant sums have been raised on behalf of a cause that is as important as anything Arnold Palmer has done in his long, multifaceted and successful career in golf. And with many of the best players on the PGA TOUR here at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge for this year’s tournament, they’ll play a part in raising more money for the two Orlando hospitals that have come to mean so much to area families since 1989.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will feature 25 of the top 50 players in World Ranking

The 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will feature defending champion Ernie Els, six-time champion Tiger Woods, and current major winners Phil Mickelson and Graeme McDowell when the 33rd annual PGA TOUR event is held March 21-27 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

Nine former winners at Bay Hill are entered. Woods had four consecutive victories from 2000 through 2003, then won in 2008 and 2009, but did not defend last year. Mickelson won in 1997. Among the other former winners is Andy Bean, the 1981 champion who still shares the course record of 62 (with Greg Norman). The others entered are Robert Gamez, Tim Herron, Andrew Magee, Rod Pampling and Vijay Singh.

Twenty-five of the top 50 players on the World Ranking are entered, led by fourth-ranked McDowell, the U.S. Open champion, and sixth-ranked Mickelson, the Masters champion. Woods is listed between them on the World Ranking, holding fifth place.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will feature stellar field including six-time champion

Six-time champion Tiger Woods, who did not defend his title in 2010, will return to the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, March 21-27 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

Past champion Chad Campbell and former major winners Lee Janzen and Ben Curtis are among the 19 players receiving sponsor exemptions for the 2011 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, which is scheduled for March 21-27 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

Palmer refining course, eagerly looking forward to another great year at tournament that bears his name

Arnold Palmer recently decided that he would not renew his pilot's license after more than 50 years of aviation success and excitement, but that doesn't mean he ever tires of piloting the direction of another of his passions - overseeing one of the most prestigious events on the PGA TOUR, the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

"Every year I think of something that I want to do a little better, and every year that makes me look forward to bringing everyone back to Bay Hill Club," Palmer says with a big smile.

Welcoming new talent has been long-time tradition at Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard has long enjoyed a tradition of supporting new young talent in the game, giving exemptions early in their careers to the likes of Vijay Singh and Ernie Els - both now Hall of Famers as well as winners at Bay Hill - and bringing in Japanese teen sensation Ryo Ishikawa in 2009.

As the 33rd edition of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard approaches, golf fans the world over can expect to see plenty of the new generation of young stars March 21-27 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

"Watching how young players progress and mature is something you always want to see," said tournament founder and host Arnold Palmer. "It's a healthy thing for the game to always have that infusion of new blood in there."

Competitors give high marks to course changes after 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

It’s a rare thing when hype matches reality. But that just happened to be the case at the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, when an elite field of world-class golfers came to the newly renovated Championship Course expecting to see for themselves if Arnold Palmer’s famed layout had been made better.

They weren’t disappointed. It was as good as advertised.

That’s why competitors are eager for a return when the 33rd edition of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is held March 21-27 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

ORLANDO, FL - The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard® is raising money for the Arnold Palmer Medical Center. For every new fan who 'likes' the tournament Facebook page from now through March 28, 2011, MasterCard will donate $1, up to $200,000, to help children being cared for at the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The PGA TOUR announced Tuesday a mobile device policy that will allow fans at TOUR events to carry mobile devices and use them in select areas on the golf course.

The 2011 year is truly golden for Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge as they announce the celebration of their 50th Anniversary. In honor of this momentous occasion, Bay Hill is offering a special Golden Anniversary Package to include a spacious guest room in the Lodge, breakfast, a bottle of wine from the Arnold Palmer label, and choice of one round of championship golf or a soothing spa treatment. You'll also receive a special commemorative 50th Anniversary Pin Flag - the same flag that will fly over all 18 greens of the top-ranked Bay Hill golf course this year, and a limited edition collectible Golden Anniversary umbrella pin, which is the symbol of the Palmer brand around the world. This special package is offered from $167 - $299, per person, per night based on double occupancy (pricing varies with seasonality), making it affordable to stay and experience this legendary venue. Taxes not included. Reservation can be made by calling (888)422-9445 or visiting www.bayhill.com.

Bay Hill Club & Lodge, host of the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard on the PGA Tour, is this week's featured property at OrlandoGolf.com, the leading site for anyone planning to play golf in Orlando.

Clutch play down the stretch helps Ernie Els secure second victory at 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

Ernie Els will readily tell you that his two-stroke victory in the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard was among the most satisfying wins of his career. It also happened to be one of the most difficult.

Els, 40, won for the second time at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, registering a two-stroke victory over Edoardo Molinari and Kevin Na thanks to a closing 1-under-par 71 and 11-under 277 total. But what at one point looked to be a cakewalk ended up being a true test of nerves and talent for the big South African native.

PGA TOUR pros experience first-hand the benefits of the Arnold Palmer Medical Center’s two hospitals

Proceeds from the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard benefit the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, which includes Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies.

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is launching a new interactive marketing campaign designed to engage consumers and introduce the community to some of its young patients.

PGA TOUR member and 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard Champion Ernie Els among leaders in voting for a Jefferson Award, presented to an athlete each year for outstanding charitable service. Els is in the process of raising $30 million to educate and assist children with autism. There is no limit to the number of times you vote. Voting ends 12/31.

Visit http://staging.allstarshelpingkids.org/teammates/voting2011.html

Arnold Palmer Hospital is the only hospital in Central Florida to be included in the rankings.

Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children has been ranked 30th for heart and heart surgery, and 28th for orthopedics in U.S. News & World Report's 2010 edition of America's Best Children's Hospitals. The annual rankings included the 30 top hospitals in cancer, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, heart and heart surgery, kidney disorders, neonatology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, respiratory disorders, and urology.

Defending champion Ernie Els has become the fifth past champion of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented By MasterCard to join the host, Arnold Palmer, in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The World Golf Hall of Fame announced its newest inductees on September 22. Along with Els, those chosen were Doug Ford, the late Jock Hutchison and former President George H.W. Bush. A fifth and final inductee will be announced later. The inductees will be enshrined on May 9, 2011 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida.

ORLANDO, FL - The Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando Florida, Palmer's winter home and host course for the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, made the 2010 Golf Magazine Top 100 You Can Play list coming in at number 51, up from 2008's rank of 54.

Kingdom Magazine is auctioning Nespresso's Arnold Palmer portrait to benefit the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children (arnoldpalmerhospital.com).

From now until the end of October, enter a bid at arnieskingdom.com and you could win a stay in Orlando and meet the man himself.

Golf fans have seen over the years the challenge Bay Hill presents when the PGA Tour's best arrive each spring for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Nor does the blueprint change much when the state's top amateurs come calling.

To win the 93rd Florida State Amateur crown this weekend, golfers will have to negotiate a layout that - except for seasonal differences - will have a similar look and feel as what Ernie Els won on in March.

Ernie Els became eligible this year for induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame and has been added to the ballot for 2011.

The South African golfer won the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard for his second win at Bay Hill.

ORLANDO, FL - Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge has been selected as a finalist in the $1.6 Million - $4 Million project category for the 2009 Golf Inc. Magazine's Renovation of the Year Competition.

The Bay Hill renovation was conducted under the experienced eye of Palmer himself and the Arnold Palmer Design Company.

By PGA TOUR Staff and Wire Reports

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Ernie Els survived a few nervous moments by making two clutch par putts to win the rain-delayed Arnold Palmer Invitational in a Monday finish for his second PGA Tour victory in a row after a two-year drought.

Ernie Els is the 2010 winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

Final leaderboard results of the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

En route to his victory, Ernie Els chips in for birdie at the par-4 9th hole during the final round of the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

Ernie Els leads by two strokes at the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard as players prepare for a Monday finish. Casey Black previews the top of the leaderboard and what to expect Monday.

Ernie Els holds a two-shot lead at 11-under par before play was suspended until Monday due to inclement weather at the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard.

Tournament play has been postponed, will resume Monday at 12 p.m. - any ticket or badge will provide GROUNDS ONLY access and you may park on-site at Bay Hill.

Final round play will be aired on The Golf Channel at 12 p.m. EST.

Ernie Els said he hopes to play “major championship-type golf” today when he takes a one-stroke lead into the final round of the 32nd Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

With the roll he’s on, the Big Easy seems capable of pulling it off. With the fellows in pursuit, he might need it, too.

Seeking to win back-to-back starts for the first time since 2003, Els continued his recent resurgence with a solid 3-under-par 69 at the breezy Bay Hill Club & Lodge and leads former British Open champion Ben Curtis by a shot at 10-under 206. It’s the 17th time the big South African has held at least a share of the 54-hole lead, and it’s the fifth time in his last seven rounds that he been at the top.

Pre-round adjustments are essential for professional golfers, but Joe Ogilvie took it to a new level Friday at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. His reward was a 10-shot improvement. Ogilvie shot a bogey-free 6-under-par 66 on Bay Hill’s Championship Course.

Just 25 minutes before his second-round tee time of 12:43 pm, Ogilvie retreated to the clubhouse and had his R9 irons bent 1-degree upright by assistant pro Josh Jackson. "It's not recommended doing something like that, but I needed to turn it around, and it worked," said Ogilvie, who carded the low round of the day and moved up 81 spots into a tie for 23rd at 2-under 142 after 36 holes.

“I wouldn’t mind winning again,” Jim Furyk said Saturday morning after he finished his third round in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

The notion of winning might have sounded absurd since Furyk had already signed his scorecard more than two hours before the leaders were to tee off, but the former U.S. Open champion had just polished off a 6-under-par 66 on Bay Hill’s Championship Course. That enabled him to leapfrog dozens of fellow competitors and get within hailing distance of the top spot with today’s final round remaining.

Because of the forecast, Sunday's play will begin at 8:30am off of #1 & #10 tee, three-somes, with the leaders estimated to tee off at 10:30am.

Riding a wave of confidence from his victory two weeks ago, Ernie Els had just enough luck to get out of an unlucky situation Friday and stormed into a share of the lead in the 32nd Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

The Big Easy converted hard pars at the sixth and seventh holes at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge and went on to card a 3-under 69, good for the 36-hole lead at 7-under 137 with Ben Curtis, D.J. Trahan and first-round co-leader Davis Love III.

The up, down and merry-go-round game that Phil Mickelson put on display Friday at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge might have been stressful for most golfers, but not for the talented left-hander, who not only is used to walking a high wire without a net, but also enjoys the challenges associated with it.

Sam Saunders can play the Championship Course almost whenever he wants. The grandson of Arnold Palmer practically grew up at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, and twice he has won the club championship.

But Saunders desperately wanted to earn some weekend tee times here, and he accomplished that when he fired a 2-under-par 70 Friday and made the cut with room to spare in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

Golf legend Arnold Palmer reveals who he would like to tee it up with the most.

By Dave Shedloski

Any golfer knows he seldom is able to put together all of the pieces of his game, but good things inevitably happen when he does.

Just ask J.B. Holmes, whose game, as his initials might suggest, was Just Brilliant Thursday in the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. The long-hitting Kentuckian combined power with precision and putting to post a bogey-free 6-under-par 66 and grab a share of the lead with Davis Love III.

By Dave Shedloski

Paul Goydos knows how quickly a golf game can come and go.

Winner of the 1996 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, Goydos nearly aced the arduous par-3 17th hole Thursday in the opening round. A 3-iron from 220 yards stopped just two feet short of the cup, and he tapped in a for a birdie.

By Dave Shedloski

Henrik Stenson hasn’t been sleeping much the last three weeks, but he enjoyed a dream-like start to the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard Thursday morning when he tied his lowest round of the season with a 5-under-par 67 on the Championship Course at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

The golf course is always one of the stars of any top-flight tournament, but at this year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, the Championship Course at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge might deserve further attention and scrutiny than in any previous year.

When the 120-player field takes to the Championship Course starting at 7:50 a.m. today, they’ll be facing an examination that is both familiar and new. And from all indications, they are eager to get going.

Andrew Magee doesn’t compete often on the PGA TOUR these days, but the four-time winner seldom misses out on a visit to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge for the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

Magee, 47, is making his season debut this week at Bay Hill and his 20th start in the tournament he won in 1991. Other than for health reasons, he’s never missed Palmer’s tournament since he won the rain-shortened 1991 title by two strokes over Tom Sieckmann with a 13-under 203 total.

Jim Furyk won his 14th PGA TOUR title last week at the Transitions Championship with a gutsy one-stroke victory over K.J. Choi at down the road at Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida. Now the No. 6 player in the world has a new goal as he prepares for the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

Arnold Palmer, the host of the 2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, addressed the assembled media prior to the tournament start.

In September of last year, Arnold Palmer was at Bay Hill to help re-open the club that has been part of his life for four-plus decades after its significant summer renovation. The greens have been re-graded and now feature new Emerald Bermudagrass, and the bunkering around the nearly 7,400-yard layout has been redone and altered dramatically. Mainly, whereas the old Bay Hill was known for lots of subtle, hidden bunkering, the renovation brings the new bunkering front and center before the golfer. It’s sure to get the pros’ attention.

The Masters lurks only two weeks away, and Bay Hill, the final stop on the exciting four-event Florida Swing, provides players an excellent exam in measuring the quality of their games. Here's a look at the Florida Swing leading into the API, along with 12 'insider' nuggets the true golf fan should know about this year's field.

For each card purchased, The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will make a donation to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center

Orlando, Fla., and Purchase, NY, March 18, 2010 – The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard (March 22-28, 2010) and MasterCard Worldwide today announced the availability of The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard Prepaid MasterCard® Business Gift cards, created exclusively for the tournament. The cards, created in partnership with Springbok Services, feature two unique designs and include the widely-recognized Arnold Palmer signature and umbrella logo. A more convenient and secure option than vouchers or cash, the cards can be provided to tournament guests to make purchases anywhere on the tournament grounds.

Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard Hosts CocaCola Youth Clinic & Youth Day on March 22

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 16, 2010) — The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is known for its support of the community via the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, but the Tournament also gives back through its work with The First Tee, a proven youth development program.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard will kick off a week of world-class golf on March 22 with the 2010 CocaCola Youth Clinic in conjunction with The First Tee and the Tournament’s Youth Day.

STATEMENT FROM ARNOLD PALMER IN RESPONSE TO TIGER WOODS ANNOUNCEMENT THAT HE WILL RETURN TO COMPETITION AT THE MASTERS TOURNAMENT IN APRIL

“We are all disappointed that Tiger isn’t going to play our tournament at Bay Hill, but, all things considered, we certainly understand.“

“I talked to Tiger on the phone this morning and he expressed his regrets that he won’t be playing here.  He said that he really didn’t feel his game was sharp enough to begin competition this early.“

“As for Tiger’s decision to play at the Masters without playing a tournament beforehand, that’s something only the player himself knows how to handle.  Certainly he knows what he wants to do with his life and the way he is going to deal with it.  We’re going to give him that respect.“

“We’re going to miss Tiger and we’re sorry he’s not going to be here, but we have a fantastic field – the No. 2 and 3 players in the world (Steve Stricker and Phil Mickelson) and Ernie Els, who just had that fine victory at Doral.  We will have a great tournament, I’m sure.”

Montgomerie, Janzen, Saunders, Lee and Main head list for Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, two-time U.S. Open champion Lee Janzen, and young sensations Sam Saunders, Danny Lee and Gregor Main are among 19 players who have received exemptions into the 120- player field of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, the tournament announced today.

European Ryder Cup captain returns to U.S. to compete in Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

Making just his second visit to the United States since being named captain of the 2010 European Ryder Cup team last year, Colin Montgomerie has accepted an exemption to compete in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, to be held March 22-28 at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

Prospective entrants, past champions eager to play in Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

“Bay Hill is always one of those places you look forward to getting back to,” says Davis Love III, “but I think there’s even a little bit more of a buzz about it this year.”

There is, indeed, more of a buzz about the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, and it could mean one of the most exciting editions yet in the tournament hosted for the 32nd year by arguably the game’s most iconic and popular figure.

The No. 2 player in the world commits to play in Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

One of the first places Steve Stricker visited after he qualified for the PGA TOUR in 1994 was the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, to sit down with Arnold Palmer.

With his prized course upgraded, Arnold Palmer eager for the latest edition of tournament that bears his name

Arnold Palmer reached age 80 in September, but as much as he enjoyed the celebrations marking the occasion, golf’s legendary King admits that the rebirth of his prized layout, the Championship Course at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, was a much more enjoyable experience last autumn.

You and a friend could experience first hand the amazing course redesign only a few feet from the pros with an Inside the Ropes Experience during the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

Enter the WESH.com Contest

The 1998 winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard hopes to find magic again

Ernie Els hasn’t competed in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard since 2007, but he has penciled in a return this year and should be teeing it up next month at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, looking to build on a solid start to his 2010 season.

Former FedExCup champion is not slowing down, looks to return to winning ways at Bay Hill Club

Vijay Singh doesn’t believe in aging gracefully. More to the point, the way he continues to work at his golf game and to keep himself fit, it appears that he doesn’t believe in aging at all. Or, at least, he isn’t about to submit to the idea of aging or slowing down, not even as he nears his 50th birthday.

Hungry and healthy, Davis Love III eyes breakthrough at Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard

Davis Love III has been a fan of Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club for many years. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find an active player on the PGA Tour who has more of an affinity for the famed and challenging layout in central Florida.

ORLANDO‚ Fla. (January 19‚ 2010) — The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is Orlando’s signature sporting event being held March 22-28 at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Now in its 32nd year‚ the tournament is pleased to announce value airline JetBlue Airways‚ as a sponsor.

Arnold Palmer visited the ESPN offices in Bristol Connecticut in August 2009 making an appearance on SportsCenter and while there filmed one of the renowned 'This is SportsCenter' commercials.

Primary charity of the Arnold Palmer Invitational celebrating 20 years of world-class medical care

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL — The PGA TOUR announced today that the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, the primary charity of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, has been named the 2009 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year.

ORLANDO, FL — Arnold Palmer took time this week to talk to members of the Orlando Economic Development Committee’s Board and Investor Councils about what is most important to him. On the list: golf, family, helping children and economic development.

By ERIK PETERSON Travel Editor, GolfChannel.com
Posted: September 30, 2009

ORLANDO, Fla. — If Bay Hill Club & Lodge was a thrilling novel, then Tiger Woods' 15-footer to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational last March was a fitting end to Volume 1. And just days after closing the book, Arnold Palmer put pen back to paper, leading a renovation of one of golf's most revered venues.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today at 1:30pm, Arnold Palmer will stop at the White House where President Barack Obama will sign into law The Congressional Gold Medal honoring the golf legend.

By DOUG FERGUSON (AP)

ORLANDO, Fla. — As the proud owner at Bay Hill, Arnold Palmer doesn't want to see PGA Tour players light up the scoreboard. As one of the game's great entertainers, Palmer also appreciates that the fans like to see birdies.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer will forever be intimately linked to the Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

And that, perhaps, is the best indicator of how special this private southwest Orlando golf course really is. Marketing executives couldn't dream up a better pair of icons to be associated with their course.

Bill Awards Congressional Gold Medal to Golfing Legend, Awaits President’s Signature into Law

Washington, DC — Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation introduced by Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) that awards the Congressional Gold Medal to world famous golf professional Arnold Palmer. The Arnold Palmer Gold Medal Act, H.R. 1243, officially recognizes Palmer for his service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship in golf. The legislation first passed the House of Representatives this past April, and was unanimously passed by the Senate earlier today.

The United States Golf Association is inviting the public to participate in a very special project to celebrate a true sporting legend and a great American.

Arnold Palmer will be celebrating his 80th birthday on September 10, 2009. To honor the occasion, the USGA Museum has launched an online Arnold Palmer Memory Book. The purpose of the Web site is to collect personal stories and memories of Arnold, and allow the public to view other fans’ appreciation of him. Fans can submit their reflections about Arnold in the form of words, images or video.