Florida is widely considered the eminent state for golf in the U.S., and it is easy to see why. Sunny weather, world-renowned golf courses, and residents with a huge passion for the game contribute to making it the best place in the country for golf. Naturally, it is a hotspot for professional golf events, and the annual PGA Florida Swing will bring two huge tournaments to the Jacksonville and Orlando areas.
This March, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship are set to sweep the Florida golf scene and draw huge crowds of spectators. Let’s look at what these events have in store.
Arnold Palmer Invitational
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a PGA Tour event set at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, which was owned by the legendary golf icon Arnold Palmer. Located in Bay Hill, a tiny community just outside Orlando, the Bay Hill Club and Lodge has hosted this event since 1978.
The tournament is a par-72 stroke play event on the Bay Hill Club Champion course and brings out many of the top athletes in the sport. In the past, this tournament has been won by icons including Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer himself, and Phil Mickelson. Scottie Scheffler is the current reigning champion. The tournament has a prize purse of $20,000,000, which is divided among the top performers, with the winner receiving the most significant share.
This event is one of the most popular on the PGA Tour, and the scenic course is a significant reason why. The perfectly-manicured course is set along the Butler Chain of Lakes, which presents some interesting challenges.
This year, the Arnold Palmer Invitational will be held from March 1st to March 5th and is sure to bring thousands of fans to Bay Hill. Tickets can be purchased for this event online, and there will be bleachers for public viewing on-site available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There will also be fan areas serving food and drink, as well as children’s activities. It is one of the premier golf events of the year.
The Players Championship
Florida golf fans will barely have time to catch their breath, because The Players Championship is scheduled to begin mere days after the Arnold Palmer Invitational ends. This massive event is set at the Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass, a golf course in Ponte Vedra near Jacksonville. This massive event often has the biggest purse of any golf tournament in the world. It began in 1974 and has since become known as the unofficial “fifth major” due to its status as one of the most important tournaments on the schedule.
The Players Championship features 50 professional golfers competing for their share of a $25 million purse, and the winner also receives 80 points toward their world ranking. The tournament brings all of the top golfers on the tour and has been won by legends such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Rory McIlroy. Cameron Smith was the most recent victor in 2022.
The TPC Sawgrass course is a par-72 designed by famed course architect Pete Dye. The legendary 17th hole, a par three known as the “Island Green,” is immaculately designed and has a notorious water challenge. It is often ranked among the best courses in the world.
The Players Championship is a spectacular fan experience with a course designed to create ideal viewing experiences. This year, the tournament will be held from March 7th-12th, with tickets sold online. There are stadium-style bleacher seats throughout the course and excellent hospitality that includes delicious food, drink, and VIP areas. The Players Championship is an unforgettable golf event that is one of the crucial parts of the PGA Tour.
