Top Contenders:
- Scottie Scheffler: Favorite at +320, aiming to defend his 2024 title.
- Rory McIlroy: +750 odds, strong history at Bay Hill with one win and six top-10 finishes.
- Ludvig Åberg & Xander Schauffele: Both at +1600, poised to challenge the favorites.
Course Details:
- Bay Hill Club & Lodge: 7,466 yards, par-72, known for fast greens, thick rough, and water hazards.
- Scoring Challenge: Only one champion reached double digits under par since 2020.
Viewing Schedule:
- TV: GOLF Channel, NBC, Peacock
- Streaming: PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+
The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational promises intense competition with a stacked field and a challenging course. Defending champ Scottie Scheffler leads the pack, but the tough Bay Hill layout ensures surprises are likely.
Players and Odds
Top Players
The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational features a competitive lineup, with Scottie Scheffler leading the pack as the favorite at +320. Scheffler has been a standout, topping strokes gained in the last five editions and securing victories in 2022 and 2024.
Rory McIlroy follows closely at +750. With a win in 2018 and six top-10 finishes in nine appearances at Bay Hill, McIlroy has a strong track record. This season, he also leads the PGA Tour in Strokes Gained: Total with an impressive 2.162 average.
Ludvig Åberg (+1600) and Xander Schauffele (+1600) round out the top picks. While these players are expected to dominate, underdogs could still make a splash.
Potential Surprises
Bay Hill's challenging layout, where 30% of approach shots exceed 200 yards, could favor some under-the-radar players. Viktor Hovland (+5500) and Keegan Bradley (+5500) have multiple top-10 finishes and know the course well, making them worth watching.
Will Zalatoris (+5000) is another intriguing prospect, while Sungjae Im (+4500) and Tommy Fleetwood (+3500) are poised to challenge the favorites and shake up the leaderboard.
Current Odds
Here are the latest odds for the tournament's top contenders:
Player | Odds |
Scottie Scheffler | +320 |
Rory McIlroy | +750 |
Ludvig Åberg | +1600 |
Xander Schauffele | +1600 |
Collin Morikawa | +2200 |
Hideki Matsuyama | +2500 |
Justin Thomas | +2800 |
Patrick Cantlay | +3000 |
Tommy Fleetwood | +3500 |
Sungjae Im | +4500 |
Will Zalatoris | +5000 |
Sam Burns | +5500 |
Keegan Bradley | +5500 |
Matt Fitzpatrick | +5500 |
Viktor Hovland | +5500 |
Bay Hill Course Guide
Course Details
The Bay Hill Club & Lodge is a true test for golfers, stretching 7,466 yards on Bermudagrass. A standout feature? Nearly 30% of approach shots here are over 200 yards - more than any other PGA TOUR course since 2016.
The par-4 3rd hole challenges players with a water-protected green that demands accuracy. Meanwhile, the par-5 6th is famous for its high-stakes drama, from John Daly’s infamous 18 in 1998 to Bryson DeChambeau’s daring water-clearing drive in 2021.
The final three holes, particularly 16 through 18, are all about risk versus reward. The 18th, with its nerve-wracking approach shot over water, has been the backdrop for many tournament-defining moments. Arnold Palmer’s 2009 redesign added even more complexity around the greens, making strategic play a top priority.
Past Scoring
Bay Hill’s difficulty is reflected in its scoring history. Since 2020, only one champion has reached double digits under par. Tyrrell Hatton’s 2020 victory at just 4-under par showcased the course’s toughness, with only four players finishing below par that year.
Here’s a quick look at recent winning scores:
Year | Winner | Score |
2024 | Scottie Scheffler | -15 |
2023 | Kurt Kitayama | -9 |
2022 | Scottie Scheffler | -5 |
2021 | Bryson DeChambeau | -11 |
2020 | Tyrrell Hatton | -4 |
Weather, especially wind, plays a huge role in scoring. The firm, fast Bermuda greens and thick rough make precision key. Greens in Regulation (GIR) stats back this up, staying below 60% in every tournament over the past five years.
"I think there's a premium on driving the golf ball in the fairway, and I think you have to play really smart around this place", says Patrick Cantlay.
With such a history of tight scores, sharp and calculated play will be critical for success at the 2025 Invitational.
Winning with the Arnold Palmer Invitational
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Main Tournament Stories
Scheffler's Defense
Scottie Scheffler heads into the 2025 Invitational as the favorite with +320 odds, aiming to defend his 2024 title at Bay Hill. His track record speaks for itself - he’s finished in the top five in the last three editions of the tournament.
Scheffler’s 2024 win was a standout moment. He closed with a final-round 66, finishing 15-under-par, ahead of Wyndham Clark and Shane Lowry. That victory kicked off an incredible streak, including wins at The Players Championship and The Masters.
"It's really special. Mr Palmer meant a lot to me, meant a lot to us as professional golfers and the game of golf, and so it's very special to be able to sit here and wear his red sweater again. I'm very proud to be the champion of his tournament".
With his impressive form, Scheffler sets the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive event.
Players in Focus
While Scheffler leads the pack, the 2025 field is stacked with talent. In fact, 38 of the world’s top 40 players are set to compete, making for plenty of intriguing matchups.
World No. 2 Xander Schauffele is back in action after recovering from a rib injury. With +1600 odds, his performance on Bay Hill’s challenging course will be closely watched.
Rory McIlroy, ranked No. 3 globally, is another standout contender. Known for his strong history at Bay Hill, McIlroy boasts an average adjusted strokes gained of +2.56 - second only to Scheffler’s +3.35. With one win and five additional top-10 finishes in 10 career starts at the API, his +750 odds reflect his potential to dominate.
Other players are entering the tournament in great shape. Hideki Matsuyama appears to have fully recovered from past injuries and looks ready to tackle Bay Hill’s tough layout. Justin Thomas has been turning heads in 2025 with multiple top-10 finishes.
Rising star Ludvig Aberg is another name to watch. Fresh off a recent PGA Tour victory, he’s entering with +1600 odds and plenty of momentum.
Viewing and Participation
TV and Streaming
Catch the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational on GOLF Channel, NBC, Peacock, and PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+.
Here’s the broadcast schedule:
Day | Time (ET) | Network |
Thursday | 2:00–6:00 PM | GOLF Channel, NBC Sports App |
Friday | 2:00–6:00 PM | GOLF Channel, NBC Sports App |
Saturday | 12:30–2:30 PM | GOLF Channel, NBC Sports App |
Saturday | 2:30–6:00 PM | NBC, Peacock |
Sunday | 12:30–2:30 PM | GOLF Channel, NBC Sports App |
Sunday | 2:30–6:00 PM | NBC, Peacock |
PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+ provides extensive coverage starting at 7:30 a.m. ET, featuring main feed content, marquee groups, featured holes, and more. For audio coverage, tune in to PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM or stream it at PGATOUR.com/liveaudio.
Additionally, don’t miss "Live: On the Range from the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by ReliaQuest" on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET. It streams on PGA TOUR YouTube, GOLF Channel, and the FAST network.
Fan Activities
Want to experience the action in person? Tickets start at $32 for practice rounds and $80+ for tournament days, available via Vivid Seats. On-site, fans can enjoy the Fan Deck, which includes:
- Access to the player walk along the 16th tee
- Up-close views of the action
- Comfortable shaded areas
- Exclusive food trucks
- Large-screen viewing zones
"When people ask what's driven me all these years, I always give the same answer. It's you."
Special events throughout the tournament include:
- Throwback Thursday presented by Corkcicle
- Birdies & BBQ celebrations
- Patriots' Outpost: Complimentary food and drinks for military service members on Sunday
- Trick Shot Show demonstrations
Feeling competitive? Join the =RANGE= Golf prediction contest for a chance to win gift cards ranging from $50 to $150. Complete 10 predictions and aim for the top 10 leaderboard at https://share.mybe.app/id/L3226411.
Arnold Palmer Invitational Fantasy Golf Preview & Picks
Summary
The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to deliver top-tier golf action at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, boasting a $20 million prize pool, with $4 million reserved for the winner. This prestigious event consistently draws the best players from around the globe, thanks to its reputation and challenging course.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler headlines the field, solidifying his position as the favorite. His victories in 2022 and 2024 highlight his ability to navigate Bay Hill's tough layout with precision.
Bay Hill is known for testing even the most skilled golfers. Over the past seven years, Kevin Chappell stands out as the only player to shoot four rounds in the 60s during a single tournament - an impressive feat.
"The putter has turned around drastically from the downturn in 2024 and the iron play has followed suit as well. He's doing everything well at the moment which should translate to success at a difficult test like Bay Hill."
With a mix of top talent and a course that demands excellence, the tournament promises to be unforgettable. Fans can catch the action live on TV, stream it online, or participate in interactive contests for a chance to win exclusive gift cards.