The Arnold Palmer Invitational takes place this week. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the tournament.
The third signature event of the 2026 PGA Tour season has arrived, with the iconic Bay Hill once again playing host.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most prestigious stops on the schedule, attracting an elite field as the Florida Swing continues.
The Golfing Gazette has all the key details you need, including the tee times, how to watch, and payout.
- READ MORE: Arnold Palmer was genuinely surprised when told Rory McIlroy wasn’t playing at Bay Hill in 2013
Who do you think wins the API this week?
The PGA Tour's best players will be in action at Bay Hill…
Arnold Palmer Invitational dates
The Arnold Palmer Invitational runs from Thursday, March 5, through Sunday, March 8. It is one of two PGA Tour events this week, alongside the Puerto Rico Open.
Where is the Arnold Palmer Invitational played?
Bay Hill has hosted the Arnold Palmer Invitational since 1979, five years after Arnold Palmer took ownership of the club.
Bay Hill Club and Lodge
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Established: 1961
- Architect: Dick Wilson/Joe Lee
- Par: 72
- Yardage: 7,466
Which players are in the Arnold Palmer Invitational field?
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a signature event on the PGA Tour, meaning the field is loaded with almost all the top players.
The entire top 10 in the Official World Golf Ranking, including Scottie Scheffler (1) and Rory McIlroy (2), will play at Bay Hill.
Justin Thomas will make his return after months out following back surgery.
Arnold Palmer Invitational tee times
Tee times for the opening two rounds of the Arnold Palmer Invitational have not yet been confirmed.
However, the PGA Tour has announced the four featured groups for the tournament.
- Hideki Matsuyama/Justin Thomas
- Xander Schauffele/Shane Lowry
- Scottie Scheffler/Russell Henley
- Rory McIlroy/Viktor Hovland
How to watch the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Golf Channel will air all four rounds of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in the United States, with NBC also televising weekend coverage.
| Day | Channel (Eastern Time) |
| Thursday | Golf Channel (2 – 6 pm) |
| Friday | Golf Channel (2 – 6 pm) |
| Saturday | Golf Channel (12:30 – 2:30 pm); NBC (2:30 – 6 pm) |
| Sunday | Golf Channel (12:30 – 2:30 pm); NBC (2:30 – 6 pm) |
Who is the BEST DRIVER in the world right now?
Vote now for Rory or Bryson…
What is the total purse at the Arnold Palmer Invitational?
The total purse at this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational is $20 million.
The winner will take home $4 million, while second and third place will earn $2.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
Arnold Palmer Invitational expert picks
The Golfing Gazette experts have made their picks for this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Charlie Walker: Corey Conners has been sneakily good at Bay Hill in recent years, having not finished outside the top 25 since 2021. He’s had two top 3 finishes in that time, and I think he can go on and win it this week!
James Shearman: Matthew Fitzpatrick is in fine form, with three consecutive top-25 finishes, and his game suits Bay Hill very well. A world-class iron player, Fitzpatrick is due for another big win on the PGA Tour to add to his RBC Heritage (2023) title.
Peter Lynch: It hasn’t been an electric start to the season for Ben Griffin, who was a standout last year, but I think he’ll get back to winning ways this week.
Jordan Harris: Few have been better from tee to green than Matthew Fitzpatrick this season, with the Englishman inside the top 10 on the PGA Tour for driving accuracy. If his putter behaves itself at Bay Hill, he could be a real contender this week.
Antony Martin: I’m using my Rory McIlroy card. If he figures out his putting from Riviera, he could blow the field away this week. A previous winner at Bay Hill as well!
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
