The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational, the season’s third signature tournament, will take place this week, starting on March 5. The 72-golfer field for this tournament will include world number one Scottie Scheffler, defending champion Russell Henley, and many other notable names. The event is a regular on the PGA Circuit and is always hosted at the Bay Hill Golf Course.
Since the Arnold Palmer Invitational was added to the PGA Tour schedule, Bay Hill has always hosted the tournament. Bay Hill is a huge club and lodge that was originally owned by the 62-time PGA Tour winner and the iconic golfer, Arnold Palmer. Because of Palmer’s involvement in the course, the tournament becomes even more prestigious for the PGA circuit. The Bay Hill Golf Course spans approximately 7400 yards and has a par of 72.
Interestingly, the course has one of the most difficult designs, featuring strategic bunkering, water hazards, and undulating greens. Originally built by Dick Wilson in 1961, the course was later redesigned and made more competitive by Arnold Palmer and his design group. The Bay Hill Club comprises 27 holes, with the championship course set out on the main 18 holes.
The whole Golf Club spans over 270 acres in Central Florida and is located along the Butler Chain of Lakes. The most interesting aspect of the course is its water hazards, as it includes a total of 80 water bodies, making them one of the most difficult parts for golfers. The Bay Hill course, with its long holes and water features, requires players competing in the Arnold Palmer Invitational to strike the perfect blend of power and precision.
What is the par on each hole at the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational?
While Bay Hill is undoubtedly one of the more competitive 72-par courses, the course’s par distribution is even riskier for golfers. Unlike many golf courses, Bay Hill does not have a set of straight holes or a specific group of holes that are more dangerous; instead, the risky holes are spread across the course.
Talking more about the par of each hole in the golf course, here’s a look at them:
- Hole 1: Par 4
- Hole 2: Par 3
- Hole 3: Par 4
- Hole 4: Par 4
- Hole 5: Par 5
- Hole 6: Par 5
- Hole 7: Par 3
- Hole 8: Par 4
- Hole 9: Par 4
- Hole 10: Par 4
- Hole 11: Par 5
- Hole 12: Par 4
- Hole 13: Par 4
- Hole 14: Par 3
- Hole 15: Par 4
- Hole 16: Par 5
- Hole 17: Par 3
- Hole 18: Par 4
The odds list for the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational is out, and coming as no surprise, Scottie Scheffler has topped the list. The majority of the fans and experts believe the World No. 1 golfer will win big for the third time on the Bay Hill Golf Course. Following Scheffler, Rory McIlroy rose to second spot on the odds list, followed by Tommy Fleetwood in third.
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