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Events and Attractions

Some Top PGA Tour Players Skipping Arnold Palmer Invitational Due To Scheduling

Next week's PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational will have a "sizable void" left by the late HOFer, but a number of top players also are "skipping this year," according to Brian Wacker of GOLF DIGEST. Rory McIlroy will be an "exception among top players" competing in the first tournament without Palmer, who died last fall. Among the notable players not competing next week include top-ranked Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed and Phil Mickelson. Ian Poulter, who asked for an exemption into this year’s tournament and received it, said, "There’s not a player out here who doesn’t respect Arnie; everybody loved him. The course might not suit everybody’s eye and because of that some guys might not play. What’s also difficult is it’s a busy calendar." Wacker noted the tournament at Bay Hill for the second straight year is "sandwiched between" two WGC events. Scott "played at Bay Hill last year" but is changing his schedule this season to "play the week before the Masters, meaning he will tee it up four times in seven weeks" leading into Augusta. Meanwhile, Johnson will "instead play" the WGC-Dell Match Play, the Shell Houston Open and The Masters in succession. Wacker noted in the last few years of HOFer Byron Nelson's life, players "continued to come" to his eponymous tournament. However, in the years following, there was a "significant decline." Wacker: "Does the same fate await Palmer's event?" The API "carries more gravitas than Nelson's" and also is an invitational. The PGA Tour in '14 also "designated a three-year exemption to the event’s winner, as opposed to the normal two at most other regular stops," and raised the even't purse (GOLFDIGEST.com, 3/6).

TO PLAY OR NOT TO PLAY: CBSSPORTS.com's Kyle Porter wrote a "monstrous turnout" would be expected from top players at the event the year after Palmer's death. But that is "not really happening." The "problem here" is The Masters and the WGC-Match Play (CBSSPORTS.com, 3/7). Billy Horschel, who will play in the tournament, yesterday tweeted that the "projected field strength was 'disappointing.'" Louis Oosthuizen, who is also playing in the event, said, "It's a great way to say thank you Mr. Palmer for everything he's done in golf" (GOLFCHANNEL.com, 3/7). Graeme McDowell, who was selected as one of the hosts for the tournament, said, "At the end of the day everyone has their schedule and they stick to it. It’s a busy time of the year. People remember Mr. Palmer in all ways. You don’t have to play the event to show respect" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/8). GOLF.com's Josh Berhow wrote the absence of top players from the tournament is "stirring a debate of whether or not players should feel obligated to play." Golf Channel’s Cara Robinson tweeted that as of yesterday afternoon, only 10 of the top 25 players in the world "are committed" to play (GOLF.com, 3/7).

LASTING PRESENCE: In Orlando, Edgar Thompson notes a statue with an "impressive likeness" of Palmer will "loom over the 1st and 10th tee boxes" at Bay Hill. The statue, which will be unveiled at 10:30am ET on Saturday, is a "replica of one" of Palmer at Wake Forest. The statue "depicts the unique and recognizable follow-though of his powerful golf swing." MasterCard, the tournament’s longtime sponsor, "covered costs for the statue’s production, shipping and installation." The statue was created by sculptor Bruce Wolfe (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 3/8). Golf Channel's Tim Rosaforte said of Palmer, "He wouldn't want people moping around in a sad mood." Rosaforte said there are going to be special touches around the event, like Palmer's "golf cart on the 16th tee, where he always parked it" ("Morning Drive," Golf Channel, 3/8).

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