The Arnold Palmer Invitational is nearly here, with the PGA Tour’s top names heading to Bay Hill for the second Signature Event of the year.
This is often where golf fans start to take notice. The tournament has built a reputation over the years not just for its strong field, but for how tough Bay Hill can be.
Over the past six tournaments, players have averaged just over nine-under-par for the week, showing just how much of a test it can be.
In 2025, Bay Hill was ranked as the fourth toughest non-major course on Tour, with an average score of 72.577 across the field.
When conditions get firm and windy, there are not many places that challenge players more than this one does.
It is no surprise then that some of golf’s greats have had so much success at Bay Hill over the years. Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler are just two who come to mind.
With all that in mind, it was interesting to see how an amateur golfer with a plus-two handicap fared when given a chance to play there recently.
Peter Finch posts surprise score at Bay Hill pre-Arnold Palmer Invitational
Peter Finch is one of the most recognisable faces in golf on YouTube.
His current handicap sits at plus-two, according to the YouTube Handicap Tracker.
He took on Bay Hill back in January for his “Can I Break Par” series.
And he handled himself well.
Finch did not play from the absolute tips, but still managed a two-over-par 74, which is no small feat given how tough Bay Hill can be.
The round included four bogeys, one double, four birdies and nine pars – a solid effort all around.
Best 18-hole round in Arnold Palmer Invitational history at Bay Hill
Adam Scott has held the course record at Bay Hill for over a decade now, ever since his remarkable 10-under-par 62 in 2014.
Since the course was changed from a par 71 to a par 72 in 1990, several low scores have been posted.
If conditions stay tough and fast this year, it is unlikely anyone will threaten Scott’s long-standing mark.
Even so, it promises to be another interesting tournament no matter how it plays out.
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