History of Arnold Palmer Invitational in Timeline

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour held annually in March. It takes place at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, a golf resort owned by Arnold Palmer since 1974. The event is held in Bay Hill, a suburb of Orlando, Florida.

1966: Florida Citrus Open Invitational Debut

In 1966, the Florida Citrus Open Invitational debuted at Rio Pinar Country Club.

1971: Arnold Palmer Wins Florida Citrus Open

In 1971, Arnold Palmer won the Florida Citrus Open.

1974: Arnold Palmer Buys Bay Hill Club and Lodge

In 1974, Arnold Palmer purchased the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, a private golf resort in Bay Hill, Florida.

1978: Last Florida Citrus Open Invitational

In 1978, the last Florida Citrus Open Invitational was played at Rio Pinar Country Club.

1979: Tournament Founded

In 1979, the Arnold Palmer Invitational was founded as a successor to the Florida Citrus Open Invitational.

2007: Tournament Renamed

In 2007, the tournament started being played under the Arnold Palmer name.

March 21, 2012: Sponsorship Extension

On March 21, 2012, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and MasterCard Worldwide announced a sponsorship extension until the 2016 tournament.

June 2014: PGA Tour Approves Three-Year Exemption

In June 2014, the PGA Tour approved a resolution to grant the Arnold Palmer Invitational winner a three-year exemption.

2016: Arnold Palmer's Death

In 2016, Arnold Palmer passed away, leading to the introduction of the red cardigan sweater tradition in his memory at the 2017 tournament.

2016: MasterCard Sponsorship

In 2016, the Arnold Palmer Invitational concluded under the MasterCard sponsorship.

2017: Red Cardigan Sweater Tradition Begins

In 2017, the tradition of awarding the winner a red cardigan sweater in memory of Arnold Palmer began.

2019: Added to Open Qualifying Series

In 2019, the Arnold Palmer Invitational was added to the Open Qualifying Series, offering entry into The Open Championship for up to three non-exempt players.