As the golfing world turns its attention to the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the iconic Bay Hill Golf Course, anticipation builds among a starry ensemble of both American and European golfing elites. The PGA Tour resumes, with the majority of the world’s top 10 players, save for LIV Golf’s Tyrrell Hatton, set to compete on Florida’s Bay Hill course.
In a surprising twist, Jordan Spieth is missing from the tournament’s roster. Nevertheless, golf luminaries like Xander Schauffele, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, among others, are stepping up to the plate. Schauffele, ranked third worldwide, makes a noteworthy comeback from injury to join the tournament’s lineup.
With Hatton prepping for LIV Golf Hong Kong, former PGA Tour players and one-time world number one, Jon Rahm, join his ranks. This shifting landscape of player participation could mean an exciting and unpredictable tournament ahead.
Scottie Scheffler, a figure of interest in the Arnold Palmer Invitational, holds fond memories of the tournament having clinched the trophy in 2024 with a five-shot lead over Wyndham Clark. Meanwhile, Smylie Kaufman, a one-time PGA Tour victor, arrived early on the scene to give the first-hand course update.
According to Kaufman, Bay Hill’s greens are already firm and fast, and the rough is gnarly, rating it a perfect ten on the difficulty scale. He anticipates some rain which might soften the course but, for now, it presents a formidable challenge.
There’s no denying Scheffler’s prowess on the green, ranking 14th in the PGA Tour putting average. The world number one kick-started his stunning run with the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational victory which led to seven PGA Tour wins, including the Players and the Masters. Despite a hand injury disrupting his 2025 season’s start, the two-time major champion bounced back with impressive performances at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the WM Phoenix Open, and the Genesis Invitational.
As the Arnold Palmer Invitational beckons, the golfing community is on the edge of their seats. With the course conditions described as ‘firm and fast’, it’s all set to be a thrilling and challenging tournament. The big question remains: who will master the greens at Bay Hill this year?