Arnie's Army descends on Orlando

ORLANDO, Florida - Arnold Palmer will loom large over the Bay Hill Club & Lodge this week as the tournament that bears the golfing great's name takes place for the first time since his death.

Defending champion Jason Day and world No 3 Rory McIlroy will headline the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which is expected to unfurl as a four-day celebration of the life of one of golf's most beloved figures.

Palmer, who died last September at 87, is widely credited with transforming golf during his glittering playing career, broadening the sport's appeal while building a worldwide legion of devoted fans known as Arnie's Army.

A 13-foot statue of Palmer was unveiled last weekend between the first and 10th holes at Bay Hill in Orlando.

Officials say fans will be encouraged to touch the statue and take selfies beside it, reflecting the down-to-earth, approachable qualities that Palmer was famous for.

"Bay Hill this week, it is going to be pretty emotional," reigning Masters champion Danny Willett said on Tuesday, adding that many players will honor Palmer by sporting multi-colored umbrella pins - a symbol that became synonymous with the American legend.

"I think the whole vibe of the place is going to be great. We remember him for the great man he was and what he accomplished, but I think it's going to be a celebration of what he did for the game.

"You can see everything, when you walk through the doors, everything just oozes with class, and that's the guy that he was.

"I think it's all going to make for an unbelievable week."

While honoring Palmer by playing this week's event was a no-brainer for many PGA pros, some notable absences have raised eyebrows.

World No 1 Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Phil Mickelson and Adam Scott have all opted to skip the tournment as they tailor their schedules towards next month's Masters at Augusta.

The fact that more than half of the world's top 25 won't tee it up in Orlando has dismayed some who argue that modern-day golf and the hundreds of millions of dollars that flow into the sport are directly attributable to Palmer's trailblazing career.

"Disappointing," was the verdict tour veteran Billy Horschel posted on Twitter last week.

"I totally understand scheduling issues, but this is the first year without AP. Honor an icon! Without him we wouldn't be in position we are in today."

British Open champion Henrik Stenson agreed that playing Bay Hill was a great way to pay tribute to Palmer's legacy.

"There's going to be some special celebrations of his life, so I'm sure it's going to be a great week and we're going to do our best to honor him," said the Swede.

Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa said he intends to play the tournament as often as possible in years to come.

"I just think it's a tournament that, if you can, you should play it every year," he said.

Sam Saunders, Arnold Palmer's grandson who plays on the PGA Tour, said he understands why some players are skipping the tournament, but he called on fellow pros to ensure it thrives for generations to come.

"It's very important to golf to keep what we've done, to keep the Arnold Palmer Invitational relevant," Saunders said.

"His was such a good example. We all get to play for a lot of money, but it's about trying to do things other than just being out here for yourself.

"That's what he did so well."

Agence France-Presse