The much-anticipated 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to commence on March 6, 2025, at the prestigious Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Known for its challenging layout, Bay Hill regularly tests the best golfers on the PGA Tour. This year, the competition promises to be fierce, with several top-ranked players vying for the coveted red cardigan.
Leading the charge is world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who has secured two red cardigans and two top-five finishes at Bay Hill over the past three seasons. Scheffler, with odds set at +320, will look to defend his strong performances as he arrives following three top-25 finishes on the West Coast Swing. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy is also among the favorites at +750, hoping to replicate his success from winning the event back in 2018.
Teammates Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas will kick off the tournament with scheduled tee times at 1:10 p.m. on the opening day. Schauffele, who is coming off a two-month layoff due to injury, remains optimistic about his return, listing +2800 odds to lead after Round 1, with Thomas slightly longer at +3000. Both players have previously demonstrated their abilities on the big stage and will aim to shake off any rust quickly during the first rounds.
Among the notable contenders this week are major winners like Hideki Matsuyama and Jason Day, the latter of whom won this tournament back in 2016 but enters as an 80-1 longshot. With so many heavyweights fighting for position, the stakes have never been higher.
Before placing any bets, enthusiasts should turn to the SportsLine model, which has garnered impressive returns over the past years. The model has accurately predicted winners across 13 major championships, including three consecutive Masters. For the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, it was simulated 10,000 times to provide insights and projected leaderboards for golf fans and gamblers alike.
Interestingly, the predictions signal potential challenges for McIlroy, forecasting he may struggle to secure even a top-five finish, largely due to recent inconsistencies. After starting his season strong with victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, McIlroy faltered at the Genesis Invitational, finishing T-17. So far this season, he ranks 125th in driving accuracy (56.25%), and at 82nd place for birdie average (4.13), putting him at concerning odds for this weekend.
On the other end, Patrick Cantlay, listed as a +3000 longshot, stands out as another potential value pick. With impressive stats ranking him second on the PGA Tour for greens-in-regulation percentage (76.39%) and sixth for putting average (1.655), Cantlay has positioned himself as one to watch. He currently averages 5.56 birdies per round, securing his spot as one of the most dependable players on the tour.
Tracking player performance at Bay Hill reveals several key areas of focus. The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational particularly favors golfers who excel with their irons, making circumstances favorable for players like Cantlay, whose accuracy can make the difference on this demanding course. For comparison, many past champions have noted the importance of precise approaches to the green, as well as keeping par on challenging holes.
Following closely behind the favorites, the field includes other notable names: Ludvig Åberg (+1600), Collin Morikawa (+2200), and Justin Thomas (+2800). Each boasts impressive credentials, but it will require exceptional performances to rise above the cut at such formidable odds.
Viewers of the event will also have plenty of options to catch the action live. Round 1 begins with the first tee time scheduled for 7:30 a.m. ET, and broadcasting will occur on the Golf Channel from 2-6 p.m. each day. This coverage includes subsequent rounds slated to continue through March 9, 2025. With early morning highlights and possible last-minute shifts, golf fans can expect exhilarating moments throughout the weekend.
The lure of the Arnold Palmer Invitational is not just about winning; it’s about legacy. With the event name paying homage to one of golf's greatest ambassadors, each player on the field brings their own story and aspirations to this celebrated tournament. Given the high stakes and historical significance, every swing will be dissected and celebrated by the fans.
Certainly, the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational will be thrilling—barrel down on heroics and heartbreaks, all under the shadow of Arnold Palmer’s legacy, as players fight for victory and style, ensuring fans won’t want to miss any of the action.