2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational: A Look at the Field and Favorites
The PGA Tour rolls into Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida this week for one of its more prestigious non-Major Championship events of the year, the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Known for its demanding course setup, elite field, and rich history, the API has become a staple on the schedule and the fourth signature event of 2025. It has often drawn some of the biggest names in golf as it honors one of golf’s greatest legends, Arnold Palmer. As players get ready to take on “Arnie’s Kingdom,” the biggest question remains, who will rise to the occasion and claim one of the most coveted non-Major trophies and jackets in golf?
Tournament Details:
Location: Bay Hill Club & Lodge - Orlando, FL
Dates: March 6th-9th, 2025
Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler
Purse: $20 million
FedEx Cup Points: 700
Event Type: Signature Event
Course Week Breakdown
Bay Hill is one of the toughest tests on the PGA Tour, sitting at a whopping 7,466 yard par 72, the course demands precision off the tee, elite ball-striking, and a strong short game to navigate the thick rough and lightning-fast greens. The 221 yard par-three 17th hole over water and the 458 yard par-four 18th, which features water all along the right side on approach shots, could make for a dramatic finish and determine the tournament winner on Sunday afternoon. The forecast for the week may present a challenge for the players with swirling winds ranging from 10-20 mph. On top of that, there is a 48% chance of some rain on Saturday.
Featured Players to Watch
Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler - World Number One
Scottie Scheffler has been a dominant force in the game over the past few seasons, and Bay Hill has become one of his personal playgrounds. He won the event in 2022 and then again in 2024, and he’ll be the odds-on favorite to win his third red jacket. Scheffler’s elite ball-striking, accuracy, and ability to handle firm and fast conditions make him the man to beat again this week. Can Scheffler kick off his dominance this week at Arnie’s Place?
Powerhouse: Rory McIlroy - World Number Two
A past winner at Bay Hill, Rory McIlroy, who won in 2018, has the length off the tee and elite iron play to take advantage of the scoring opportunities this week. He’s already posted several strong finishes, including a signature event win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, his game is trending in the right direction and this could be the week he picks up his 28th PGA Tour win. He currently has the second best odds to win his second red jacket. Can McIlroy overpower the rest of the field and pick up his second win of the year?
Rising Star: Ludvig Aberg - World Number Four
Ludvig Aberg has been one of the biggest breakout stars in the past year, showcasing his all-around game, power, and fearless mentality. This will be his third time playing the API. He finished tied for 24th in 2023 and finished tied for 25th in 2024. The young Swede has all the tools necessary to win this week, so don’t be surprised if the rising star finds himself in the mix late on Sunday. Aberg’s already won one signature event this year, the Genesis Invitational in California, can he add another signature win to his resume at Bay Hill?
Bounceback: Xander Schauffele - World Number Three
Xander Schauffele hasn’t played a PGA Tour event since the Sentry in Hawaii back in January due to a rib injury and the two-time Major winner’s form will be a major storyline this week. Known for being elite in almost every aspect of his game, the nine-time tour winner and former Olympic gold medalist, could be a legitimate contender at Bay Hill, but his health and rust may play a factor in just how well he does. His elite iron play and steady putting suit Bay Hill well and we could see him in the mix on Sunday, but if he shows any signs of not being 100% or any tournament rust, it may make things too difficult for him to overcome. How quickly can Schauffele bounce back from his injury-related time off and get back into his winning ways?
Wild Card Winner: Justin Thomas - World Number Eight
If there was one player seemingly flying under the radar who could walk away with the trophy this week, it’s Justin Thomas. After a difficult stretch in 2023 and early 2024, it looks like JT has turned things around and is playing more like the two-time Major Champion we’ve known him to be. Jis iron play is getting back to an elite level, and his putting, often seen as his Achilles’ heel, has significantly improved. He’s posted multiple strong finishes this season, including three top-10s with a runner-up finish at the American Express, and if he can continue trending in this direction, it may only be a matter of time until he finds himself in the winner’s circle again. Why not this week at Arnie’s place?
