2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational: Preview, Odds, and Expert Picks

The picturesque Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida, is set to host a star-studded field this week for the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational. As a key stop on the PGA Tour calendar, sandwiched between the Florida Swing and the highly anticipated Masters Tournament, the Arnold Palmer Invitational is always a compelling event, attracting some of the biggest names in golf. This year is no different, with nearly all of the world’s top golfers converging to compete for the prestigious title.

This tournament holds a special place in the hearts of golf fans, honoring the legacy of the legendary Arnold Palmer. Palmer’s impact on the sport is immeasurable, and this event serves as a fitting tribute to his charisma, competitive spirit, and dedication to growing the game.

While the absence of Tiger Woods is notable – he is not expected to make his 2025 debut at Bay Hill – the field remains incredibly strong. An impressive 47 of the top 50 players in the world golf rankings have committed to play, promising a fierce battle for the championship.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s tournament is the reunion of the top three ranked golfers in the world: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele. This marks the first time since The Tour Championship last August that these three powerhouses will compete in the same field. Schauffele’s participation is particularly noteworthy, as he is making his return to the PGA Tour after being sidelined with a rib injury since The Sentry in January.

Scheffler Aims for Three-Peat at Bay Hill

Scottie Scheffler enters the tournament as the defending champion and the clear favorite. He has a remarkable record at Bay Hill, having won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in both 2023 and 2024. His dominance at this course is undeniable, and he is looking to secure a third victory in four years.

According to BetMGM, Scheffler is the frontrunner to win, reflecting his consistent performance and exceptional skill. His past success at Bay Hill, coupled with his current form, makes him a formidable opponent for the rest of the field.

The Odds and Top Contenders

While Scheffler is the favorite, several other players are considered serious contenders for the title. Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas are also among the top five in terms of odds, according to oddsmakers.

McIlroy has a strong track record at Bay Hill, including a victory in 2018. His powerful driving and exceptional shot-making abilities make him a perfect fit for the course. Aberg, a rising star in the world of golf, possesses the talent and potential to challenge for the lead. Morikawa’s precision and accuracy are well-suited for the demanding layout of Bay Hill, while Thomas’s recent form suggests he could be a factor in the tournament.

Expert Predictions and Sleeper Picks

Golf analysts and experts have weighed in on their predictions for the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Two of Sports Illustrated’s six golf analysts have selected Justin Thomas to win. The other four picks were split among Scheffler, McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, and Tommy Fleetwood.

Brian Kirchner highlighted Thomas’s impressive performance at the Genesis, where he gained a significant number of strokes on approach. Kirchner also pointed out that Thomas has played better than expected at Bay Hill in the past, despite the course not being a perfect fit on paper. His 12th-place finish last year, where he gained strokes in all major categories, demonstrates his ability to perform well at this venue.

Why McIlroy is a Threat at Bay Hill

McIlroy’s game is particularly well-suited for Bay Hill. He has consistently performed well at the course, showcasing his skill set and adapting to the challenges it presents. "Few players have had as much success and gained as many strokes at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as has McIlroy," says one analyst. The course rewards accurate drivers, but also favors players who are long off the tee, a description that perfectly fits McIlroy. Bay Hill is known as a "shot-maker’s course," and McIlroy’s exceptional shot-making ability makes him a strong contender.

Scheffler’s Bay Hill Dominance

Since his first start at Bay Hill in 2020, Scheffler has shown exceptional form. He has consistently gained over five strokes off the tee in each of the last two years and gained over 1.2 strokes around the green in all four trips. This consistent performance across various aspects of the game has made him a dominant force at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

How to Watch the Action

The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational will be televised by both the Golf Channel and NBC. Coverage begins with afternoon coverage of Thursday’s first round.

Golf fans can stream all four rounds of the tournament via the NBC Sports app, ESPN+, or Fubo, which offers a free trial. The NBC broadcast of the third and fourth rounds will also be streamed on Peacock this weekend.

Here’s a breakdown of the broadcast schedule:

• First Round: Golf Channel, NBC Sports App, ESPN+, Fubo
• Second Round: Golf Channel, NBC Sports App, ESPN+, Fubo
• Third Round: NBC, Peacock, NBC Sports App, ESPN+, Fubo
• Final Round: NBC, Peacock, NBC Sports App, ESPN+, Fubo

The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational promises to be a thrilling event, with a star-studded field competing for the title. With Scheffler looking to defend his crown and McIlroy, Thomas, and other top players eager to challenge him, golf fans are in for a treat this week at Bay Hill. The tournament also serves as a poignant reminder of Arnold Palmer’s legacy and his enduring impact on the sport. The blend of high-stakes competition and honoring a golf legend makes the Arnold Palmer Invitational a must-watch event for golf enthusiasts around the world.