Arnold Palmer Invitational 2013

This is my second year attending the Arnold Palmer Invitational. They run a special promotion on Saturday's for college students. If you have a student id, you get in free. Seeing that I am a grad student, my RTS id counts as my free ticket. It is a great opportunity for me to see the best players in the world compete. Last year, we were able to see Tiger Woods win the event on Sunday. This year, he was going for his 8th win at Bay Hill. Tiger started the day four behind the leader Justin Rose. Tiger mounted a comeback on moving day (Saturday in golf terms). Today was fun for a few reasons as you will see below.

7th Hole

Signature Par 5, 6th Hole Ian Poulter

Sergio Garcia and Hunter Mahan

Tiger looking at his putt.

Tiger putting on the 6th Hole.

Right corner of your screen you see a man with his arm in front of his face. Looking to the right you see me with my black hat and sunglasses. I made the NBC broadcast and my friend Paul is standing to the left of me. This is the first time I have ever been on tv during a golf event I attended.

Par 3, 17th Hole

Rickie Fowler

Tiger lining up his eagle putt on the 16th Hole.

This putt to take the lead.

He makes it and yet again, my friend and I make the NBC broadcast a second time.

Justin Rose and Bill Haas

Justin Rose ended up in the right rough on the 18th Hole. You see me yet again a third time.

Lining up his shot. He has to shoot 180 yds over water to hit the green.

Justin Rose divot. He made an unbelievable shot to hit the green and par the hole.

18th Hole Fairway

200 yd marker from the green on 18.

The photo Paul's friend texted us to tell us we were on tv.

Sunday was cancelled due to severe thunderstorms and 60 mph winds. Tiger did end up winning his 8th trophy at Bay Hill with a Monday finish. It was a fun weekend of golf between the Symetra Tour on Friday and Bay Hill on Saturday.

Symetra Tour - Florida Charity Classic

We had a great time at the Symetra Tour in Charlotte. We decided to attend an event in Winter Haven, Florida. It was a lot of fun enjoying ladies golf and the scenery. There was a sea plane crossing sign on the way to the tournament which peaked our interest. The sea plane was flying around the lake in the background on the 18th hole. One golfer gave the girls a couple of her pink golf balls. Then, one of the ladies gave them a signed golf ball. Unfortunately, we ended up leaving early because of the rain but it made for some great memories.

18th Hole

Anya Alvarez

In the trees on the 1st fairway.

2nd Hole, Par 4

9th Hole, Par 5

Autograph and golf balls from Anya Alvarez.
Yesterday, she was tied for the lead and today she is in 4th place.

Guest Preaching at Faith Presbyterian Church

I had the opportunity to preach at Faith ARP Church in Merritt Island.

The sermon was during their evening worship time. The pastor is an RTS alumni and he opens his pulpit for seminary students. I was grateful for the opportunity to share. We had a nice time meeting their congregation. You can listen to it here.