Bay Hill to return to par 72 for Arnold Palmer Invitational

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Bay Hill is returning to a par 72 for the Arnold Palmer Invitational after the tournament host decided that it was more fun for the gallery to see players making birdies.

Bay Hill switched to a par 70 for the last three years by converting two par 5s into par 4s, including the 16th hole, which often was pivotal in deciding the tournament.

Palmer said on Tuesday he wants his course to be challenging. He believes recent renovations of the bunkers, the greens and minor lengthening of some holes has made it more difficult.

But now he's giving way to entertainment value.

The golf great says, "We're going to go back to a par 72 and give them an opportunity to make birdies."