Keegan Bradley produced one of the standout rounds on day one of the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The US Ryder Cup captain is three under, two shots back of leader Wyndham Clark (five under). Bay Hill showed its teeth on Thursday as strong winds and firm greens tested the early starters.
Conditions eased as the day went on. Nonetheless, day one of the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational was arguably the most demanding test the PGA Tour’s best have faced this year.
Torrey Pines’ difficulty level was also visible during the two events hosted at the San Diego venue in 2025. Bradley, however, believes Bay Hill is a step up.
Keegan Bradley names toughest PGA Tour course
Speaking during his post-round press conference, Bradley claimed that Bay Hill is the hardest course on Tour after initially believing it was Torrey Pines.
“Everything. I mean, this course has changed so much since my first year. I think that this is the hardest course we play all year,” Bradley said.
“I used to think it was Torrey; I think it’s here now. The four par-5s and you’re still, you know, really got it to play well to shoot under par. Sprinkle in some conditions like this; it’s really tough.”
Bradley also made an admission about Bay Hill’s greens. “Yeah, I mean, I don’t really remember the rough being this difficult. Then the greens were never like this,” the US Ryder Cup captain added.
“These are like firm, major championship-type greens. Every year we come here, the course is in perfect condition and really major championship-ready.”
The 38-year-old is currently playing the best golf of his career whilst juggling his Ryder Cup commitments. Bradley’s USA team will start taking shape after the US Open.
Arnold Palmer Invitational: Bay Hill shows its teeth
Bradley’s 69 was extremely good, considering the conditions on Thursday. The American is currently in a four-way tie for second alongside Corey Conners, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Shane Lowry.
Rory McIlroy is one shot further back at two under, as are Si Woo Kim, Max Greyserman, Cam Davis and Justin Rose.
American quartet Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Collin Morikawa are ominously poised at one under. World number Scheffler faced the worst of the conditions.
During his post-round media duties, Scheffler highlighted the firm greens and thick rough. If the course continues to harden up, the highest winning score of 2025 could be set to win the fourth Signature Event of the season.
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