Local Orlando resident Graeme McDowell has been grouped with eight-times former Arnold Palmer Invitational winner Tiger Woods for the opening two rounds of this year’s event at Bay Hill.

Joining the US Open winning duo will be American Harris English.

Graeme McDowell congratulates Tiger Woods after G Mac finished runner-up to Woods in 2012. (Photo – AP)

The Northern Irishman is based in the States at the nearby Lake Nona Resort and on the opposite side of the Orlando International Airport to this week’s host venue at Bay Hill.

However it’s only a short 20-minute drive for the Northern Irishman whose parents are residing with him this week.

And McDowell has very fond memories of Bay Hill having finished joint runner-up behind KennyPerry in 2005 while he was second also in 2012 but albeit five shots behind Tiger Woods.

Woods has had a virtual mortgage on the Arnold Palmer Invitational and this year will not only be looking to win the event for a third straight occasion but for a ninth time since winning for a first occasion in 2000.

European No. 1 and FedEx Cup champion Henrik Stenson in out in the group ahead of McDowell, Woods and English and grouped with England’s Ian Poulter and former PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley.

New Valspar Championship winner John Senden finds himself group with the Americans Russell Henley and Charles Howell 111.

And reigning Masters champion Adam Scott finds himself teeing up alongside WGC – Cadillac champion Patrick Reed and good friend and reigning US Open winner Justin Rose.