ORLANDO, Fla. – Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 ranked golfer, enters the final rounds of the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge seeking to build on a strong start to the season, despite a recent stumble at The Genesis Invitational where he finished tied for 12th.
Scheffler’s preparation for the tournament included a candid admission about a humbling loss to his 10-handicap golf buddy last year, a story he shared with reporters this week. The anecdote, while lighthearted, underscores the challenges even the world’s best face on the demanding Bay Hill course. Scheffler won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2024 with a score of 15-under par, a dominant performance that set the stage for his continued success.
Last year, Scheffler finished tied for 11th at 4-under par, a result he’ll be looking to improve upon as he tees off on March 5-8. The 2025 tournament saw Russell Henley claim victory with a score of 11-under, demonstrating the competitive depth of the field at Bay Hill. Scheffler’s recent form includes a tie for 4th at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, a tie for 3rd at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, and a tie for 4th at the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational has historically been a significant indicator of form leading into the Masters Tournament. Scheffler’s victory in 2024 was followed by a successful defense of his title at The Players Championship. His current form, while not flawless, suggests he remains a strong contender for both Bay Hill and Augusta.
Scheffler’s recent results show a consistent level of play, with finishes inside the top 40 in all of his 2026 tournaments to date. At The Genesis Invitational on February 22, 2026, he posted a score of 11-under par. Prior to that, he finished at 20-under at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on February 15, 2026, and 15-under at the WM Phoenix Open on February 8, 2026. His performance at The American Express on January 25, 2026, saw him finish at 27-under par.
Rory McIlroy, a past champion at Bay Hill, is also among the betting favorites for the 2026 tournament. McIlroy finished as runner-up at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational, three shots behind Scheffler’s winning score of 15-under. He has finished second at Bay Hill three times in the last five years.
The tournament will be played at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, a course known for its challenging layout and demanding conditions. Scheffler’s ability to navigate these conditions will be crucial to his success.
