Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 A Signature Event.
Dates: March 5, 2026 to March 8, 2026
Location: Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando, Florida
Course: Bay Hill
Course Par: 72
Course Length: 7466
Prize Purse: $20000000
Last Week’s Review
The early season pattern continued in Palm Beaches, with Ricky Castillo giving us a nice top 5 return that recovered most of our stakes, but falling a little short of what would have been a spectacular payday. Our other picks largely performed with credit; headline selection Ryan Gerard struggled with his putter over the first few days before recovering a little to finish inside the top 25. Zecheng Dou went into Sunday with a decent chance of making the top 5 but an early-round wobble put paid to his prospects. While Haotong Li had a steady tournament despite never really threatening to break into the top 10. Keefer was disappointing, while the chance taken on longshot Erik van Rooyen never looked like paying dividends.
The string of top 5 finishes is helping us to avoid too much damage and hopefully things will change for us soon enough and we’ll convert one of those into a winner that’ll really get us rolling for the 2026 season. Bay Hill is up next where course form counts for a huge amount.
Preview
After what felt like the latest in a frustratingly long line of near misses in the Cognizant, we move on to the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The big events are coming thick and fast now and as expected for a signature event, the vast majority of the world’s best are set to tee it up for what should be a thrilling spectacle on an outstanding golf course.
The roll of honour here is a mixed bag of big names (Scheffler, McIlroy, Bryson, Tiger amongst others) and less-heralded players (Matt Every twice, Martin Laird, Rod Pampling), so while the signature events in common with the majors have tended to go with the market, don’t be too surprised if a shock winner is thrown up here. While course form is hugely important (one of the highest ranked behind Augusta on this measure), it’s interesting to note that all types of players have been able to compete here. But it’ll undoubtedly take a solid ball-striking display and a potent blend of power and accuracy to succeed.
In a week where Bay Hill reminded the world why it’s one of the most punishing stops on the PGA Tour, Russell Henley emerged last year from the crucible with a red cardigan and a career-defining win. The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational was a masterclass in resilience, precision, and the kind of drama that would’ve made Arnie proud.
Key holes like the par-5 6th and the watery par-3 17th were pivotal battlegrounds. Players who excelled were those who could shape shots, manage risk, and stay mentally composed through the final stretch — a gauntlet that has humbled even the best.
A Field Worthy of Arnie’s Legacy
With 44 of the top 50 players in the world teeing it up, the Arnold Palmer Invitational continues to be a proving ground for greatness. Scheffler’s bid for a three-peat fell short, but his presence loomed large. Bradley’s resurgence and Clark’s consistency added depth to a field that felt more like a major than a regular Tour stop.
Headline pick:
Rory McIlroy (8 units win, +1100)