The Arnold Palmer Invitational held at Bay Hill Club & Lodge every year is something I’ve always wanted to go to. A golf course full of legendary footsteps, moments and stories of the game’s greats and grounds that have been graced with Arnie’s vision and warmth - I was so thrilled and in awe to be there.
I traveled up from Miami to watch the two practice rounds in Orlando, Florida. I felt privileged to be there with such free reign to explore — the crowds were minimal during the Tuesday and Wednesday rounds and perfect for me to navigate and capture as much as I could. I even squirreled my way up into the freshly constructed premium Mastercard sky box suites that overlooked 18. Took a few photos, letting my imagination run about the energy and eruptions that have come from this vantage point.
Because I didn’t have media credentials I had to abide by some rules. As much as I hate them, I had to be respectful knowing this could lead to bigger and better opportunities. Using a short 50 mm lens, attendee access, and only two days of practice round activity I was able to capture a handful of the top players on tour and all that lush glory that comes from the scenery of “The King’s Place.”
I was trying to hide my inner fanboy joy as I watched Scottie, Fowler, Cam Young, Van Rooyen, Cantlay, Day, Burns, Fleetwood, Adam Scott, Spieth and many more come through. Trying to capture frozen little frames of swings and fragments of time.
Reflecting on some ways I could improve, I felt that a monopod, longer lens, inside ropes access, and maybe a better plan on where the players were going to be would have benefitted me. But it was also fun to just explore and capture what felt inspiring. A camera suited for video would also be an interesting new approach rather than focusing on stills. My strategy was a mix of following players and also staking out a spot at tee boxes to watch them come through. I had in mid to capture a mix of photos that would be nice for the event too — like the volunteers, signage, event setup and sponsor stuff. To be thoughtful, I always worked with a silent shutter so I could capture shots in the backswing without creating a click or peep.
Wednesday was a pro-am filled with businessmen and weekend hacks, while fearing for my safety and sheltering under trees while people were teeing off, I realized there’s an opportunity to create sun safari helmets for volunteers, attendees, and photographers who would like to reduce to risk of getting knocked dead in the dome by a ball.
I also wondered what my interaction and role should be as a photographer… Should I talk to the players and caddies? Should I tell them to play well? Or do I blend in with the grass, observe and do the job? There were little moments where it made sense to have a little back and forth with the players... but mainly I figured I was there to witness and capture them in their natural golfing habitat.
For two days, I had an awesome experience. I felt like I was part of Arnie’s Army, armed with a camera and there to capture little slices of the build-up to another weekend of this legendary event — without further adieu or adjectives, here are the photos I captured.
