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McDowell: Players skipping API 'unfairly criticized'

ORLANDO, Fla. - There are a few notable absences from the field at this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational, but Graeme McDowell doesn't believe the motives of those individuals should be called into question.

McDowell is an Orlando resident, and he made his first splash on the PGA Tour at Bay Hill in 2005 when he tied for second behind Kenny Perry. This year he is adding tournament host to his credentials as one of five people tasked with honoring Palmer's legacy in the tournament's first playing since his death.

While some have questioned why players like Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth and former API champ Phil Mickelson weren't able to make it to Bay Hill this week to honor The King, McDowell doesn't have any issue with their respective choices.