“Bay Hill is always one of those places you look forward to getting back to,” says Davis Love III, “but I think there’s even a little bit more of a buzz about it this year.”

There is, indeed, more of a buzz about the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard, and it could mean one of the most exciting editions yet in the tournament hosted for the 32nd year by arguably the game’s most iconic and popular figure.

One of the first places Steve Stricker visited after he qualified for the PGA TOUR in 1994 was the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, to sit down with Arnold Palmer.

Arnold Palmer reached age 80 in September, but as much as he enjoyed the celebrations marking the occasion, golf’s legendary King admits that the rebirth of his prized layout, the Championship Course at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, was a much more enjoyable experience last autumn.

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Ernie Els hasn’t competed in the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard since 2007, but he has penciled in a return this year and should be teeing it up next month at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, looking to build on a solid start to his 2010 season.

Vijay Singh doesn’t believe in aging gracefully. More to the point, the way he continues to work at his golf game and to keep himself fit, it appears that he doesn’t believe in aging at all. Or, at least, he isn’t about to submit to the idea of aging or slowing down, not even as he nears his 50th birthday.

Davis Love III has been a fan of Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club for many years. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find an active player on the PGA Tour who has more of an affinity for the famed and challenging layout in central Florida.

ORLANDO‚ Fla. (January 19‚ 2010) — The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard is Orlando’s signature sporting event being held March 22-28 at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Now in its 32nd year‚ the tournament is pleased to announce value airline JetBlue Airways‚ as a sponsor.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL — The PGA TOUR announced today that the Arnold Palmer Medical Center, the primary charity of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, has been named the 2009 PGA TOUR Charity of the Year.

“Congratulations to the Arnold Palmer Medical Center for being named the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year,” said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR commissioner. “The Medical Center provides essential medical care for thousands each year and is a worthy recipient of this award. The name Arnold Palmer has always been synonymous with the right things about golf and life, and the fact that a world-class medical facility has his name on it is a fitting tribute.”

The legendary golfer, who was among the first in the world to transform his sport success into a business empire, addressed this group of EDC supporters from a room in the Lodge that he built, overlooking the Bay Hill Golf Course that he recently renovated into what he suggests is among "the best anywhere." Among many topics, Mr. Palmer spoke about his personal satisfaction at seeing the region’s recent growth as a center for the medical research and life science industries.

Arnold Palmer's connection to Central Florida dates back to the 1960s. First coming to Orlando for a tournament in 1962, he saw potential in the region that led him to buy out other investors in the then fledgling Bay Hill Club in 1969. The PGA TOUR event played at Bay Hill annually that bears his name, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, has grown from humble beginnings to an event which today accounts for 165 full time jobs; more than $5 million in annual earnings, which translates in to $18.5 total spending; and attracts more than 100,000 attendees each year. Plus, proceeds benefit Orlando Health’s Arnold Palmer Medical Center Foundation, the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

Mr. Palmer's commitment to the EDC goes even further. He personally invests in our organization through the membership of the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard. One of his goals for addressing this group, which was reinforced by EDC Board Chair Meg Crofton, was to encourage more local businesses to support the work of the Economic Development Commission.

ORLANDO, Fla. — If Bay Hill Club & Lodge was a thrilling novel, then Tiger Woods' 15-footer to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational last March was a fitting end to Volume 1. And just days after closing the book, Arnold Palmer put pen back to paper, leading a renovation of one of golf's most revered venues.