Golf
Arnold Palmer Invitational Lifts Restrictions, Offers Fans Up-Close Experience
Published
4 years agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational (API) is not only bringing all fans back, but it’s bringing some fans even closer to the game.
With the threat of COVID-19 ebbing away, API has lifted its restrictions as well, only recommending attendees to wear masks in indoor areas instead of requiring them to; and there are no audience capacity restrictions.
Joie Chitwood III, Vice President of Corporate Development for the Arnold Palmer Group and Tournament Director for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, said he’s excited to welcome all of the fans back to Bay Hill. Chitwood told the press today, “I think our fans are going to be so excited to see such great talent out on the golf course.”
Chitwood announced the addition of the White Claw Hard Seltzer Fan Deck, located by the #15 green and #16 tee box on the Bay Hill course. The open-air second-story deck gives fans a sprawling view of not only the #15 and #16 (which the table surfaces and chairs face), but a 360-degree view of most of the course. Chitwood said this amenity was added to give sponsors another, smaller option instead of being restricted to skyboxes with a fixed capacity of 40 people, and to give fans the chance to get even closer to their favorite golfers in the midst of the tournament.
“Let me be clear, there won’t be any throwing of objects on the course, or throwing things when the players do something great,” Chitwood noted. “But fans are going to be able to cheer like heck…and cheer loud.”
For FNN’s exclusive interview with Mr. Chitwood, visit https://fb.watch/bu6jldo9Ub/. Be sure to like our page for future updates.
Stay tuned to Florida National News for coverage of the 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament, which runs from Wednesday, March 2 through Sunday, March 6, 2022.
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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com
Golf
Russell Henley Wins Red Cardigan at 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Published
1 year agoon
March 9, 2025By
Mike BrodskyORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Russell Henley wins his first red cardigan at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, today, along with $4 million of the $20 million prize pool. The red cardigan was first awarded in 2017, in memory of Arnold Palmer who passed the year before. This is Henley’s fifth win on the PGA Tour.
Russell Henley is greeted by his family on the 18th green after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
Henley finished at 11 under par for the four day tournament, carding a 70 today. Collin Morikawa finished in second place at 10 under par. API defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, finished today at 4 under par, tied for 11th place.
Scottie Scheffler tees off at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Photo Credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)
This coming week, the top golfers head to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, for The Players Championship. The winner will walk away with $4.5 million of the $25 million up for grabs. This is the PGA Tour’s largest regular season purse. Stay tuned to www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike BrodskyORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
Golf
The ANNIKA Golf Tournament Welcomes WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark
Published
1 year agoon
November 12, 2024By
Mike BrodskyBELLEAIR, Fla. (FNN) – The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair tees off Wednesday, 11/13 with a Pro-Am featuring WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. The tournament runs Thursday through Sunday, as the LPGA golfers compete for their share of a $3.25 million purse, while also trying to secure their spot in the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. It’s the fifth year of competition for this tournament, named after Annika Sorenstam, who is one of just two players to currently have a tournament named after her on the PGA Tour. Proceeds from this tournament benefit the ANNIKA Foundation, which aims to develop, empower, and advance young women around the world through golf and in life.
The field of 120 includes Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lydia Ko, Brittany Lincicome, and many more top golfers. Annika Sorenstam will particpate in the Pro-Am, but the appearance of Caitlin Clark has certainly boosted ticket sales, and helped to sell out tickets for the Women’s Leadership Summit, where Clark spoke Tuesday.
Back-to-back hurricanes knocked down 40 trees and left twenty inches of rain on the fairways and greens for days. But the course is ready for this weekend’s tournament.
If you’d like to check out the tournament, visit www.theannika.com for tickets and additional information. Be sure to follow www.FloridaSportsChannel.com and www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.