PGA TOUR Returns to Orlando

by | Mar 5, 2024 | Pro News

PGA TOUR Returns to Orlando for the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard

44 of the top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings have arrived at the place that Arnie built, the Bay Hill Club and Lodge.  World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler returns to the site of his victory here in Orlando two years ago.

It’s always been a special place for me.  As the youngest credentialed reporter in the media center, I covered Mike Nicoletti’s upset victory over Greg Norman for NBC, and later all of Tiger Woods’ record eight victories through last year’s impressive win by Kurt Kitayama.

Kurt Kitayama

Defending Champion Kurt Kitayama

With Arnold Palmer personally hosting fans at his home club, this place has always been unique. The King has been gone for eight years, yet his legacy remains. Local charities greatly benefit, including Orlando Health-operated children’s hospitals that honor the commitment of he and his wife.

The fact that the PGA TOUR designated this one as of its “signature events” featuring elevated prize money has breathed life into this event, attracting a highly coveted field in the week before The Players Championship.

Drew Donovan, the most recent of several tournament directors since Arnie’s passing, says he and his team are making the most of the opportunity before them.

“Our goal at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard is always to elevate and add to our offerings, delivering a world-class event for our Orlando community,” said Donovan in advance of Thursday’s opening round. “With our Signature Event status, we are sure to welcome back the best golfers in the world which will only add to the excitement of the 2024 tournament.”

Donavan says grounds tickets are still available and that the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation will host the Arnie’s Army Legacy Experience near the 18th green.

An Upgraded Experience from White Claw

The White Claw Fan Deck is back and features the return of the player walk along the 16th tee, guaranteeing fans get up-close-and-personal views of their favorite PGA TOUR pros. The upgraded experience offers shaded structures and a variety of food truck menu items available for purchase by only those in the sequestered area designed to enhance their viewing experience.

Kids 15 and Under Admitted Free

The Arnold Palmer Invitational also offers all children 15 and under complimentary grounds access with an accompanying ticketed adult.

Military Support

In partnership with the PGA TOUR’s Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative, the tournament provides a special complimentary ticket allotment for active duty, retired, reserve, and National Guard members in addition to a special allotment of discounted tickets for veterans.

Election Results

University of North Carolina junior David Ford earned an exemption into the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational, voted in by his peers at the Arnold Palmer Cup.

2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational Full Field

69 players

Åberg, Ludvig
An, Byeong Hun
Bezuidenhout, Christiaan
Bradley, Keegan
Burns, Sam
Cantlay, Patrick
Clark, Wyndham
Cole, Eric
Conners, Corey
Davis, Cam
Day, Jason
Dunlap, Nick
Eckroat, Austin
English, Harris
Fitzpatrick, Matt
Fleetwood, Tommy
Ford, David +
Fowler, Rickie
Glover, Lucas
Grillo, Emiliano
Hadwin, Adam
Harman, Brian
Henley, Russell
Hodges, Lee

Hoge, Tom
Højgaard, Nicolai +
Homa, Max
Hovland, Viktor
Hughes, Mackenzie
Im, Sungjae
Jaeger, Stephan
Kim, Si Woo
Kim, Tom
Kirk, Chris
Kitayama, Kurt
Knapp, Jake
Lee, Min Woo
List, Luke
Lower, Justin
Lowry, Shane +
Matsuyama, Hideki
McCarthy, Denny
McIlroy, Rory
Moore, Taylor
Morikawa, Collin
Murray, Grayson
Pan, C.T.
Pavon, Matthieu

Poston, J.T.
Power, Seamus
Putnam, Andrew
Rodgers, Patrick
Rose, Justin
Schauffele, Xander
Scheffler, Scottie
Schenk, Adam
Scott, Adam +
Simpson, Webb +
Spieth, Jordan
Straka, Sepp
Svensson, Adam
Taylor, Nick
Theegala, Sahith
Thomas, Justin
Todd, Brendon
Valimaki, Sami
van Rooyen, Erik
Young, Cameron
Zalatoris, Will

+ – Sponsor Exemption

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About the Author

<a href="https://golfonemedia.com/author/george_mcneilly/" target="_self">George McNeilly</a>

George McNeilly

George McNeilly is an award-winning multimedia broadcaster, producer and writer with a journalism background that has spanned the globe from four Olympics, 17 Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, Major College Football, Basketball and Professional Golf. A former Senior ESPN executive, George teaches Sports Business at Full Sail University and is managing partner of McNeilly Communications.