Location: Orlando, Florida, USA
Designed By: Arnold Palmer
Total Yardage: 7,409 yards
One trip around Bay Hill in 1965 was all it took for Arnold Palmer to fall in love with what would become known as his winter home. It may have been the area, surrounded by the pristine Butler Chain of Lakes, that sold him on the idea. Then again, it could have been the famous Florida weather that lured Mr. Palmer in. Whatever the case, shooting 66 and beating Jack Nicklaus by seven shots must have helped with the first impression.
Officially opened in 1961, and under the Palmer umbrella since the early 70s, Bay Hill Club and Lodge is as fun now as it has been in any decade of its history. Palmer reimagined the course in a way that accentuates its natural features, and can challenge even the world’s best talent. Each year, players flock to Central Florida to take on the obstacles designed by the legendary Palmer. Visit the iconic course in PGA TOUR 2K23 and test your luck in front of the masses.
Featured Hole: No. 16 (511 yards, par 5)
The 16th hole at the Bay Hill Club was once designated as a par 4, offering players little to no wiggle room even if they played it to perfection. Fortunately, the hole was restored to par 5 status in 2010, much to the satisfaction of tournament participants—but it’s still far from a cakewalk.
From the tee box, visibility of the green is obstructed, given the hole’s dogleg-right design. This relatively narrow fairway sits a way out, forcing players to pipe a drive at least 275 yards for a look at the green, but watch out for the sand. With a large bunker on the right and an accompanying bunker on the opposite side of the fairway, players who send their ball veering in either direction better bring a shovel.
Once you’ve made it past the bunkers and around the bend, you’ll see the green sitting on the horizon, protected by water and even more sandtraps. Play it safe and lay up to give yourself an easy pitch over the water and onto the green, or go bold and launch your second shot to set up an eagle putt.
