Cameron Young Chasing Arnold Palmer Legacy at Bay Hill

Wake Forest alum with deep ties to Bay Hill aims for second career win at Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Cameron Young, a 28-year-old professional golfer with deep connections to Bay Hill Club and Lodge and the legacy of Arnold Palmer, is making a strong run at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Young grew up just across the street from the famed course, attended the local school, and looked up at Palmer's statue while practicing at Wake Forest, Palmer's alma mater. Now sitting T-3 and within four strokes of the lead, Young is hoping to earn his second career victory at "Arnie's Place" and honor the legendary golfer's influence.

Why it matters

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour, and a win for Young would be especially meaningful given his lifelong ties to the course and Palmer's enduring impact on the sport. Young's personal history with Bay Hill and Palmer adds an extra layer of sentimentality to his pursuit of the title.

The details

Young shot a 5-under 67 on Saturday, including four straight birdies to start the back nine, and now sits four strokes behind the overnight leader Daniel Berger. Young grew up just across the street from Bay Hill, attended the local elementary school, and would ride his bike to watch Tiger Woods play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational pro-am as a child. He was also a scholarship recipient at Wake Forest, Palmer's alma mater, though he had to settle for the Lanny Wadkins Scholarship rather than the Arnold Palmer Scholarship.

  • Young shot a 5-under 67 on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Play was suspended due to darkness on Saturday with Young sitting T-3, four strokes behind the leader.

The players

Cameron Young

A 28-year-old professional golfer with deep ties to Bay Hill Club and Lodge and the legacy of Arnold Palmer. Young grew up just across the street from the famed course and was a scholarship recipient at Wake Forest, Palmer's alma mater.

Daniel Berger

The overnight leader at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational, sitting at 16-under par when play was suspended due to darkness on Saturday.

Arnold Palmer

The legendary golfer whose name and legacy are synonymous with the Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament held at Bay Hill Club and Lodge.

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What they’re saying

“It's this kind of mystical place, in a sense. I've always loved it and always happy to come here and get to play.”

— Cameron Young (Golfweek)

“I remember being right behind him on the 3rd tee, like close enough that I probably could have reached out and like touched his club going back.”

— Cameron Young (Golfweek)

“There's tons of reasons that this tournament is special. That Wake Forest connection to Arnold being one of them, for sure. I looked up at his statute going to practice every day at school. He had a tremendous influence on golf in general, and at Wake Forest. So, yeah, it definitely is a very, very clear meaning in my head of what this tournament represents and what he represents. Yeah, it would be a huge honor to even have a chance.”

— Cameron Young (Golfweek)

What’s next

If Young is able to maintain his strong play on Sunday, he will have a chance to earn his second career PGA Tour victory and capture the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational title.

The takeaway

Cameron Young's deep personal ties to Bay Hill and Arnold Palmer's enduring legacy add an extra layer of meaning and motivation to his pursuit of the Arnold Palmer Invitational title. A win would not only be a significant career achievement, but also a fitting tribute to the legendary golfer who left an indelible mark on the sport.