©Arnold Palmer Invitational

March is considered one of the biggest months in the golf world, as the PGA’s best players are ramping up for appearances in the world’s most famous tournaments, many of which take place in Florida. Whether you plan on attending these bucket-list experiences, want to put a charity event on your radar or refine your game at one of Orlando’s lifelike simulator experiences, you won’t lack for opportunities. 

Orlando’s signature event, the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard (March 7-10), became part of the PGA Tour in 1979.

Arnold Palmer at his namesake tournament. Photo by Roberto Gonzalez.

On a 1965 visit, Palmer discovered Bay Hill, what was then a remote corner of the city on the edge of orange groves. Five years later, it would become the Bay Hill Club & Lodge and later Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge. 

Scottie Scheffler’s amazing 2024 season saw nine wins, including API and The Masters. He was on track for another stellar year in 2025 before suffering a hand injury on Christmas Day; all eyes will be watching for his return to API this year. 

Golf aficionados are in store for several great viewing experiences and VIP events at API. New for 2025 is the Lakehouse, located between the No. 16 green and the No. 17 tee. This exclusive club area affords up-close views of Bay Hill’s par 5 No. 16 hole. The fully furnished, open-air structure offers an all-inclusive experience with a premium bar. 

For more information about API, visit arnoldpalmerinvitational.com.

 Additional March PGA tournaments include the Valspar Championship at the luxe Innisbrook Resort (March 21-24) and The Players Championship (March 14-17), another of Scheffler’s 2024 wins. Held at TPC Sawgrass, this epicenter of Florida golf is a bucket-list experience, and this year will offer special merchandise and activations to celebrate its 50th anniversary. theplayers.com/fans/general-information.

Charitable Golf Tournaments in March 2025

Courthouse Cup Golf Tournament (March 10). Join the Orange County Regional History Center and the Historical Society of Central Florida for a four-person golf scramble at Rio Pinar Golf. Breakfast and registration begin at 9 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 10 a.m. Money raised supports the history center’s mission and programs. thehistorycenter.org/event/golf 

Lou Frey Memorial Golf Tournament (March 24). Former congressman Lou Frey was a recipient of Congress’ Distinguished Service Award and has been inducted into the Congressional Baseball Hall of Fame. He founded the Lou Frey Institute of Politics and Government at UCF to engage youth in civic opportunities. The tournament  raises funds for STEM and civics education at UCF, Florida Virtual Schools and high schools in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties. simulationinformation.com/events/ncs-golf-tournament

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Florida Golf Classic (March 31). Play the private Isleworth Golf & Country Club, created by Arnold Palmer and enhanced in 2024. The sponsorship-only tournament will help support thousands of families who stay at the three Ronald McDonald Houses in Orlando each year. The day begins with registration and lunch and a shotgun start, followed by a reception. rmhccf.org/event/golf

©Topgolf Orlando

Where to Play Golf Indoors 

If you can’t make it to any of the tournaments, there are some great simulators throughout Orlando. They give you the opportunity to clean up your game or just unwind and share relaxed times with family or friends. These are some of our favorites:

Golfzon Leadbetter Academy. Orlando’s Reunion Resort and Golf Course is the world headquarters to the Leadbetter Golf Academy Network, named after David Leadbetter, a golf guru and coach who’s trained not only golf pros but amateur golfers of all skills levels. In 2018, the academies were acquired by Golfzon and use VR technology in their luxury TwoVision golf simulators. Play on more than 240 golf courses, play in tournaments and monitor your progress on the Golfzon app. golfzonleadbetter.com

The Greens Indoor Golf & Bar. Located off I-Drive, the family-friendly facility features TrackMan simulators, giving visitors the opportunity to play more than 230 of the world’s most famous courses and compete in golf tournaments throughout the year. You can also join a golf league here. TrackMan simulators are used by PGA professionals and are synched to the most recent GPS technology, providing players with real-time stats. The Greens is Florida’s only simulator bar powered by TrackMan. thegreensindoorgolf.com

Topgolf. Yes, everyone knows Topgolf, and there’s a reason why: it’s all about the experience. It doesn’t have to be competitive, but it can be. Great for large parties, you can be a novice golfer and have a great time here. Topracer technology is available right in your hitting bay should you wish to play the world’s most iconic courses or test your accuracy by hitting all nine sections within the yellow target to unlock TopPressure. The sprawling, three-level fun zone also offers classes and lessons and has a terrific menu. topgolf.com/us/orlando

The Stadium Club. This bar and restaurant inside Caribe Royale Orlando has state-of-the-art simulator suites where you can try your hand at 13 different sports and games, golf among them—choose from 48 different golf courses, practice your putting or head to the driving range. With high-def TVs on either side of your simulator screen, you can immerse yourself in the game like never before. Bookmark stadiumclub.com for watch parties and other sports events. 

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