The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational takes centre stage on the PGA Tour from March 5-8 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, penal rough and swirling winds combining to make it a stern test in Florida.
A 120‑man field headed by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will tackle the King’s classic design this week, with the closing three holes again set to provide a dramatic finish in front of packed galleries on Sunday.
Current 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational Betting Odds
| Player | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Russell Henley | 29/1 (+2900) |
Leading 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational Contenders
Scottie Scheffler
The 2022 and 2024 champion Scottie Scheffler returns to Bay Hill as the clear favourite after another impressive start to the season.
The world number one continues to dominate tee‑to‑green, and his unrivalled ball‑striking statistics set him apart on a course that rewards patience and precision.
If his putter behaves, Scheffler could easily lift the trophy for a third time in five years.
Rory McIlroy
Former winner Rory McIlroy always seems to find his rhythm in Orlando, where he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2018.
His combination of power and high‑flight control makes him a perennial threat at Bay Hill, particularly on the scoring par‑5s where he can separate from the field.
McIlroy’s strong 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 in the wind and sharp short game have produced consistent top‑finishes on Florida courses.
With confidence flowing and the putter 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 tends to thrive on demanding setups that reward patience, and his well‑rounded game makes him one of the most reliable performers on Tour. Expect Schauffele to hang around the top of the leaderboard throughout the weekend.
Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa remains among 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 victory in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a strong finish at The Genesis last month. If he finds a confident stroke on the greens, his approach play could quickly separate him from the pack.
Russell Henley
Russell Henley is often overlooked but brings a game built around consistency and control – two vital traits at Bay Hill as he showed in 2025 when lifting the API title.
His tidy iron play and accuracy off the tee give him a reliable blueprint for success when conditions tighten. At longer odds, Henley shapes as one of the week’s most appealing dark‑horse contenders.
James is an avid golfer and reviews golf equipment and new gear for GolfReviewsGuide.com as well as providing the latest golf news. You will find him on a golf course wherever possible.