2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational Preview: Odds, Tips, and Predictions

All of the action gets underway from Thursday, 5 March, until Sunday, the 8th of March, from the Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida. We break down all of the latest odds, insight into the field and the course, as well as the best plays for all of your online gold betting endeavours. In the event you feel as though you need even further guidance, we suggest you visit the golf betting hub and environment.

Ryan Liberty

Betting Writer

Last updated: 2026-02-13

Fact checked by:

Chad Nagel

Sports & Betting Editor

SportsBoom offers honest and impartial bookmaker reviews to help you make informed choices. While we may earn commissions through affiliate links, our content remains independent and free from promotional influence. For more information, see our Content Transparency and How We Review pages.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits a tee shot//Getty Images

Table of Contents

Where to Watch the Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026?

Day	Streaming (ESPN+)	TV (Golf Channel / CBS)
Thursday	ESPN+ Featured Groups (morning)	Golf Channel (afternoon window)
Friday	ESPN+ Featured Groups (morning)	Golf Channel (afternoon window)
Saturday	ESPN+ early coverage	Golf Channel (early) / CBS (late)
Sunday	ESPN+ early coverage	Golf Channel (early) / CBS (late)

As always, we suggest you have a look at the most recent tee-off times during the build-up alongside confirmed broadcast times on your streaming or viewing platform of choice.

Latest Odds and Win Probability

The early betting odds seem to suggest that while there are heavily backed favourites, bookmakers aren’t overlooking the fact that this venue will always reward consistency while throwing out the odds curveball.

Player	BetMGM	FanDuel	DraftKings
Scottie Scheffler	+650	+700	+650
Rory McIlroy	+900	+950	+900
Viktor Hovland	+1400	+1500	+1400
Ludvig Åberg	+1600	+1700	+1600
Xander Schauffele	+1800	+1800	+1700

Scottie Scheffler is a worthy favourite, of that there is no doubt, but be warned against counting out the consistent player in the field who is capable of finding a strong finish so long as they stay in the fight.

Bay Hill Course Fit

The Bay Hill Club and Lodge is a par 72 course and usually plays rather firm and yet also demanding for players. The winds in Florida are always worth noting, and given the openness and exposure of the course, it could be vital to take this into account.

For us, a course like this will likely lend itself to the following approaches:

Elite approach plays into firm, elevated greens
Controlled driving to avoid thick Bermuda rough
Par 5 scoring efficiency (critical for separation)
Scrambling and bunker play
Comfort on fast Bermuda greens

Contenders to Watch

Favourites

Scottie Scheffler: He is a player with elite ball striking, and he couples this with his ability to remain calm and composed even in pressure situations. He is often involved in the business end of tournaments and so comes into this with sufficient form to justify his favouritism.
Rory McIlroy: He is another player with multiple positive finishes and so cannot be left out here. His game has seemingly become a little more accustomed to iron play – something worth its weight in gold here.

Challengers

Viktor Hovland: His stats have seen a positive upward trajectory, and so he comes into this tournament with the right level of form and mindset. His short game will need to be at its very best if he has any hope of remaining relevant, but keep an eye on him here.
Ludvig Aberg: He is a dangerous player when he is at his best, and given that he enjoys playing in Florida’s testing conditions and at this course, he is another player you will need to keep your eye on over the weekend.

Outsiders

Tom Kim: He is a safe player, but we mean this with the greatest degree of respect. He doesn’t make erratic decisions and, as a result, thrives on consistency. Given his current form, he is another name worth keeping tabs on.
Sepp Straka: He isn’t always going to be a player many will be talking about before the tournament gets underway, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see him at the business end. He might be a bet in the matchups category, but don’t overlook his chances here too quickly.

Suggested Bets

Here is a look at our suggested bets, all in an effort to bolster that weekend multiple or ensure you can have a straight punt on the action.

Safer Play: Tom Kim Top 20 Finish (+180, BetRivers) – Consistent ball striking and strong scrambling suggest he will fight through every aspect of the tournament.
Balanced Play: Rory McIlroy Outright (+950, FanDuel Sportsbook) – Course comfort and recent form combine to suggest we can have a strong punt here.
Market Angle: Sepp Straka, Top European (+400, Caesars Sportsbook) – He is a stable player; this could be the shrewd betting angle of the weekend to take advantage of.

Value Bets

Here is a look at the riskier online betting options we suggest, all with a positive potential return for you to enjoy.

Longshot Outright: Corey Conners (+4500, DraftKings Sportsbook) – His elite approach plays fit Bay Hill’s demand for precise irons on the course.
First Round Leader Punt: Min Woo Lee First-Round Leader (+4500, BetMGM) – Aggressive starter capable of taking advantage of calmer morning conditions.
Make the Cut Angle: Keith Mitchell Make the Cut (-110, Hard Rock Bet) – Florida comfort and solid recent tee-to-green metrics suggest stability at price.

2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational Prediction

Our best bet: Rory McIlroy to win.

Elite driving ability coupled with controlled iron play and big match temperament make our prediction for us. Given his recent form and the aggression with which he plays his golf now, counting him out seems insane.

Back the Irishman to bag a win here.