Arnold Palmer is "not happy" at absence of top two Published on Thursday 22 March 2012 05:29 ARNOLD Palmer is disappointed that world top two Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy both decided not to play in the PGA Tour event bearing his name this week. "I'm certainly not happy that those fellas chose not to come this year," said Palmer yesterday on the eve of a tournament which does not have anyone from the world's top six in the field. To have a couple of the top players internationally and US not here, I'm kind of sorry for that, but I think we can get that squared away and maybe we'll entice them to come in the future. McIlroy, deposed as No 1 by Donald on Sunday, has written to 82-year-old Palmer asking for a meeting. I'm not sure that I know exactly what he wants me to tell him or what he wants to hear from me, but I look forward to seeing him and talking to him. He also mentioned in the letter that he will be here to play in the years to come. The Northern Irishman is in the middle of a three-week break before The Masters and is currently in Miami with girlfriend Caroline Wozniacki. Donald won last week in what was his final appearance before the first major of the season in a fortnight. Tiger Woods, though, is in action in the event at Bay Hill, with many eager to see how his fitness holds up. Two weeks ago, of course, Woods limped out of the Cadillac Championship in Miami and millions of words were written about whether he would recover in time for the first major of 2012. As it turned out, the former world No 1 had suffered only a mild Achilles tendon strain in his left ankle and he was back in competitive action on Monday. By keeping his commitment to the Tavistock Cup inter-club match, however, Woods faces the prospect of playing all seven days this week - providing he makes the halfway cut tomorrow night, that is. His every move will now be watched - nothing new for him in that - in case there is any sign of discomfort, but almost inevitably the 14-major champion starts favourite. Defending champion at Bay Hill is Martin Laird. "I've been looking forward to this tournament ever since last year," said the Scot yesterday. My year so far has been up and down. Last week I missed the cut, but I feel like it helped me having a couple of days away from golf. I'm feeling like my game is coming back around really nicely. It's kind of cool being out there and I still remember every shot as if I hit it yesterday. I could tell you what club I hit on probably every shot those last few holes - it's something I'll remember for a long time.