The field for the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational has been set at 72 players following the Cognizant Classic, with qualifiers from the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5 categories joining sponsor invitees. Notable newcomers include Cognizant Classic winner Nico Echavarria and Texas sophomore Daniel Bennett making his PGA Tour debut. The event marks the third signature tournament of the season at Bay Hill Club and Lodge.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard, set for March 5-8, 2026, at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida, will feature a 72-player field as the PGA Tour's third signature event of the season. This tournament offers 700 FedEx Cup points to the winner and a $20 million purse, headlined by top players such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele. Russell Henley enters as the defending champion.
The field was finalized after the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, with updates to the Aon Next 10 and Aon Swing 5 standings determining several spots. In the Aon Next 10, based on FedEx Cup points among non-qualified players, the qualifiers are Jake Knapp, Nico Echavarria, Min Woo Lee, Pierceson Coody, Ryo Hisatsune, Adam Scott, Aldrich Potgieter, Austin Smotherman, Matt McCarty, and Sahith Theegala. Echavarria, who won the Cognizant Classic in a surprising finish, jumped from No. 15 to No. 2, while Smotherman moved from No. 31 to No. 8 after tying for second, earning his first signature event start.
The Aon Swing 5, comprising players with the most points from select early-season events including the Cognizant Classic, includes Nicolai Hojgaard, Patrick Rodgers, Taylor Moore, Andrew Putnam, and Keith Mitchell. Moore shot a 3-under 68 in the final round for his first top-10 in over a year, saying, "I just was told I got into Arnold Palmer, which is sick, so I'm excited about that." Mitchell birdied the 18th to secure his spot after a tied sixth finish, noting, "We were planning on going home and moving into our new house, and it looks like my wife will be doing that on her own."
Four sponsor invitations went to Jordan Spieth, University of Texas sophomore Daniel Bennett, Max Greyserman, and Billy Horschel. Bennett, who rose from hardship to become South Africa's top-ranked amateur, will make his PGA Tour debut. Smotherman reflected on his qualification: "First-ever Signature Event, first time playing Bay Hill. Watched it on TV, a lot of iconic shots. I'll go see them in person and realize just how tough Arnie used to make that place."
The event has no Monday qualifiers and will run Thursday through Sunday.