The PGA Tour is heading to Bay Hill Club and Lodge for the Arnold Palmer Invitational. This tournament is a favorite among players and fans. It was first held in 1979 and renamed in 2007 to honor Arnold Palmer. Bay Hill is known for being a tough course, with a par-72 layout stretching over 7,400 yards.
This is the fourth of eight signature events on the PGA Tour this season, offering a massive $20 million prize pool. The winner will take home $4 million. Some of the best golfers in history have won here, including Tiger Woods, who has claimed victory an incredible eight times.
Scottie Scheffler
When talking about the best, you have to mention Scottie Scheffler. He has dominated this event, winning it twice (in 2022 and 2024) and finishing in the top 20 in his other two appearances. It’s no surprise that he is the favorite to win again, with odds at +320 (according to DraftKings Sportsbook). However, Scheffler has yet to win this year after dealing with a hand injury during the holidays.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy has also had a strong start to the season. He already has a win under his belt at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Rory has played at the API 10 times, earning one win and six top-10 finishes. He has the second-best odds to win at +750 (DraftKings Sportsbook). Given his current form, he is definitely a player to watch this week.
Ludvig Åberg
Ludvig Åberg, a 25-year-old from Sweden, has quickly made a name for himself. He already has two wins in just 40 career starts. At the API, he finished T24 in 2023 and T25 in 2024. Åberg is coming off a big win at the Genesis Invitational, where he shot an impressive 66 in the final round. He is third on the odds list at +1600 (DraftKings Sportsbook).
My Pick to Win
I’m picking Rory McIlroy to win! With his strong performance this year and his solid history at Bay Hill, he seems like the best choice. While Scottie Scheffler is always a threat, I’m curious to see how long it will take him to return to the winner’s circle after his injury. Rory is already locked in this season, and I believe he will continue his hot streak at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational always delivers. With the legacy of Arnold Palmer, a star-studded field, and a demanding course, it’s easily one of my favorite stops on Tour. Arnie’s iconic red cardigan is up for grabs—who do you think will take it home this year?
