[3] The first 18 holes at Bay Hill (Champion and Challenger nines) were designed by Dick Wilson in 1961, and were built by Bob Simmons.

Considered one of Wilson's best works, the course illustrates his typical approach of slightly elevating the putting surfaces to improve visibility and drainage.

[4] The course covers 270 acres (1.1 km2), and lies between the community of Bay Hill and the Butler Chain of Lakes.

It was owned by Arnold Palmer from 1974 until his death in 2016, and now by his daughter and son-in-law Amy & Roy Saunders.

Since 1979, Bay Hill Club & Lodge has hosted the Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tournament on the PGA Tour.