The Pro’s Preparation for the API? Mini-Golf of Course!

The first round of the inaugural Arnold Palmer Invitational has begun, with the field of golfing’s elite sure to put in a top-class performance in honor of one of the golfing worlds most iconic figures.

With the likes of the former world number one Rory McIlroy, the WGC-Cadillac Champion Adam Scott, the British Masters winner Matthew Fitzpatrick and many others in the impressive field, you may think, how do players like these prepare for an event such as this?

Constant practice on the course? Non-stop range work? Living on the putting greens?

Well, aside from all of these, two players thought they would add something extra to their practice routine – Adventure Mini Golf!

Yes, that’s right – the day before the event at Bay Hill Golf Club in Florida, Andy Sullivan, Matthew Fitzpatrick and their caddies thought they would have their own putting competition, to warm up for the big week ahead.

Commentating and reporting the whole ‘mini-tournament’ on social media for all to see was Englishman Andy Sullivan, and some of the players took it more seriously than others – with Matthew Fitzpatrick having an edge by bringing his own putter!

Think @MattFitz94 is taking this a little serious #ownputter #haveaword pic.twitter.com/NLNQQ6UMI9

— Andy Sullivan (@andysulligolf) March 16, 2016

The players took a little break after the front nine, with Sullivan in tied first position at three under par, with the British Masters winner trailing in last place, struggling with the challenges facing him at the Pirates Cove, even with his own putter!

Even slow play regulations were brought into account, with the two European Tour players showing their frustration with some slow play on the golf course…

Maca and that left knee again @jamiegoughgolf @seanymcgolf @tomridler @MattFitz94 pic.twitter.com/9vZVFGAYy1

— Andy Sullivan (@andysulligolf) March 17, 2016

When the Pirates Cove Challenge came to an end, it was time for the winner, or winners to be announced, courtesy of Andy Sullivan’s caddy Sean McDonagh.

Sullivan ended the day in tied first position with Tom Ridley (Matthew Fitzpatrick’s caddy!), where as the 21-year-old finished in last place, resulting in him buying dinner for the rest of the boys.

Fitzpatrick said,  “I just think it was the 12 – the ten over par on the one hole in the middle of the second round, it just didn’t bode well for the rest of the round.”

After what can only be described as a perfect way to warm up for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, lets hope that Sullivan’s form can be carried on through the week, and that Matthew Fitzpatrick has learnt from his putting disasters.

Cover Image Via Twitter