McDowell to host Arnold Palmer Invitational with four others

Graeme McDowell examines one of Arnold Palmer's old clubs at Bay Hill

Graeme McDowell will be one of five hosts for the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 16.

He joins Annika Sorenstam, Curtis Strange, Peter Jacobson and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge for the first staging of the event at Bay Hill since Palmer's death last year.

McDowell said: "Arnold was a force of nature, on and off the course. We can’t fill his shoes, but we can carry on his passion for helping others. 

"I live with my family in Orlando, and my children were born at Winnie Palmer Hospital, so I've been a direct beneficiary of Arnold's charitable legacy. I’m honoured to be part of such a remarkable event.”

The hosts will have various tasks, including handing out the trophy to the winner.

Palmer’s daughter Amy Saunders, chairman of Arnie’s Army Charitable Foundation, said: “Part of my dad’s legacy was to inspire others to care about things he thought were important.

“With the help of his many friends, fans and followers, we intend to keep that light shining brightly.”