Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy Headline 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational

Expert picks and predictions as top players return to Bay Hill

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational, the third signature event of the PGA Tour season, will feature a star-studded field led by world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and world No. 2 Rory McIlroy. Scheffler, a two-time champion at Bay Hill, will look to bounce back from a slow start at Riviera, while McIlroy aims for his second title at the event. Other top contenders include Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa.

Why it matters

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, drawing a world-class field to Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. As the second player-hosted invitational of the season, the tournament holds added significance, with players vying for a coveted cardigan and the chance to etch their names alongside Arnold Palmer's legendary legacy.

The details

The 72-hole tournament will feature a cut to the top 50 players and ties (as well as those within 10 strokes of the lead) at the halfway point. Scheffler, the world No. 1, will look to add to his two previous victories at Bay Hill in 2022 and 2024, while McIlroy, the 2018 champion, seeks his second title at the event. Other top contenders include Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa, all of whom have been playing well this season.

  • The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational will take place from March 5-8.

The players

Scottie Scheffler

The world No. 1 and two-time champion at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Scheffler will look to bounce back from a slow start to the season and add to his impressive record at Bay Hill.

Rory McIlroy

The world No. 2 and 2018 champion at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, McIlroy has been playing at an elite level this season and is seeking his second title at the event.

Tommy Fleetwood

The English golfer has been one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour this season and will be aiming for his first victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Matt Fitzpatrick

The Englishman has been in strong form of late and has a solid track record at Bay Hill, with five top-15 finishes in his last seven appearances at the event.

Xander Schauffele

The two-time major champion has struggled at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in the past, but his recent strong play suggests he could be a contender this year.

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What they’re saying

“Scottie Scheffler has been a dominant force on the PGA Tour, and his record at Bay Hill suggests he'll be the player to beat this week.”

— Patrick McDonald, CBS Sports Contributor (cbssports.com)

“Rory McIlroy's decision to switch back to his blade irons has paid dividends, and he'll be looking to capitalize on that at a course he's had success on in the past.”

— Patrick McDonald, CBS Sports Contributor (cbssports.com)

What’s next

The tournament will be held from March 5-8 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida.

The takeaway

The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational promises to be a thrilling event, with the world's top players vying for the coveted cardigan and a chance to etch their names in the history of this prestigious tournament. The battle between Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, as well as the performances of other top contenders, will be closely watched by golf fans around the world.