The letter Arnold Palmer wrote to Rory McIlroy after his first major win at Congressional in 2011

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Rory McIlroy has won pretty much everything there is to win in the game of golf but sometimes, there are things a touch more cherished than those wins.

McIlroy is competing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational this week, the ninth such event since the seven-time major winner passed away in 2016.

For McIlroy – who has won the event in 2018 – the Arnold Palmer remains one of the key events on his golfing calendar.

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Of course, McIlroy is now a pillar of the game in general after having a stunning career that kicked off with his 2011 US Open win at Congressional.

And looking back at that win, it is a letter received from Arnold Palmer to McIlroy, that holds a dear place in the Northern Irishman’s heart.

Arnold Palmer’s letter to Rory McIlroy

After witnessing McIlroy destroy the field at Congressional, everyone in golf was raving about the performance of the new kid on the block.

One of those keen onlookers was Palmer, who sent McIlroy a signed letter inviting him to Bay Hill.

“Dear Rory: What a wonderful performance at Congressional! Congratulations!

“I was very impressed with the way you handled yourself throughout the tournament. Your total game – tee to green and the putting – was really solid and it looked like you were enjoying yourself in the process.

“You are now in a position where you have the opportunity to give back to the game that is making you famous and I hope, and certainly feel sure, that you will live up to that obligation in the months and years ahead. Just continue to be yourself. Don’t change.

“I don’t know what your playing plans will be for next season, but I hope that you will keep my tournament in mind as you are getting ready for the Masters. We would love to have you at Bay Hill.”

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Rory McIlroy’s record at The Arnold Palmer Invitational

Despite the invite, McIlroy didn’t get round to playing at Bay Hill until the 2014/15 season, where he finished in 11th place on his debut.

Since then, Bay Hill has very much been a happy hunting ground for McIlroy and the results show.

As well as his win in 2018, he’s finished second once and had a number of top tens, while never missing a cut in the process.

McIlroy is right in the mix in the 2025 edition and going into Sunday, he’ll be looking for a big round to keep his excellent record up.