Arnold Palmer Invitational
Tournament information
LocationBay Hill, Florida
Established1966
Course(s)Bay Hill Club and Lodge
Par72
Length7,466 yards (6,827 m)
Tour(s)PGA Tour
FormatStroke play
Prize fundUS$20,000,000
Month playedMarch
Tournament record score
Aggregate264 Payne Stewart (1987)
To par−23 Buddy Allin (1973)
Current champion
United States Kurt Kitayama
Location Map
Bay Hill is located in the United States
Bay Hill
Bay Hill
Location in the United States
Bay Hill is located in Florida
Bay Hill
Bay Hill
Location in Florida

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour. It is played each March at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, a private golf resort owned since 1974 by Arnold Palmer in Bay Hill, a suburb southwest of Orlando, Florida.

The event was founded in 1979 as a successor to the Florida Citrus Open Invitational, which debuted in 1966 and was played at Rio Pinar Country Club, east of Orlando, through 1978. Arnold Palmer won the Florida Citrus Open in 1971.

Since 1979, the tournament title has had several different names, most of them including "Bay Hill," but has played under the Palmer name since 2007. On March 21, 2012, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and MasterCard Worldwide announced an extension to MasterCard's "Presented by" sponsorship until the 2016 tournament.[1][2]

In June 2014, the PGA Tour approved a resolution to grant the winner a three-year exemption, one more than regular Tour events and on par with winners of the World Golf Championships, The Tour Championship, and the Memorial Tournament.[3]

The winner receives a red cardigan sweater in memory of Arnold Palmer, a tradition that began with the 2017 tournament after Palmer's death in 2016.[4]

In 2019, the event was added to the Open Qualifying Series, giving up to three non-exempt players entry into The Open Championship.[5]

Invitational status

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of only five tournaments given "invitational" status by the PGA Tour. Consequently, it has a reduced field of only 120 players (as compared to most full-field open tournaments with fields of 144 or 156 players). The other four tournaments with invitational status are the Genesis Open, RBC Heritage, the Fort Worth Invitational, and the Memorial Tournament. Invitational tournaments have smaller fields (between 120 and 132 players) and have more freedom than full-field open tournaments in determining which players are eligible to participate in their event, as invitational tournaments are not required to fill their fields using the PGA Tour Priority Ranking System. Furthermore, unlike full-field open tournaments, invitational tournaments do not offer open qualifying (aka Monday qualifying).

Field

The field consists of 120 players invited using the following criteria:[6]

  1. Arnold Palmer Invitational winners before 2000 and in the last five years
  2. The Players Championship and major championship winners in the last five years
  3. The Tour Championship, World Golf Championships, and Memorial Tournament winners in the past three years
  4. Tournament winners in the past year
  5. Playing member of last-named U.S. Ryder Cup team; current PGA Tour members who were playing members on last named European Ryder Cup team, U.S. Presidents Cup team, and International Presidents Cup team
  6. Prior year U.S. Amateur winner (if still an amateur)
  7. Top 50 Official World Golf Ranking (as of Friday prior)
  8. PGA Tour life members
  9. 18 sponsors exemptions– two from Web.com Tour finals, eight members not otherwise exempt, and eight unrestricted
  10. Up to two foreign players designated by the commissioner
  11. Top 70 from prior year's FedEx Cup points list
  12. Members in the top 125 non-member category whose prior year non-WGC points equal or exceed the 70th position on the prior year FedEx Cup points list
  13. Top 70 from current year's FedEx Cup points list (as of Friday prior)
  14. PGA Section (North Florida) champion/player of the year
  15. Remaining positions filled from the current year's FedEx Cup points list

Arnold Palmer had a lifetime invitation.

Tournament highlights

Tyrrell Hatton with the trophy after winning in 2020.
  • 1966: Lionel Hebert wins the inaugural version of the tournament. He wins by two shots over Jack Nicklaus, Charles Coody, and Dick Lytle.[7]
  • 1968: Dan Sikes breaks out of a 5-way logjam to win by one shot over Tom Weiskopf. At the end of 54 holes, Sikes had been tied for the lead with Jack Nicklaus, Bruce Devlin, Miller Barber, and Bob Charles. Officials said this was the first time there had ever been a five-way tie for the lead after 54 holes at a PGA event.[8]
  • 1971: Arnold Palmer wins the event eight years before he becomes its host. He beats Julius Boros by one shot.[9]
  • 1973: Vietnam War veteran Buddy Allin shoots a tournament record 23 under par to breeze to an eight-shot victory over Charles Coody.[10]
  • 1974: Jerry Heard becomes the tournament's first two-time winner. He beats Homero Blancas and Jim Jamieson by two shots.[11]
  • 1976: Early on a Monday morning, Hale Irwin defeats Kermit Zarley on the sixth hole of a sudden death playoff after play was suspended due to darkness on Sunday.[12] While speaking to the press on Sunday evening, Irwin blamed NBC Sports for there not being enough time to finish the playoff.[13]
  • 1979: Bob Byman wins the tournament's first edition to be played at Bay Hill. He defeats John Schroeder on the second hole of a sudden death playoff.[14]
  • 1980: Dave Eichelberger wins by three shots over Leonard Thompson.[15] The temperatures were so cold that Eichelberger wore pantyhose during the final round.[16]
  • 1982: Tom Kite chips in for birdie on the first hole of a sudden death playoff to defeat Jack Nicklaus and Denis Watson.[17]
  • 1984: Gary Koch shoots a final round 63 before defeating George Burns on the second hole of a sudden death playoff. Koch is the only champion in the tournament's history to win both at Rio Pinar and Bay Hill.[18]
  • 1985: Coming off back surgery less than six months previously, Fuzzy Zoeller wins at Bay Hill. He finishes two shots ahead of Tom Watson.[19]
  • 1987: Payne Stewart, who owned a home just off Bay Hill's 12th tee, notches his third career PGA Tour title. He beats David Frost by three shots.[20]
  • 1989: Tom Kite wins for a second time at Bay Hill by defeating Davis Love III on the second hole of a sudden death playoff. Before the playoff, Kite and Love made a double bogey on the tournament's 72nd hole.[21]
  • 1990: Robert Gamez holes a 7-iron on the 72nd hole for an eagle two allowing him to win by one shot over Greg Norman.[22]
  • 1992: Fred Couples wins by nine shots over Gene Sauers. With his win, Couples becomes the #1 ranked player in the world.[23]
  • 1995: Loren Roberts becomes the first returning champion to defend his title successfully. He beats Brad Faxon by two shots.[24]
  • 1996: Paul Goydos wins for the first time on the PGA Tour. He beats Jeff Maggert by one shot and Tom Purtzer by two.[25] During the tournament's second round, Purtzer incurred a two-shot penalty by playing the wrong ball.
  • 1998: During the tournament's final round, John Daly hit six balls in the water on the sixth hole. He finishes the hole with a final score of 18.[26]
  • 2000: Tiger Woods wins at Bay Hill for the first time. He beats Davis Love III by four shots.[27]
  • 2003: Tiger Woods becomes the first golfer since Gene Sarazen at the 1930 Miami Open to win the same tournament in four consecutive years. He wins by 11 shots over Kirk Triplett, Stewart Cink, Kenny Perry, and Brad Faxon.[28]
  • 2005: Kenny Perry wins by two shots over Vijay Singh and Graeme McDowell. Perry and Singh were tied for the lead until Singh made a double bogey at the 72nd hole.[29]
  • 2008: Tiger Woods sinks a 25-foot birdie putt at the 72nd hole to defeat Bart Bryant by one shot.[30] It's Wood's fifth Bay Hill triumph in addition to his winning the fifth consecutive tournament he had played in.
  • 2009: Tiger Woods wins at Bay Hill for the 2nd straight year and sixth time overall. He birdies the 72nd hole to defeat Sean O'Hair by one shot.[31]
  • 2012: Tiger Woods wins the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the seventh time, ending a winless streak on the PGA Tour dating back 27 events to September 13, 2009.[32]
  • 2013: Tiger Woods wins for a record-tying eighth time at the Arnold Palmer Invitational while holing three eagles during the week, the first time a player has accomplished the feat since 2001; he ascends to the number 1 ranking for the first time since October 2010.[33]
  • 2014: With world number one Woods out of the tournament, the focus was on world number two Adam Scott. Scott led the first three rounds, but struggled in the fourth round, finishing third behind Keegan Bradley and first-time PGA Tour winner Matt Every.
  • 2015: Matt Every holed an 18-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to beat Henrik Stenson by one shot and become the third golfer to defend his title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. In the third round, Daniel Berger recorded a double eagle at the par-5 6th hole, the first since the tournament moved to Bay Hill in 1979. Zach Johnson repeated the feat in the final round on the par-5 16th.[34][35]

Course layout

Hole123456789Out101112131415161718InTotal
Yards4612314345903905551994604803,8004004385743702154675112214583,6547,454
Par434545344364454345343672

Source:[36]

Winners

YearWinnerScoreTo parMargin of
victory		Runner(s)-upPurse
($)		Winner's
share ($)
Arnold Palmer Invitational
2023United States Kurt Kitayama279−91 strokeUnited States Harris English
Northern Ireland Rory McIlroy		20,000,0003,600,000
2022United States Scottie Scheffler283−51 strokeEngland Tyrrell Hatton
United States Billy Horschel
Norway Viktor Hovland		12,000,0002,160,000
2021United States Bryson DeChambeau277−111 strokeEngland Lee Westwood9,300,0001,674,000
2020England Tyrrell Hatton284−41 strokeAustralia Marc Leishman9,300,0001,674,000
2019Italy Francesco Molinari276−122 strokesEngland Matt Fitzpatrick9,100,0001,638,000
2018Northern Ireland Rory McIlroy270−183 strokesUnited States Bryson DeChambeau8,900,0001,602,000
2017Australia Marc Leishman277−111 strokeUnited States Charley Hoffman
United States Kevin Kisner		8,700,0001,566,000
2016Australia Jason Day271−171 strokeUnited States Kevin Chappell6,300,0001,134,000
2015United States Matt Every (2)269−191 strokeSweden Henrik Stenson6,300,0001,134,000
2014United States Matt Every275−131 strokeUnited States Keegan Bradley6,200,0001,116,000
2013United States Tiger Woods (8)275−132 strokesEngland Justin Rose6,200,0001,116,000
2012United States Tiger Woods (7)275−135 strokesNorthern Ireland Graeme McDowell6,000,0001,080,000
2011Scotland Martin Laird280−81 strokeUnited States Steve Marino6,000,0001,080,000
2010South Africa Ernie Els (2)277−112 strokesItaly Edoardo Molinari
United States Kevin Na		6,000,0001,080,000
2009United States Tiger Woods (6)275−51 strokeUnited States Sean O'Hair6,000,0001,080,000
2008United States Tiger Woods (5)270−101 strokeUnited States Bart Bryant5,800,0001,044,000
2007Fiji Vijay Singh272−82 strokesUnited States Rocco Mediate5,500,000990,000
Bay Hill Invitational
2006Australia Rod Pampling274−141 strokeEngland Greg Owen5,500,000990,000
2005United States Kenny Perry276−122 strokesNorthern Ireland Graeme McDowell
Fiji Vijay Singh		5,000,000900,000
2004United States Chad Campbell270−186 strokesAustralia Stuart Appleby5,000,000900,000
2003United States Tiger Woods (4)269−1911 strokesUnited States Stewart Cink
United States Brad Faxon
United States Kenny Perry
United States Kirk Triplett		4,500,000810,000
2002United States Tiger Woods (3)275−134 strokesNew Zealand Michael Campbell4,000,000720,000
2001United States Tiger Woods (2)273−151 strokeUnited States Phil Mickelson3,500,000630,000
2000United States Tiger Woods270−184 strokesUnited States Davis Love III3,000,000540,000
1999United States Tim Herron274−14PlayoffUnited States Tom Lehman2,500,000450,000
1998South Africa Ernie Els274−144 strokesUnited States Bob Estes
United States Jeff Maggert		2,000,000360,000
1997United States Phil Mickelson272−163 strokesAustralia Stuart Appleby1,500,000270,000
1996United States Paul Goydos275−131 strokeUnited States Jeff Maggert1,200,000216,000
Nestle Invitational
1995United States Loren Roberts (2)272−162 strokesUnited States Brad Faxon1,200,000216,000
1994United States Loren Roberts275−131 strokeZimbabwe Nick Price
Fiji Vijay Singh
United States Fuzzy Zoeller		1,200,000216,000
1993United States Ben Crenshaw280−82 strokesUnited States Davis Love III
United States Rocco Mediate
Fiji Vijay Singh		1,000,000180,000
1992United States Fred Couples269−199 strokesUnited States Gene Sauers1,000,000180,000
1991United States Andrew Magee203[lower-alpha 1]−132 strokesUnited States Tom Sieckmann1,000,000180,000
1990United States Robert Gamez274−141 strokeAustralia Greg Norman900,000162,000
1989United States Tom Kite (2)278−6PlayoffUnited States Davis Love III800,000144,000
Hertz Bay Hill Classic
1988United States Paul Azinger271−135 strokesUnited States Tom Kite750,000135,000
1987United States Payne Stewart264−203 strokesSouth Africa David Frost600,000108,000
1986United States Dan Forsman202[lower-alpha 1]−111 strokeUnited States Raymond Floyd
United States Mike Hulbert		500,00090,000
1985United States Fuzzy Zoeller275−92 strokesUnited States Tom Watson500,00090,000
Bay Hill Classic
1984United States Gary Koch (2)272−12PlayoffUnited States George Burns400,00072,000
1983United States Mike Nicolette283−1PlayoffAustralia Greg Norman350,00063,000
1982United States Tom Kite278−6PlayoffUnited States Jack Nicklaus
Zimbabwe Denis Watson		300,00054,000
1981United States Andy Bean266−187 strokesUnited States Tom Watson300,00054,000
1980United States Dave Eichelberger279−53 strokesUnited States Leonard Thompson300,00054,000
Bay Hill Citrus Classic
1979United States Bob Byman278−6PlayoffUnited States John Schroeder250,00045,000
Florida Citrus Open
1978United States Mac McLendon271−172 strokesAustralia David Graham200,00040,000
1977United States Gary Koch274−142 strokesSouth Africa Dale Hayes
United States Joe Inman		200,00040,000
1976United States Hale Irwin270−18PlayoffUnited States Kermit Zarley200,00040,000
1975United States Lee Trevino276−121 strokeUnited States Hale Irwin200,00040,000
1974United States Jerry Heard (2)273−153 strokesUnited States Homero Blancas
United States Jim Jamieson		150,00030,000
1973United States Buddy Allin265−238 strokesUnited States Charles Coody150,00030,000
1972United States Jerry Heard276−122 strokesUnited States Bobby Mitchell150,00030,000
Florida Citrus Invitational
1971United States Arnold Palmer270−181 strokeUnited States Julius Boros150,00030,000
1970United States Bob Lunn271−171 strokeUnited States Arnold Palmer
Australia Bob Stanton		150,00030,000
Florida Citrus Open Invitational
1969United States Ken Still278−101 strokeUnited States Miller Barber115,00023,000
1968United States Dan Sikes274−141 strokeUnited States Tom Weiskopf115,00023,000
1967United States Julius Boros274−101 strokeCanada George Knudson
United States Arnold Palmer		115,00023,000
1966United States Lionel Hebert279−52 strokesUnited States Charles Coody
United States Dick Lytle
United States Jack Nicklaus		110,00021,000

Note: Green highlight indicates scoring records.
Sources:[37][38]

Multiple winners

Seven men have won this tournament more than once through 2022.

Notes

  1. 1 2 Shortened to 54 holes due to rain.

References

  1. ↑ "MasterCard Extends Presenting Sponsorship of Arnold Palmer Invitational". MasterCard.com (Press release). March 21, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  2. ↑ "MasterCard Extends Sponsorship". ArnoldPalmerInvitational.com. March 21, 2012. Archived from the original on April 7, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  3. ↑ "Boost to Arnie and Jack tourneys". ESPN. Associated Press. June 3, 2014.
  4. ↑ Auclair, T.J. "Red cardigan sweater for Arnold Palmer Invitational winner revealed". PGA of America. Retrieved November 8, 2018.
  5. ↑ "The Open Qualifying Series for 2019 launches with four new events". theopen.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2019. Retrieved November 7, 2018.
  6. ↑ "2015–16 PGA Tour Player Handbook & Tournament Regulations" (PDF). October 5, 2015. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 12, 2016.
  7. ↑ Hebert Discards Remedy, Wins Florida Citrus Open
  8. ↑ Dan Sikes wins Citrus Open
  9. ↑ Palmer Cops Citrus Open
  10. ↑ Allin Citrus Champ
  11. ↑ Jerry Heard regains winning touch, takes Citrus Open on 273 total
  12. ↑ Citrus Open playoff won by Hale Irwin
  13. ↑ Irwin Raps TV For Late Start
  14. ↑ Byman, a Rookie, Wins Golf Playoff
  15. ↑ Eichelberger wins chilly Bay Hill
  16. ↑ Golfers required panty hose
  17. ↑ Kite wins Bay Hill Golf in three-man playoff
  18. ↑ Gary Koch wins Bay Hill playoff
  19. ↑ Fuzzy Zoeller wins Bay Hill Classic
  20. ↑ Stewart wins Bay Hill by 3
  21. ↑ White, Gordon S. Jr. (March 13, 1989). "Kite Catches Love And Wins Playoff". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2019-08-23.
  22. ↑ Anderson, Dave (March 26, 1990). "Spectacular Eagle Wins for Gamez". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2020-10-14.
  23. ↑ Sizzling Couples coasts by 9 shots in Nestle laugher
  24. ↑ Dorman, Larry (March 20, 1995). "Roberts and Bay Hill Links Seem Made for Each Other (Published 1995)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2020-10-14.
  25. ↑ Goydos fires 67 to capture Bay Hill
  26. ↑ Brown, Clifton (March 23, 1998). "Six In Lake Give Daly an 18 (Published 1998)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2023-06-06.
  27. ↑ Woods Triumphs Again, Leaving Love in Awe
  28. ↑ Ailing Woods wins 4th straight Bay Hill by 11 strokes
  29. ↑ Perry Wins Bay Hill After Singh Suffers Rocky Finish
  30. ↑ Tiger birdies 18 for title
  31. ↑ Golf-Woods overhauls O'Hair for comeback win at Bay Hill
  32. ↑ Donegan, Lawrence (March 26, 2012). "Tiger Woods ends PGA Tour drought with Arnold Palmer Invitational win". The Guardian. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  33. ↑ Schmitz, Brian (March 26, 2013). "Tiger Woods is back at No. 1 after winning Arnold Palmer Invitational". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
  34. ↑ "Matt Every wins again at Bay Hill". ESPN.com. 22 March 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  35. ↑ "Daniel Berger makes 2 on par 5". ESPN.com. 21 March 2015. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  36. ↑ "Course: Bay Hill Club". PGA Tour. 2013. Retrieved March 27, 2013.
  37. ↑ Arnold Palmer Invitational - Winners - at www.pgatour.com
  38. ↑ Arnold Palmer Invitational - Winners Archived 2011-07-16 at the Wayback Machine - at www.golfobserver.com
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