Pep Speech from Volunteer Spurs Michael Kim to Unlikely Eagle at Bay Hill

Orlando, Fla. – Michael Kim played himself in violation of Arnold Palmer Invitational thanks to a couple of eagle pairs on his final nine holes on Bay Hill and a timely PEP speech from a volunteer.

It was an unorthodox eagle on Bay Hill’s par-5 12^Th Hole that included a tee shot that found a fairway bunker, another shot that found a greenside bunker and an unlikely chip from 36 yards for 3.

“I was actually talking to a volunteer waiting for Bob (Macintyre) to hit his third and (volunteer), ‘Nothing you can’t make.’ And in my mind I thought, Well, (tile to) 10 meters would be great. And it went in, ”Kim said. “I gave him the ball.”

KIMS 67, which also included an eagle on par-5 16^Th Hole, moved him into a draw for fifth place of 5 below, four shots from the lead that Corey Conners and Collin Morikawa had. It is shaped to be another solid week for Kim that has not ended worse than 13^Th In its last four starts, including a runner-up finish on the WM Phoenix Open and a draw for sixth on last week’s cognizant Classic.

“I’ve played a lot of really good golf recently, but I don’t feel much more confident than I did (WM Phoenix Open),” he explained. “I would say that doubts do not creep in so much or I am able to let them pass by.

“This golf course is tough, so there are demanding shots that you need to pull off. I’ve played my way in tomorrow and I’ll probably be a few shots back but hopefully I can make it a good Sunday. “