Arnie’s Army to say goodbye at Bay Hill classic

A bottle of Musk Monsieur — the cologne that announced Arnold Palmer was near — is still on his desk at Bay Hill.

Next to it, a plastic cup holds pens Palmer used to sign autographs, too many to count. Even when his health kept him from hitting a ceremonial tee shot at the Masters, he would spend as many as three hours a day carefully putting golf’s most famous (and legible) signature on whatever his army of fans sent him.

Almost everything was just as Palmer left it when he packed up from Bay Hill Club & Lodge last spring and headed home for the summer in Latrobe, Pa. Only this time, he didn’t return. This year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational, the first since the beloved host died in September at age 87, is sure to bring strong emotions for some, stories for all and reminders of the King at just about every turn.

This will be Orlando’s chance to say goodbye, although the buzz word for Bay Hill is “celebration.”

The tournament commissioned a 13-foot bronze statue of Palmer, similar to the one at his alma mater Wake Forest. It will be positioned behind the first tee at Bay Hill.

Trophies, medals and other items in his Latrobe office will be placed around Bay Hill for spectators to see and remember.

An opening ceremony will be held Wednesday on the practice range for players to hit a ceremonial shot and sign the golf ball.

And in perhaps the most touching reminder of his presence, Palmer’s cart will be stationed behind the 16th tee — his favourite viewing spot — with two bags of clubs on the back, just like always.

Still to be determined is how to handle the finish. For so many years, Palmer would head out to the 18th green to watch the conclusion, and a handshake from the King was as valuable as the prize money or the silver sword that goes to the winner. The Associated Press