The PGA Tour’s Florida Swing heats up as the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard kicks off this Thursday, March 6, at the iconic Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Running through Sunday, March 9, this signature event promises a star-studded showdown with a $20 million purse and no cut, ensuring four days of high-stakes golf as the world’s top players vie for glory just weeks before The Masters.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, headlines a loaded field featuring Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, and local favorite Collin Morikawa. With FedExCup points and a massive $3.6 million winner’s check on the line, Bay Hill’s notoriously tough layout—known for its punishing rough and challenging par-3s—will test every facet of their game. The par-72, 7,466-yard course, designed by Dick Wilson and later refined by Arnold Palmer himself, remains a proving ground where legends are made.
“We’re thrilled to welcome golf’s elite back to Bay Hill for a tournament that embodies Mr. Palmer’s legacy of excellence,” said Tournament Director John Moskal. “This week isn’t just about competition—it’s about honoring ‘The King’ and delivering a world-class experience for players and fans alike.” The event, one of eight signature stops on the 2025 PGA Tour, guarantees all 70 entrants a payday, with last year’s thriller seeing Scheffler edge Wyndham Clark by five strokes.
Tonight’s action kicks off with a ceremonial tee shot at 7:30 AM ET on Thursday, followed by live coverage starting at 9:45 AM ET. The PGA Tour’s Marquee Group will spotlight Scheffler and Åberg, while Featured Groups include Matsuyama and Hovland (9:55 AM ET) and Morikawa and Keegan Bradley (10:05 AM ET). Fans can also catch McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s 1:00 PM ET pairing mid-round, with Featured Holes coverage highlighting the par-3 2nd, par-5 6th, par-3 14th, and par-3 17th. Tune in via Golf Channel, NBC, or stream on Peacock and PGA Tour Live.
Beyond the leaderboard, the Arnold Palmer Invitational continues its charitable legacy, having raised over $15 million for Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation initiatives since 1979. On-site, spectators can enjoy the Fan Zone, autograph sessions, and a tribute to Palmer’s storied career, including his seven PGA Tour wins at Bay Hill.
As the 110th PGA Tour season rolls on, tonight’s opener marks a pivotal moment. With the Players Championship looming next week and the Masters just a month away, Bay Hill offers a critical chance to build momentum—or falter under pressure. Will Scheffler repeat, or will a new champion claim Palmer’s crown? The answer unfolds this week in Orlando.