History of Arnold Palmer Invitational in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 4, 2026

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

1966: Florida Citrus Open Invitational Debut

In 1966, the Florida Citrus Open Invitational, the predecessor to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, debuted and was held 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 acquired the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, a private golf resort located in Bay Hill, a suburb southwest of Orlando, Florida.

1978: Last Florida Citrus Open Invitational held at Rio Pinar

In 1978, the last Florida Citrus Open Invitational was held at Rio Pinar Country Club before the tournament transitioned to become the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

1979: Arnold Palmer Invitational Founded

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

2007: Tournament Renamed Under Palmer Name

Since 2007, the tournament has been played under the Palmer name.

March 21, 2012: Arnold Palmer Invitational and MasterCard Worldwide Announce Sponsorship Extension

On March 21, 2012, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and MasterCard Worldwide announced an extension to MasterCard's "Presented by" sponsorship until the 2016 tournament.

June 2014: PGA Tour Approves Three-Year Exemption for Winner

In June 2014, the PGA Tour approved a resolution to grant the winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational a three-year exemption, which is one year more than regular Tour events.

2016: Death of Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer died in 2016.

2016: End of MasterCard sponsorship extension

In 2016, the MasterCard's "Presented by" sponsorship extension to Arnold Palmer Invitational ended.

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: Event Added to Open Qualifying Series

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