Golfdom TV interview with Matt Beaver

Update from Beaver on storm damage at Bay Hill

If the Arnold Palmer Invitational is going to run into the next week, then "Arnold Palmer Week" at the Golfdom Daily will as well!

I just got off the phone with Matt Beaver, superintendent at Bay Hill, to discuss the intense storm that hit Orlando yesterday, causing the final round to get postponed to today. (I was already back in Kansas by then, so no photos from me this time -- sorry! But the PGA Tour has some pics up here.)

"It depends on who you ask, but we had 50- to 60-mile-per-hour gusts out there. That's pretty wild during a tournament, with everything up on the golf course.

We lost a couple trees, but nothing that affected play. One TV tower fell over, but luckily, we don't have to deal with that. A bunch of boards were blown down, leaves, branches...

There was a tornado warning that popped up at one point. We got everyone inside right away, kept everyone safe.

As far as the rain itself, we got 1.3, 1.4 inches in the rain gauge. This golf course drains really well. We were almost completely dry between the ropes by last night. We mowed fairways, tees and greens this morning.

Today it's going to be a cool, windy day. But a good day -- no rain."

Palmer on: the work of superintendent Matt Beaver

I asked Mr. Palmer if he could talk a little about the work of Bay Hill superintendent Matt Beaver....

"He has been here about 10 years and is doing an excellent job. He’s a great young man and someone I’m particularly interested in… helping him and keeping him doing the things that he’s doing so well now.

I think -- well, I know -- the course is about as good as it’s ever been."

Bay Hill pic parade

Me gusta Arnold Palmer Week!

Willie is ready to take on the world!

Beaver and volunteer Larry from Rhode Island.

Wayne and Craig, the two loyal, hardworking assistants at Bay Hill.

Straight as an arrow.

Stuart, from Irleand, Ping, from China. Both in the Ohio State turf program.

Discussing soil moisture goals.