The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational takes center stage on the PGA Tour from March 5 to 8 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.
The Florida Swing continues with one of the most iconic events on the schedule, with the Arnold Palmer Invitational taking place at the par-72 Bay Hill.
The layout demands accuracy, trajectory control and resilience, with firm greens, penalties and swirling winds combining to make it a tough test in Florida.
A 120-strong field led by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will tackle the King’s classic design this week, with the final three holes delivering another dramatic finish in front of packed galleries on Sunday.
Current betting odds on Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026
| Player | Betting |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | 4/1 (+400) |
| Rory McIlroy | 10/1 (+1000) |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 17/1 (+1700) |
| Xander Schauffele | 21/1 (+2100) |
| Collin Morikawa | 29/1 (+2900) |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 29/1 (+2900) |
| Hideki Matsuyama | 29/1 (+2900) |
| Russel Henley | 29/1 (+2900) |
Leading 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational Contenders
Scottie Scheffler
The champion of 2022 and 2024 Scottie Scheffler returns to Bay Hill as clear favorites after another impressive start to the season.
The world number one continues to dominate tee-to-green, and his unparalleled ball-striking statistics set him apart on a course that rewards patience and precision.
If his putter behaves well, Scheffler could easily lift the trophy for the third time in five years.
Rory McIlroy
Former winner Rory McIlroy always seems to find his rhythm in Orlando, where he won the 2018 Arnold Palmer Invitational.
His combination of power and high-level control makes him a perennial threat at Bay Hill, especially on the scoring par-5s where he can separate himself from the field.
McIlroy’s strong track record here and growing momentum through 2026 make him the obvious challenger to Scheffler.
Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood continues to impress on American soil, and his control of the wind and sharp short game have produced consistent top results on the Florida courses.
Now that confidence is flowing and the putter is cooperating, another PGA Tour victory for the world number three is not out of the question.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele brings all the tools needed for success at Bay Hill – elite ball striking, composure and consistency under pressure.
He thrives in demanding setups that reward patience, and his well-rounded playing makes him one of the most reliable performers on Tour. Expect Schauffele to remain at the top of the leaderboard all weekend.
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa remains one of the purest iron players in the game, and Bay Hill’s precise target areas suit his strengths perfectly.
He is in red-hot form after winning the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a strong finish at The Genesis last month. If he finds a confident shot on the greens, his approach can quickly separate him from the pack.
Russel Henley
Russel Henley is often overlooked, but brings a game built around consistency and control – two essential qualities at Bay Hill, as he showed in 2025 when he won the API title.
His neat iron play and accuracy off the tee give him a reliable blueprint for success when conditions tighten. With longer expectations, Henley turns out to be one of the most attractive dark-horse candidates of the week.
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