The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to take place from March 6 to March 9 at the iconic Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. This prestigious event, part of the PGA Tour’s Florida Swing, promises to deliver thrilling golf action as some of the world’s top players compete for a share of the $20 million purse, with the winner taking home $4 million.
Course Overview
Bay Hill Club & Lodge, a par-72 course measuring 7,466 yards, is known for its challenging layout and demanding conditions. Redesigned by Arnold Palmer in 2009, the course features narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards on several holes3. The 480-yard par-4 9th hole is particularly notorious, ranking as one of the toughest on the PGA Tour.
Defending Champion
Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, will be looking to secure his third Arnold Palmer Invitational title. Scheffler won the 2024 edition with a commanding performance, finishing at 15 under par. He is one of the favorites to win again this year, given his recent form and familiarity with the course.
Notable Players
The field for the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational is stacked with talent, including the world’s top eight players and 45 of the top 50. Some of the notable players to watch include:
- Rory McIlroy: The 2018 champion, McIlroy has consistently performed well at Bay Hill and is expected to be a strong contender.
- Ludvig Aberg: Currently leading the FedEx Cup standings, Aberg has been in excellent form and is considered one of the top favorites.
- Xander Schauffele: Making his return from a rib injury, Schauffele will be looking to make a strong comeback.
- Justin Thomas: Seeking his first tournament victory since the 2022 PGA Championship, Thomas has been in good form with multiple top-10 finishes.
Key Storylines
- Scheffler’s Title Defense: Can Scottie Scheffler continue his dominance at Bay Hill and secure a third title?
- Aberg’s Rise: Will Ludvig Aberg maintain his excellent form and add another victory to his resume?
- McIlroy’s Quest: Can Rory McIlroy recapture the magic of his 2018 win and claim another title at Bay Hill?
- Schauffele’s Return: How will Xander Schauffele perform in his first tournament back from injury?
How to Watch
The tournament will be broadcast on Golf Channel and NBC, with streaming available on ESPN+. Here are the broadcast times:
- Thursday-Friday: 2-6 p.m. ET (Golf Channel)
- Saturday-Sunday: 12:30-2:30 p.m. ET (Golf Channel), 2:30-6 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
