Arnold Palmer Invitational
Daniel Berger takes three-shot lead at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
Daniel Berger fired a bogey-free 9-under 63 to claim a three-shot lead after the opening round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Åberg sit tied for second at 6-under 66, while Scottie Scheffler carded a 2-under 70 in his first sub-par opening round of the season. Rory McIlroy struggled to an even-par 72, and Justin Thomas posted a 7-over 79 in his return from back surgery.
Jake Knapp withdrew from the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational just before the opening round on Thursday, citing an illness. China's Haotong Li stepped in as his replacement in the field at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando. The move allows Knapp to rest ahead of next week's Players Championship.
Reported by AI
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp, 220 days into his tenure, grapples with modernizing the tour amid conflicting interests. His vision for a streamlined schedule clashes with the needs of rank-and-file players reliant on numerous events. This week's Arnold Palmer Invitational and Puerto Rico Open highlight the divide between elite and opposite-field tournaments.
Two-time major winner Justin Thomas will make his PGA Tour comeback next week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational following back surgery in November. The 16-time Tour winner has been practicing normally for about a month after undergoing a microdiscectomy procedure. He expressed tempered expectations for the challenging Bay Hill course.
Reported by AI
The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard will introduce several initiatives to make the 2026 event more accessible for families and children. These changes include free admission for kids under 16 and dedicated spaces for young attendees at Bay Hill Club & Lodge. The tournament, set for March 5-8, aims to engage juniors through clinics, autograph zones, and family support areas.