Arnold Palmer Invitational to feature exhibit on Palmer’s achievements

ORLANDO, Fla. — The PGA Tour is making a stop in Orlando this week for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The annual event is played at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge, where Palmer spent many of his later years before his death in 2016.

This year, there is an all-new interactive exhibit that will highlight Palmer’s career achievements as well as his impact on the world.

The Arnold Palmer Experience will give visitors a chance to learn more about the King, see some of his most prized possessions and even attempt to recreate some of his magic on the golf course.  News 96.5 WDBO got a sneak peak at the exhibit before the tournament opens on Thursday.

The exhibit opens with a 6-minute film that chronicles Palmer’s life and career.  The film is shown in a 360-degree dome made to look like Palmer’s trademark multi-colored umbrella.

From there, visitors are queued through what feels like a museum featuring some of the most important prizes won over Palmer’s five decade playing career.

There are also several other important awards Palmer won over his lifetime, including a special belt awarded to the top professional athlete in 1960.

Visitors can also see the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Palmer in 2012.

As visitors work their way through the exhibit, they will get a chance to see other artifacts collected throughout Palmer’s career.

Besides seeing some of the unique trophies and memorabilia, visitors to the Arnold Palmer Experience will also get an opportunity to attempt some of the most important golf shots of Palmer’s career on five different golf simulators.

Visitors can attempt to drive the green at No. 1 at Cherry Hills Country Club where Palmer won the 1960 U.S. Open.  They can also try to reach the green from the rough on Royal Birkdale Gold Club, the site of Palmer’s first Open Championship title in 1961.

One that is sure to be a fan favorite, is a recreation of Palmer’s infamous second shot on Bay Hill’s finishing hole.  Palmer pulled out a driver and reached the green from the fairway, a challenging shot for anyone, let alone someone playing in their 70’s as Palmer was in 2004.

Admission to the Arnold Palmer Experience is included with any one-day pass.  The exhibit opens Wednesday at 11 a.m.