As an icon of the game of golf, Arnold Palmer’s legacy is celebrated at Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard. The field this year includes 12 winners from the season thus far, and defending champion Rory McIlroy.
Three South Africans start this week – Charl Schwartzel, Louis Oosthuizen and Presidents Cup captain Ernie Els. The captain will have a close look at the form of Oosthuizen as he tees off alongside his countryman, with another hopeful starter for later this year, Byeong Hun An, completing the group.
Schwartzel plays alongside Patrick Rodgers and Ollie Schniederjans.
The absence of eight-time winner Tiger Woods through injury does not take a shine off the glittering field that includes McIlroy. The Northern Irishman arrives with good memories after he birdied eight of his last 13 holes (five of the last six) to shoot an awe-inspiring 64 to win last year.
Justin Rose, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka and Jason Day all pose serious threats to McIlroy’s title defence.
