The Bay Hill Club and Lodge is a private golf resort located in Bay Hill, near Orlando, Florida. The first 18 holes at Bay Hill were designed by Dick Wilson in 1961, and was built by Bob Simmons. Bob designed and built the additional 9 holes after Dick's death. It is considered one of his best works.It illustrates his typical approach of slightly elevating the putting surfaces to improve visibility and drainage.The course covers 270 acres (110 ha). It lies between the community of Bay Hill, Florida and the Butler Chain of Lakes. Owned by Arnold Palmer since 1974, it has hosted the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational on the PGA Tour since 1979, usually played near the first day of spring in March.