As the 2025 PGA Tour season gains traction, all eyes are set on the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tournament steeped in history and not without its fair share of controversy. The tennis elite are gearing up for the event, with a $4 million prize at stake, and defending champion Scottie Scheffler is ready to battle for his third win at Bay Hill. This prestigious tournament has seen victories by legends like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Vijay Singh, but it’s not all about the triumphs. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the top five controversies that have rocked Bay Hill in descending order.
At number five, we revisit the 2018 edition where Patrick Reed’s squabble with a rules official stole the headlines. Reed, feeling obstructed by TV tower cables at the 11th hole, insisted on a drop that the official wouldn’t grant. The ensuing argument was long-winded and even roped in Reed’s wife, Justine. In a last-ditch attempt, Reed referenced a 2017 British Open incident where Jordan Spieth was granted a drop, quipping, “I guess my name needs to be Jordan Spieth, guys.” Friends or not, this incident left a sour taste.
Fast-forward to the 2022 Invitational, and it’s Rory McIlroy’s turn to stir the pot. After a promising start with a 7-under par, he struggled in the following rounds, ultimately finishing with a disappointing score of 1-over par at T13. He laid the blame on the course setup, saying it was too punishing even when good shots were made. McIlroy’s complaints ignited a debate: was this a legitimate concern or just a case of sour grapes?
The 2023 tournament saw Jon Rahm venting his frustration in a more colorful way. His shot at the 14th hole landed nearly 35 feet away from the green, leading to a difficult putt and a profanity-laden outburst caught on broadcast. While Sky Sports had to apologize for Rahm’s language, he ironically made the 35-foot putt for par, adding a comedic touch to the contentious moment.
In 2024, Wyndham Clark found himself at the center of a cheating scandal. After his drive at the 18th hole landed in the deep rough, his ball appeared to move as he used a wedge to adjust the surrounding grass. This was caught on camera, and fans were quick to call him out and compare him to Patrick Reed. Officials, however, didn’t penalize him, saying the ball had returned to its original position. Clark defended himself, but the controversy nonetheless clouded his second-place finish.
The top controversy, however, belongs to Phil Mickelson’s absence from the 2022 edition. His decision to leave the PGA Tour for the newly-formed Super Golf League (now LIV Golf) sparked outrage due to its association with the Saudi Arabian government’s sports-washing technique. Despite the backlash, several top golfers have since joined LIV Golf, attracted by the lucrative deals it offers. This has prompted the PGA to seek reunification of golf through a deal funded by PIF.
These moments of controversy have certainly added a layer of intrigue to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. While they may not paint the prettiest picture of Bay Hill, they undoubtedly make for compelling storytelling. As we gear up for this year’s tournament, one can only wonder what headlines await us.
