BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE
Arrive: Orlando International Airport
Vehicle: Porsche Cayenne
Leave Disney to the tourists; your foursome is headed for the iconic Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Arnie discovered the property during an exhibition match in 1965 and it was love at first sight. Following his victory in the exhibition he told his wife, Winnie, that he wanted to own the property, and by 1970 he’d taken a lease on it and was on his way to doing just that. For the rest of his life he’d call it home in the winter, and the charm and high standards of service he brought to Bay Hill remain part of its culture today. The drive from the airport isn’t bad, and certainly not if you’re traveling in a Porsche Cayenne. Part of Hertz’s Dream Cars collection, the sports SUV has enough room for your foursome, luggage and golf bags, and will nimbly navigate any construction on the FL-528 Expressway to Interstate 4. Exit at Sand Lake, head west to Apopka Vineland, turn right and then left at the first light and you’re all set. Get there early and sneak in a round on the 9-hole Charger course, or just sit outside at the recently updated Bay Window and enjoy its stellar new menu while you watch members or other guests work the practice green (keeping an eye out for the occasional PGA or LPGA Tour pro, who practice here). When it’s time to work on your own game, Bay Hill’s new short game facility will allow you to work nearly any shot in the game. The two-acre area features four greens of varying styles and sizes, with the largest measuring 12,000 square feet. Seven bunkers complement them and are as varied, including a formidable “road hole” style bunker. When you’re ready, the storied Champion Course awaits, site of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard and one of the most beloved courses on tour. If you need to break away and feel like giving the Porsche’s epic handling a workout, the twisty roads around Windermere offer some wonderful opportunities for lakeside exploring, and the Porsche has the added benefit of getting you back to Bay Hill quickly when you’re itching for more golf. Another satisfying dinner at Bay Window (we like the Dim Sum appetizer and highly recommend the Key Lime Grouper) and then it’s off to the most exclusive neighborhood bar in the world, the Bay Hill Members Lounge, to discuss rounds played and dreams satisfied. Cap off the night with a Bay Hill Hummer and a good night’s rest, and then delay your departure the next morning for as long as possible—the Porsche can get you back to the airport with time to spare.