Brennans Caddy Report-Arnold Palmer Invitational

For all those dedicated caddy report readers, I would like to apologize for not submitting anything a few weeks ago from Thailand.  Unfortunately, I was under the weather for the first part of the week and I just couldn't muster up the energy to do too much.  Thailand was a very nice country and the town of Phuket was beautiful.  The title sponsor of the event, Johnny Walker, put on a first class event and took great care of us.  Aside from one bad day, Mike really began to show some good form and had a good chance to win the event if we could have made a couple more birdies on that final day.  Mike had all kinds of chances to really make that day a 63 or 64 and win, so that is definitely a step in the right direction as we move forward towards the Masters!

After a few days off we are right back at it this week in Orlando for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, formerly Bayhill.  I guess Arnie wanted to stamp his name on the event so it's now the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.  It's still played at the Bayhill Golf Club, which is really a nice course.  I must say that my first few times here I wasn't a big fan of the event or the course but I am beginning to like the course. From a caddie's perspective, they don't provide the best of services as far as hospitality or parking.  Great parking and a good caddy can make the week a little bit more enjoyable.

Having the tourney in Orlando is always fun as we make it a family event.  Unfortunately, my boy is a little young to enjoy the parks. There is also a lot of people from home that are down for spring break, so that makes the week a lot of fun.

The course this year is in great shape and there have been some significant changes. The first is number 4, which used to be an uphill par 5 but is now a converted par 4. While it is 60 yards shorter than before,  it is not technically an easier hole in relation to its par. The same is true on number 16 which used to be one of the best holes on the course. It's another short par 5 that has been converted to a long par 4. The approach shot is over water and the green is really not made for a long iron. It used to be that if you were hitting the ball well you would go for it; and if not lay up and try to make birdie that way.  I think you will see a lot of bogeys and doubles as the players will be forcing shots on to that green, and that can lead to some errors.

Aside from those two changes, the course has some great holes.  Number 6 is a long dogleg left around the water, which is a great risk reward hole. John Daly made a ridiculous number here a few years back, 15 or something. It's one of those very exciting holes for spectators because a lot can happen.  The last three holes could be one of the best stretches of finishing holes we play. 16 is now a long converted par 4 which will play very difficult.  Number 17 is a great par 3 over water that leads to a very tricky green.  Usually golfers use a long iron on this hole, but this often makes it hard to keep the ball on the green.  Number 18 has one of the most intimidating approach shots in golf.   It has a very long green that wraps around the water and is quite the way to finish.  Take par on this hole everyday and you will be happy.

Look forward to a good week this week!

Brennan