2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational betting and fantasy golf preview with key stats, Bay Hill Club & Lodge course breakdown, field analysis, and TV times for this week’s PGA Tour event.
The PGA Tour travels to Orlando, Fla., this week for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the second stop of the Florida Swing. Each of the next three events will be contested in the Sunshine State, making this a pivotal stretch on the schedule.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is the third Signature Event of the season and features a 72-player field with a cut after 36 holes. It is one of the strongest fields we will see all year, highlighted by the top-10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking all teeing it up.
For those who have followed my work in the past, you know my betting picks are usually included within this article. This year will be a little different, as my official plays will be part of our RotoBaller PGA Premium offerings. To get access to my top plays throughout the 2026 season, check out our awesome options now. If you are new here, the purpose of this preview is to provide a complete breakdown of everything you need to know about this week’s event. From course details and key statistics to historical trends and field insights, this article is designed to serve as a guide or at least a strong starting point as you build your betting card or DFS lineups. With plenty of opportunity on the board, let’s dive into the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge and get you fully prepared for the seventh week of the PGA Tour season.
Tournament Information
- Dates: March 5th – March 8th, 2026
- Location: Orlando, Florida, United States
- Course: Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge
- Course Type: Florida
- Par: 72 (4x 3’s / 10x 4’s / 4x 5’s)
- Length: 7,466 yards
- Format: 72-hole stroke play
- Greens: TifEagle bermudagrass .110”
- Fairways: Perennial ryegrass overseed .350”
- Rough: Perennial ryegrass overseed 3”
- Bunkers: 84 (4 acres)
- Water Hazard(s): 8 (In-Play on 9 Holes)
- Average Green Size: 7,500 sq. ft.
- Stimpmeter: 12.0 ft.
- Purse/ Winner: $20,000,000 /$4,000,000
- FedEx Cup Points: 700
- Field: 72 Players
- Cut: Top 50 and Ties + Players within 10 strokes of the lead - 36 Holes
- Playoff Format: Sudden Death – 18, 18, 17, and then 18 repeated
- Course Scoring Average:
- 2025: 72.58 (+0.58), Rank 7 of 50
- 2024: 72.33 (+0.33), Rank 10 of 51
- 2023: 72.66 (+0.66), Rank 10 of 49
- Historic Cut Line:
- 2025: +4
- 2024: +3
- 2023: +3
Course Information
Course Architect:
Comparable Courses:
- PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
- Quail Hollow Club – 2025 PGA Championship/ Truist Championship
Comparable Location (Orlando, Fla.):
- PGA National Resort (The Champion Course) – Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches
- TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – THE PLAYERS Championship
- Innisbrook Resort – Palm Harbor, Fla. – Valspar Championship
Designer Link (Dick Wilson Design):
- TPC Blue Monster at Doral – Dick Wilson (1962) – WGC-Cadillac Championship (2007-16)
- Cog Hill #4 – Dick Wilson (1964) – BMW Championship (2007, 2009-11)
Designer Link (Arnold Palmer Renovation):
- TPC Twin Cities – Arnold Palmer (2000) – 3M Open
Comparable Yardage (7,466 Yards):
Comparable Greens (TifEagle bermudagrass .110”):
Comparable Average Green Size (7,500 sq. ft.):
TV Information (all times ET)
Course/Tournament History
Previous Tournament Venues:
| Duration | Course | Location: |
| 1979-Present | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Orlando, Fla. |
| 1966-1978 | Rio Pinar Country Club | Rio Pinar, Fla. |
Previous Tournament Names:
| Duration | Tournament Name |
| 2007-Present | Arnold Palmer Invitational |
| 1996-2006 | Bay Hill Invitational |
| 1989-1995 | Nestle Invitational |
| 1985-1988 | Hertz Bay Hill Classic |
| 1980-1984 | Bay Hill Classic |
| 1979 | Bay Hill Citrus Classic |
| 1972-1978 | Florida Citrus Open |
| 1970-1971 | Florida Citrus Invitational |
| 1966-1969 | Florida Citrus Open Invitational |
Tournament Records:
- 72-Hole Record (Arnold Palmer Invitational):
- 264, Payne Stewart (1987)
- 18-Hole Record (Arnold Palmer Invitational):
- 62, Andy Bean (Round 2, 1981), Greg Norman (Round 2, 1984), Adam Scott (Round 1, 2014)
- Largest Margin of Victory (Arnold Palmer Invitational):
- 11 Strokes – Tiger Woods (2003)
- Most Wins at Event:
- 8 – Tiger Woods (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2013)
Course Records:
- 18-Hole Record (Bay Hill Club & Lodge):
- 264, Payne Stewart (1987)
- 18-Hole Record (Bay Hill Club & Lodge):
- 62, Andy Bean (Round 2, 1981), Greg Norman (Round 2, 1984), Adam Scott (Round 1, 2014)
Course Guide/ Scorecard
Originally designed by Dick Wilson in 1961, Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge features a traditional par 72 layout with four par 3s, 10 par 4s, and four par 5s.
Stretching to 7,466 yards, Bay Hill is one of the longest courses players will face on the PGA Tour schedule. Distance is certainly an advantage, but precision off the tee is just as important. The rough, typically around three inches and overseeded with ryegrass, is penal and makes controlling approach shots extremely difficult. Narrow fairways place a premium on driving accuracy, and players who consistently position the ball in the short grass gain a significant edge.
The greens average approximately 7,500 square feet, offering a reasonable target size by Tour standards. However, holding these greens has historically been a challenge due to the number of approach shots played from beyond 200 yards. Long iron play is critical. This year, recent rainfall is expected to make the greens slightly more receptive, which could ease scoring conditions compared to firmer editions.
Bay Hill is also heavily protected. The course features 84 bunkers, ranking near the top among PGA Tour venues in total bunkering. Water hazards come into play on nine holes, demanding disciplined course management. With significant wind often impacting club selection and ball flight, Bay Hill consistently ranks as one of the most difficult non-major tests players will face all season.
Notable Par 3s
The four par 3s range from 199 to 231 yards. Last year, all of the par 3s had a scoring average over par.
Hole 2 | Par 3 | 231 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.179 (Difficulty Rank - 4)
From the tee, the second hole appears long and demanding. It is. No. 2 is 231 yards from the Palmer tees. A smart shot is to favor the right side of the green. If you want, you can let the slope help you onto the green. Missing the green left leaves you with a challenging up and down. Once you are on the green, you must negotiate a green that tilts from right to left.
Hole 17 | Par 3 | 221 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 3.232 (Difficulty Rank - 3)
The 17th hole is a par 3 that measures 221 yards from the Palmer tees. The putting surface has the beach bunker short of the green. In addition, there are bunkers left and long left of the green. In front of and wrapping around the right of the green, there is water. A tee shot that finds the green is well played and increases your chances for a par.
Notable Par 4s
There are 10 par 4s at Bay Hill, with the majority of those holes ranging between 450 and 500 yards. No. 13 is the shortest, listed at 382 yards, with the longest being No. 9, playing 480 yards. In terms of scoring average, the toughest par 4 on the course last year was No. 15.
Hole 3 | Par 4 | 434 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.069 (Difficulty Rank - 11)
Hole No. 3 is an attractive par 4 that measures 434 yards from the Palmer tees. Finding the fairway off the tee is the first step to securing a par. There is a lake to the left of the fairway, and to the right is thick rough. The green is guarded by water left, and bunkers left, right, and long. Two accurate shots could offer you a reasonable chance for a birdie.
Hole 18 | Par 4 | 458 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.171 (Difficulty Rank - 5)
The 72nd hole of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, the 18th hole is a par 4, 458 yards from the Palmer tees. There is OB along the entire left side of this demanding par 4. To the right of the driving area is thick rough. Ideally, the tee shot should be played left of center.
From the left side of the fairway, you have options depending on the hole location. If your tee shot finds the rough, the smart play is to play toward the left front of the green. If you choose to play aggressively, there are bunkers left and long. If you have ever watched the Arnold Palmer Invitational, you already knew about the pond guarding the front of the putting surface.
Notable Par 5s
There are four par 5s on the course: No. 4, No. 6, No. 12, and No. 16. All of these holes had a scoring average under par in 2025. Hole No. 16 was the easiest hole on the course last year, with a scoring average of 0.663 below par.
Hole 4 | Par 5 | 590 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.894 (Difficulty Rank - 15)
The fourth hole is a par 5 that measures 561 yards from the Palmer tees. It plays uphill with a creek and OB running along the right side of the hole. It is reachable in two for the longest hitters. Avoid the bunker on the left side of the fairway if you choose to lay up.
Regardless of whether you go for the green in two or not, the left side of the green is shallow in depth. A miss to the right of the green drops off sharply, leaving a difficult up and down. Accuracy is a must for this elevated target if you expect a par or better.
Hole 6 | Par 5 | 555 Yards | 2025 Stroke Average: 4.805 (Difficulty Rank - 17)
The sixth hole at Bay Hill is one of the most recognizable holes on the course. It is a par 5 that measures 555 yards from the Palmer tees. With three aggressive swings at conservative targets, a birdie opportunity awaits. An overly aggressive swing at an aggressive target could lead to double digits.
From the tee, you should aim toward the fairway bunkers. If you are playing your second shot from the fairway, aim toward the bunker on the right side of the fairway. The green is deep, so double-check your yardage for your third shot. A par or better is within reach.
Featured/ Signature Hole(s): 6
Key Statistics
As the Arnold Palmer Invitational returns to Bay Hill Club & Lodge, understanding how this course compares to PGA Tour averages can help identify which players are best suited for success. Here’s how the PGA Bay Hill Club & Lodge stacks up statistically:
| Statistics | PGA Tour Average | Bay Hill Club & Lodge |
| Driving Distance (Yards) | 291.9 | 285.9 |
| Driving Accuracy | 60.5% | 56.7% |
| GIR Percentage | 66.1% | 57.4% |
| Avg GIR Prox to Hole (Feet) | 37.2 | 39.4 |
| Scrambling Percentage | 58.9% | 56.5% |
| 3 Putt Avoidance Percentage | 2.83% | 2.89% |
Strokes Gained: Off the Tee
- Success at Bay Hill begins with driving. The course stretches well over 7,400 yards and rewards players who can combine distance with control. The rough is penal, and approach shots from it are extremely difficult to hold on firm greens. Players who gain strokes off the tee by finding fairways while still maintaining distance will have a significant edge.
Strokes Gained: Approach
- Excellent approach play has been a key factor in determining success at this week’s tournament. Over the past five editions of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, every winner has ranked 22nd or better in Strokes Gained: Approach amongst the field.
Strokes Gained: Around the Green
- Bay Hill’s firm, fast Bermuda greens repel marginal approach shots. Missed greens are inevitable, and scrambling becomes essential. Players who can handle tight lies and deep bunkers while saving par consistently will separate from the field in difficult scoring conditions.
Strokes Gained: Putting (Bermuda)
- The greens at Bay Hill are TifEagle Bermudagrass, which tends to roll fast and can become firm as the week progresses. Over the past three editions of this event, every winner has ranked 10th or better in Strokes Gained: Putting for the week. Comfort with Southeastern Bermuda is a clear advantage.
Par 3 Scoring: 200-225 Yards
-
Three of the four par 3s fall between 200 and 225 yards. These long holes demand strong long iron play and precise distance control. Simply walking away with pars on these holes can be a gain on the field.
Par 4 Scoring: 450-500 Yards
-
Five of the 10 par 4s measure between 450 and 500 yards. These demanding holes require strong tee shots followed by mid to long iron approaches into firm greens.
Par 5 Scoring: 550-600 Yards
- Three of the four par 5s measure between 550 and 600 yards. While they are scoring opportunities, they are not automatic birdies. Water hazards and thick rough demand thoughtful decision-making. Players who capitalize on these holes without making mistakes gain valuable ground.
Bogey Avoidance
-
Bay Hill is not a birdie fest. Winning scores are often in the single digits under par when conditions are firm and windy. Avoiding big numbers is critical. Players who rank highly in bogey avoidance and perform well in difficult scoring environments tend to thrive here.
Proximity Gained: 150-200 Yards
-
A high percentage of approach shots come from 200+ yards. Players who excel from this range can create more birdie looks and avoid the big numbers that lurk around Bay Hill.
Comparable Courses and Event History
-
Course history at Bay Hill matters. The layout demands a specific skill set, and players who have contended here in the past often repeat success. Performance at other long, difficult Florida venues with Bermuda greens also tends to translate well.
The Field
The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational features a stacked 72-player field highlighted by many of the biggest names in the sport. The tournament includes each of the top-10 players in the Official World Golf Ranking, headlined by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and World No. 2 Rory McIlroy.
Basis of qualification for each entrant this week:
- Top 50 on Prior Year's FedExCup Points List
- Aon Next 10 (projected through the Cognizant Classic)
- Aon Swing 5 (projected through the Cognizant Classic)
- Sponsor Exemptions -- Members not otherwise exempt
- Unrestricted Exemption - -Palmer Cup Award Winner
- Top 30 OWGR - PGA Tour Members (projected through Cognizant Classic)
- Current FedExCup Points List (projected through Cognizant Classic)
Previous Winners in the Field (Event):
- Russell Henley – 2025
- Scottie Scheffler – 2024, 2022
- Kurt Kitayama – 2023
- Rory McIlroy – 2018
- Jason Day – 2016
Debutants in the Field:
- Austin Smotherman, Christopher Gotterup, Daniel Bennett, Harry Hall, Matt McCarty, Michael Thorbjornsen, Nicolas Echavarria, Ryan Gerard, Ryo Hisatsune
Exemptions:
- Daniel Bennett: Unrestricted Exemption - Palmer Cup Award Winner
- Max Greyserman: Sponsor Exemptions - Members not otherwise exempt
- Billy Horschel: Sponsor Exemptions - Members not otherwise exempt
- Chris Kirk: Sponsor Exemptions - Members not otherwise exempt
- Jordan Spieth: Sponsor Exemptions - Members not otherwise exempt
Notable Withdraws/ Changes:
- Nico Echavarria (IN; Aon Next 10)
- Austin Smotherman (IN; Aon Next 10)
- Taylor Moore (IN; Aon Swing 5)
- Keith Mitchell (IN; Aon Swing 5)
- Joel Dahmen (IN; fill the field)
- Jordan Spieth (IN; Sponsor Exemption)
- Max Greyserman (IN; Sponsor Exemption)
The Odds
Here’s a breakdown of the top players in the field for this year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, ranked by current betting odds (via DraftKings). The table below details each player’s five most recent finishes on the PGA Tour and their last result at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. My top plays of the week are included in the TeeOffSports VIP+ PGA Premium package.
| Golfer | Odds | Last 5 Finishes on the PGA TOUR/ DPWT* (Recent -> Past) |
Last 5 Finishes at the Arnold Palmer Invitational (Recent -> Past) |
| Scottie Scheffler | +335 | T12-T4-T3-WON-T4 | T11-WON-T4-WON-T15 |
| Rory McIlroy | +980 | T2-T14-T33*-T3*-T14* | T15-T21-T2-T13-T10 |
| Tommy Fleetwood | +1800 | T7-T4-T41*-25*-T3* | T11-MC-T61-T20-T10 |
| Xander Schauffele | +2050 | T7-T19-T41-MC-WON | T40-T25-T39-T24 |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | +2200 | T24-T14-9-T63-WON* | T22-MC-T14-T9-T10 |
| Collin Morikawa | +2700 | T7-WON-T54-MC-T14 | 2-MC-MC-T9-T64 |
| Si Woo Kim | +2900 | T34-T45-T3-T2-T6 | T19-T30-T39-T26-WD |
| Cameron Young | +3100 | T7-T55-T41-T22-10 | MC-T36-T10-T13 |
| Russell Henley | +3200 | MC-T19-T8-T19-T19 | WON-T4-T53-T13-T45 |
| Hideki Matsuyama | +3800 | T28-T8-2-T11-T13 | T22-T12-MC-T20-T18 |
Recent Horses for Courses
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | |
| Golfer | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Scottie Scheffler | T11 | WON | T4 | WON | - |
| Rory McIlroy | T15 | T21 | T2 | T13 | T10 |
| Corey Conners | 3 | T18 | T21 | T11 | 3 |
| Keegan Bradley | T5 | T36 | T10 | T11 | T10 |
| Sungjae Im | T19 | T18 | T21 | T20 | T21 |
| Russell Henley | WON | T4 | T53 | T13 | - |
| Jordan Spieth | - | T30 | T4 | - | T4 |
Recent Donkeys for Courses
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | |
| Golfer | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| Min Woo Lee | MC | 44 | MC | MC | - |
| Nicolai Hojgaard | - | MC | - | MC | - |
| Joel Dahmen | - | - | MC | - | MC |
| Taylor Pendrith | MC | - | MC | 42 | - |
Previous Winners' Scores, Prices, and Strokes Gained (Rank at Tournament)
- Russell Henley (-11)
- Price: 60-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 18th | 3rd | 22nd | 1st | 10th |
- 2024: Scottie Scheffler (-15)
- Price: 11-2
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 1st | 1st | 12th | 1st | 5th |
- 2023: Kurt Kitayama (-9)
- Price: 200-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 42nd | 14th | 18th | 18th | 2nd |
- 2022: Scottie Scheffler (-5)
- Price: 16-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 48th | 8th | 1st | 28th | 17th |
- 2021: Bryson DeChambeau (-11)
- Price: 12-1
| SG: Off the Tee | SG: Tee to Green | SG: Approach | SG: Around the Green | SG: Putting |
| 1st | 2nd | 9th | 30th | 21st |
Previous Winners Incoming Form (Last 5 Starts)
- 2025: Russell Henley
- T6 – Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches (PGA)
- T39 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
- T5 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
- T10 – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)
- T30 – The Sentry (PGA)
- 2024: Scottie Scheffler
- T10 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
- T3 – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
- T6 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
- T17 – The American Express (PGA)
- T5 – The Sentry (PGA)
- 2023: Kurt Kitayama
- MC – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
- T23 – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
- T29 – AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (PGA)
- MC – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
- T73 – Sony Open in Hawaii (PGA)
- 2022: Scottie Scheffler
- T7 – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
- WON – WM Phoenix Open (PGA)
- T20 – Farmers Insurance Open (PGA)
- T25 – The American Express (PGA)
- 2 – Hero World Challenge (PGA)
- 2021: Bryson DeChambeau
- T22 – WGC-Workday Championship (PGA)
- MC – The Genesis Invitational (PGA)
- T18 – Saudi International (DPWT)
- T7 – Sentry Tournament of Champions (PGA)
- T34 – The Masters (MAJ)
Previous Winners' Finishes at Event
2025: Russell Henley
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge |
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 |
| T4 | T53 | T13 | T45 | MC | T49 | MC | MC |
2024: Scottie Scheffler
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge |
| 2023 | 2022 | 2020 |
| T4 | WON | T15 |
2023: Kurt Kitayama
- Tournament Debut
2022: Scottie Scheffler
| Arnold Palmer Invitational |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge |
| 2020 |
| T15 |
2021: Bryson DeChambeau
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational | Arnold Palmer Invitational |
| Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge | Bay Hill Club & Lodge |
| 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2016 |
| 4 | T46 | 2 | T27 |
Best of luck, and as always, you can find me on X @GatorBetting and Instagram @Gator_Sports_Betting!
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