Wednesday’s pro-am at the Arnold Palmer Invitational delivered one of those unforgettable golf moments that reminds everyone why the event is such a highlight of the week at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. During the round, Hideki Matsuyama electrified the group by holing his tee shot for an ace on the par-3 seventh hole.
The shot came during the team’s run through the front nine and immediately set off cheers from players, caddies, and spectators nearby. Matsuyama’s ball launched high from the tee, traveling roughly 196 yards toward the pin before landing on the green, taking a couple of quick hops and a roll before disappearing into the cup.
It was the kind of moment that stops a pro-am in its tracks. The group gathered around the green before breaking into cheers as Matsuyama walked up to the pin to retrieve his ball. Even for a player with major championship credentials, a hole-in-one during a pro-am is something special.
Mastercard’s Media Pro-Am Experience
Matsuyama’s ace was witnessed firsthand by his amateur playing partners, a group that included media and brand representatives invited to participate in the pro-am experience. The group featured Mastercard communications specialist Emily Roush, Golfweek travel editor and creative director Jason Lusk, and Heavy Sports writer Alyssa Polczynski.
In addition to the group featuring Matsuyama, other media personalities were also given the chance to tee it up alongside a PGA Tour star. Hypebeast senior editor Julius Oppenheimer, Dan Evans of The Dan Evans Show, and Mastercard senior vice president of communications Seth Eisen joined Viktor Hovland for an early morning round.
How Pros Are Assigned During the Pro-Am
On Tuesday night at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, participants gathered at the clubhouse for the traditional pro-am draft, where teams are paired with their PGA Tour professional. Each amateur team is assigned a designated number, and those numbers are then randomly selected during the draw. When a team’s number appears, they have 30 seconds to select the professional they want to play alongside. If a team fails to make a selection within that time window, they are automatically bumped to the end of the order and must take whichever pro remains available.
Before the draft begins, every participant receives a packet containing the list of professionals playing in the pro-am, their tee times, and a roster of all amateur participants along with their assigned team numbers. The information allows teams to quickly strategize their pick once their number is called, which can lead to a frantic countdown as the clock ticks toward zero.
Gifts and Perks for Pro-Am Participants
Beyond the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s best golfers, the pro-am experience also comes with a number of perks for participants. Each player receives an exclusive gift package as part of the event experience.
This year’s gifts included two Peter Millar gift cards, Puma Avant 2 golf shoes, a Cobra OPTM X Arnold Palmer driver, a Cobra Arnold Palmer driver cover, and a custom Arnold Palmer Vessel golf duffel bag. Participants are also paired with a caddie for the round, unless they choose to bring their own, giving amateurs the full PGA Tour-style experience as they walk the same course used during the tournament.
The Tradition of Aces at Bay Hill
While hole-in-ones aren’t too common, they carry extra significance at Bay Hill, a course known for its challenging design and firm greens. The Arnold Palmer Invitational has seen several memorable shots throughout its history.
Here’s a look at players who have recorded a hole-in-one during past Arnold Palmer Invitational tournaments, according to Fansided:
- Homero Blancas – 1969
- JC Goosie – 1969
- Jack Ewing – 1974
- Curtis Sifford – 1974
- Jim Simons – 1974
- Bill Sander – 1979
- Hale Irwin – 1983
- Hal Sutton – 1985
- Dan Poley – 1987
- Fulton Allem – 1990
- Mark Lye – 1990
- Kenny Perry – 1991
- Shane Lowry – 2000
- Andrew Magee – 2005
- Dean Wilson – 2007
- Pat Perez – 2008
- Marc Turnesa – 2008
- Vaughn Taylor – 2009
- Webb Simpson – 2009
- Anthony Kim – 2012
- Ryan Moore – 2012
- Kevin Chappell – 2013
- Francesco Molinari – 2019
- D.A. Points – 2019
- Jazz Janewattananond – 2021
- Jordan Spieth – 2021
- Kris Ventura – 2021
- Max Homa – 2022
Hideki Matsuyama Hits Ace at Bay Hill During Arnold Palmer Invitational Week