Arnold Palmer Invitational Brings Good Friends Together

by Debert Cook March 10, 2019

written by Debert Cook March 10, 2019

Another brilliant day, here at the Arnold Palmer Invitational! Fans from all across the country are here, having some of the best of times. Many folks are stopping by the 19th Hole public concession area, located on the 18th fairway and catch all of the action on #18. You didn’t have to be a golf enthusiast to attend the “Wine & Dine,” a food and wine special event that took place on Friday, which completely sold out! Tickets were available at $109 and at $60. Those lucky enough to get in enjoyed delectable appetizers and fine wine pairings from some of Orlando’s top restaurants.

Longtime Buddies Brian Parker & Reginald Steward enjoying the API amenities

Longtime Buddies Brian Parker and Reginald Steward enjoying the API amenities.

Longtime friends Brian Parker and Reginald Steward were in attendance for Sunday’s finale at Bay Hill. They said the API is their favorite tournament, due mostly because of convenience. They’re both Orlando area residents. Brian was born in Metuchen, N.J., but has lived in Orlando for the last 36 years. He graduated from Seton Hall University in New Jersey in 1979, earning a B.A. in Communications, and has been married for 24 years. He has been playing golf for about 15 years and claims Celebration Golf Course in Orlando as being his favorite place for rounds. He’s been coming to the API for about a decade and has worked as a Conference & Events Planner for 30-plus years at his firm Parker Conference Management. His plans are to retire in five more years.

Longtime Buddies Brian Parker & Reginald Steward.

His buddy, Reginald Steward, was born and raised in Winter Park, Fla. And, I’ll tell you, it’s really difficult to find a native Floridian in Florida these days, so he’s in the “rare breed” category. Reginald, now age 60, graduated from Winter Park High School in 1977. He also have been playing for about 15 years. He was a 4-Letter athlete in High School, he says. Meaning he played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track. He smiles while telling me that he ran the 100-yd. dash in 9.5 second. That’s his story and he’s sticking to it.

He also says that it was his grandfather who introduced him to golf. His grandfather played in the Negro Baseball League back in the day. Reginald shares with me that his grandfather even struck out golf legend Jackie Robinson once in a baseball game. Another story that he’s sticking to, as well–lol.
Reginald attended South Carolina State College but graduated from University of Central Florida (UCF) in 1983. A Graphic Design Artist by trade, he is currently working with the Department of Corrections for the State of Florida. Reginald says that Tiger Woods (naturally) is his favorite golfer and that his favorite golf course is Forest Lake Golf Course in Ochoee, Fla. Well, alright now!