Arnold Palmer Invitational returns to Bay Hill with full field

The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill brings a full, limited field of top-ranked players and carries a $20 million purse with $4 million to the winner.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational returns to Bay Hill in Orlando this week with a full, limited field. The event is one of the PGA Tour's signature "legacy" tournaments as the Masters approaches. The tournament carries a $20 million purse and awards 20%—$4 million—to the winner. Many top-ranked players who are eligible are scheduled to play. Key details: - The event is a limited-field tournament but includes a cut. - The total purse is $20 million, with $4 million (20%) for the champion. - The field includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy, Genesis winner Jacob Bridgeman, Justin Thomas making his season debut after back surgery, and defending champion Russell Henley. - Bay Hill is listed at 7,466 yards and the forecast is reported as dry and warm, which should make the course firmer and faster as the week progresses. - The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach follows next week, carrying a $25 million purse and a $4.5 million first-place prize. Summary: The Arnold Palmer Invitational concentrates many of the Tour's top players at a challenging Bay Hill layout and offers a larger-than-usual winner's share. The timing places it just before the Masters and one week ahead of the Players Championship, which players may use to carry momentum into those events.