Bay Hill

[m-paschal]

What are the options for getting on Bay Hill in January without staying at the lodge? We will be in the Orlando area and lodging is already taken care of. Aside from a local club pro calling for a time are there any other options I am missing?

[TM_HOYER]

People that attend the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy are allowed to play. You work with the pro between 8 and 12, have lunch (part of the academy package), and play in the afternoon. Both pro's that are part of the academy are outstanding.

[HitTheStick]

The Lodge or academy or basically the only options, but for me staying there is perhaps the best thing about Bay Hill.

[TM_HOYER]

It varies by the time of year. In past years, it could be as little as $100 to as much as $200 (I believe).

[martinbns]

We stopped by there today after playing a more affordable track and after buying a ball mark tool I went into the mens locker room to use the washroom and there was Arnie playing cards...I froze like a 10 year old kid when he looked at me and smiled.

[moose557]

[quote name='martinbns' timestamp='1424561364' post='11000277']
We stopped by there today after playing a more affordable track and after buying a ball mark tool I went into the mens locker room to use the washroom and there was Arnie playing cards...I froze like a 10 year old kid when he looked at me and smiled.
[/quote]

Damn you, jk. I take lessons there and have been in that locker room 2 dozen times and on the range a bunch and never seen Arnie.

[gwhite216]

[quote name='moose557' timestamp='1424643948' post='11005757']
[quote name='martinbns' timestamp='1424561364' post='11000277']
We stopped by there today after playing a more affordable track and after buying a ball mark tool I went into the mens locker room to use the washroom and there was Arnie playing cards...I froze like a 10 year old kid when he looked at me and smiled.
[/quote]

Damn you, jk. I take lessons there and have been in that locker room 2 dozen times and on the range a bunch and never seen Arnie.
[/quote]

Arnold is here between October and May. He is usually in California most of January. If you are a lodge guest and eat on property you will more than likely see him during your visit. He is always gracious with pictures and autographs but remember, he is 85! Be courteous and only ask for 1. I can't count all of the times someone will ask him to sign 3 and 4 things.

The best way for a guest to play is stay at the lodge. There are also several "outside" Monday tournaments through out the summer. As a member, I feel the best time to play is between Christmas and NE as the course is not too penal yet and preparing for the NYE shootout. October before the course is over seeded before the MG is a great time as well. A lot of people want to play right before the tournament but IMO it is a "cool" experience with the grandstands, etc. but not the best time to golf. It is CPO, the tee sheet is full, and lodge guest constantly play the wrong tees. It makes for a very long round of golf. My best advice would be to play the correct tees. The golf course plays much longer than the card as there are quite a few dog legs, the fairways do not roll as much as other courses in the area, and green side bunkering is very difficult. If you do not consistently come off the tees 250+, controlled, play the yellows or up. The reds are the tee set 1 up from yellow and due to the thought of red being "ladies" tees they are not played as much as they should. There is a combo tee that I would suggest for anyone who is not "long", more than a 12, and wants to score. Have fun.

[TM_HOYER]

I have been going to BayHill for the Academy and as a guest for over 15 years now and agree with everything you said. I will add the current course super has done an outstanding job keeping the course in great shape year round. One year I went to the Academy the week before the API and played the course in the afternoon. It was the toughest course I have ever played and gained a huge amount of respect for the ability of PGA Tour pros. All I could do is wedge out of the rough back to the fairway and the greens were cement hard. Also playing the correct tees is critical in how much you will enjoy your round. Except before the API, the course is actually very playable for the average golfer from the correct tees. And as a guest, if a forecaddie is available, they will be a great help in getting you around the course.

[SDkristick]

I'm going there the first week of April and am staying at the resort. How much do you think its gonna cost.

[Alexblakk]

I was there yesterday and the green fee when staying at the lodge is 275$.

[gwhite216]

Rates vary throughout the year. Greens are being regrassed May 15 and are going to be stressed to the limit this week. Reopening the championship course tentatively 8/15. Club championship is the end of March so it may be OK. Manage your expectations accordingly.