Arnold Palmer's grandson seeks larger fields at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Sam Saunders said he would like to see more players at this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational. The event's field was reduced from about 120 players to 72 under the PGA Tour's signature event model.

Sam Saunders, the grandson of Arnold Palmer, said he would like to see larger player fields at this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The PGA Tour adopted a signature event model after LIV Golf's launch in 2022, and that model has reduced field sizes at some tournaments. The Tour now aims to have top players competing for four full days, and some signature events include a 36-hole cut. New CEO Brian Rolapp is expected to consider further schedule and format changes. Key points: - Saunders said he would "love to see more guys here" and noted it is hard to see some names missing from the field. - The Arnold Palmer Invitational previously featured about 120 players and now has a 72-player field under the signature event model. - The API is one of three signature events with a 36-hole cut (low 50 and ties, plus anyone within 10 shots of the 36-hole leader). - Smaller signature-event fields reduce playing opportunities for lower-tier players; the Puerto Rico Open will run concurrently as a 120-player opposite-field event. - The Tour is reportedly considering trimming its schedule as part of changes discussed under CEO Brian Rolapp. Summary: Saunders’ comments highlight the tension between smaller elevated-event fields and opportunities for other Tour members, and he said his organization will continue to focus on presenting the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Whether the Tour will change field sizes or schedule structure further is undetermined at this time.