Palmer’s Second Home
Arnold Palmer frequently described Bay Hill as his 'second home,' and his personal influence remains stamped on every aspect of the course. The sense of history is palpable from the moment you step onto the property.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Charger Course)
Orlando, Florida
Established
1969
Architect
Bob Simmons
Access
Private - Resort Guest Access
Par
Par 36
Length
2,278 – 3,309 yds
Green Fees
$$$$
The verdict
Resort-Caliber Fun With Demanding Greens
Bay Hill’s Charger Course offers a tour-caliber experience blended with forgiving landing zones, fast greens, and strategic water hazards. Expect a major-championship atmosphere and polished conditioning, making it a memorable Florida destination even outside tournament week.
Course DNA
Difficulty
78
Scenery64
Conditioning83
Shot Variety75
Walkability60
Green Complexity81
Wow Factor68
Design Quality73
Don't miss
Take a moment at Palmer’s porch behind the range for a toast—members say the view is where Arnie’s spirit lingers loudest.
At a glance
Quick facts
Course Architect
Bob Simmons (Charger nine, 1960s)
Arnold Palmer Legacy
Palmer’s personal club, infused with his vision
9-Hole Routing
Charger is typically played as its own nine
Signature Water Hazards
Water is in play on several holes
Tee Time Access
Available to resort guests only
Championship Greens
Fast, firm surfaces even outside tournament week
Practice Area
Dedicated short-game facility adjacent to Charger 9
PGA Tour Status
Longtime co-host to Arnold Palmer Invitational
The design
The architecture
Bay Hill’s Charger Course extends the property’s original Dick Wilson architectural spirit with an added Florida twist: broad fairways, strategic water hazards, and slightly perched greens that roll quick and true. Bob Simmons' work infused the newer nine with generous landing zones and a layout that rewards calculated aggression, especially on the par 5s and closing par 4s. The course is visually open and accommodating to most skill levels, but lurking penalty areas and well-placed bunkers mean every decision carries risk. It’s a classic Florida expansion—resort-friendly with enough teeth for tournament play.
Bob Simmons designed the Charger nine, bringing a playable-yet-challenging addition to Bay Hill’s storied property.
Defining features
- Slightly elevated, fast greens for firm play
- Water in play on several holes
- Wide landing zones but strategic angles
- Mix of short and long par 4s/5s
- Bay Hill’s tournament-caliber conditioning
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 4
The Tempting Par 5
PAR
5
YARDAGE
518
A classic risk-reward moment, this par 5 demands a solid tee shot that hugs the fairway to avoid water on the approach. The green is reachable in two for the bold, but a misjudged layup or pulled second can spell trouble.
Play it smart
Work your preferred tee shot into the wide part of the fairway, then weigh your layup carry or go-for-it approach based on wind and confidence.
Where it bites
Water on the left and near the green punishes any misplay; bail out right if unsure.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approach into the 4th green (par 5) with water left.
Resist the urge to get close; play for an angle that avoids the water and offers a straightforward up-and-down.
Windy tee shot on the 7th hole par 3.
Focus on the center of the green and commit to your club — too aggressive risks the sand.
Layup decision on the 5th par 5.
Choose a comfortable yardage for your wedge rather than getting too ambitious with your second.
Tee shot on the 8th demanding par 4.
Work your preferred shape to the fat side of the fairway, as missing left brings major trouble.
Fast green speeds above the hole.
Play approach shots to leave an uphill putt whenever possible; above the hole means dicey speed control.
Trouble off the tee with water in play.
Take your medicine early—bail out to safety and rely on your wedge to save par.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Championship-caliber greens, manicured fairways, and well-kept bunkers, especially during winter and spring peak season.
Pace
Rounds move steadily in the morning but can slow down during busy resort windows.
Vibe
Polished, traditional, and proud of its Arnold Palmer roots — expect a trophy-laden, story-soaked clubhouse and attentive staff.
Dress code
Collared shirts, tailored pants or shorts, and soft spikes required — classic private club standards.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Map Your Misses
Study the course guide for safe bailout zones away from water and keep your approaches below the hole.
02
Expect Quick Greens
Practice your lag putting—the greens here can get lightning fast, especially in peak season.
03
Bring Sun Protection
Florida heat is real; a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water will help you play your best.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1961
Bay Hill’s first 18 holes opened, designed by Dick Wilson.
- 1979
Arnold Palmer Invitational (PGA Tour) moves to Bay Hill.
- 2009
Palmer Course Design modernizes the Bay Hill routings for Palmer’s 80th birthday.
- 2018
Charger’s 9th green revised to expand short-game practice facilities.
Stories & legends
What makes it special
The Springboard for Champions
For decades, Bay Hill has hosted some of the PGA Tour’s most thrilling moments, with even the Charger Course showcasing the tournament-ready conditioning and shot values that launched careers. Playing here means testing your game on turf where legends have walked.
Water Everywhere
The Charger Course’s defining trait is the ever-present water—whether as a bold hazard flanking a fairway, a psychological lake staring back from the tee, or a subtle creek near the green. Every round demands both power and discipline from tee to green.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Arnold Palmer personally owned Bay Hill for decades, making it a pilgrimage site for fans.
2
The Charger loop is often favored for its relative playability compared to Bay Hill’s main tournament 18.
3
The club’s memorabilia collection features personal items and trophies from Palmer’s career.
4
Water hazards and fast greens are hallmarks of the Charger nine’s challenge.
5
PGA Tour pros prepare for the Invitational using the same practice facilities next to the Charger course.
Build the trip
If you’re making an Orlando golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Orange County National (Crooked Cat)
Public
One of the top public golf experiences in Florida, with pure golf vibes and excellent conditions.
Waldorf Astoria Golf Club
Resort
Beautiful resort conditioning and strategic Rees Jones design just minutes from the theme park corridor.
Celebration Golf Club
Public
Walkable, friendly, and a true Orlando-area favorite for accessible high-quality golf.
Reunion Resort – Nicklaus Course
Resort
A premium, architectural Nicklaus test within an easy drive of Bay Hill.
Stay along International Drive/Universal Orlando for the best mix of golf, dining, and easy resort access.
Course DNA
If You Like Charger Course
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match7.9
Olympic Hills Golf Club
Eden Prairie, MinnesotaDifficultyConditioning
Why it matches: If Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Charger Course) is your kind of course, Olympic Hills Golf Club is worth a look because it brings a comparable level of challenge and puts the same premium on presentation.
Strong DNA Match8.1
Atlanta Athletic Club (Riverside Course)
Johns Creek, GeorgiaConditioning
Why it matches: Atlanta Athletic Club (Riverside Course) is a natural next stop after Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Charger Course): it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Strong DNA Match8.4
Country Club of Birmingham – West Course
Birmingham, AlabamaConditioning
Why it matches: Country Club of Birmingham – West Course is a natural next stop after Bay Hill Club & Lodge (Charger Course): it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
The architect's other work
More from Bob Simmons
Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Orlando, FloridaArnold Palmer’s legacy, Florida’s pure championship test
Community Sentiment
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