The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a PGA Tour golf tournament held annually in March at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Bay Hill, Florida. The private golf resort has been owned by Arnold Palmer since 1974.
1966: Debut of the Florida Citrus Open Invitational
The Florida Citrus Open Invitational debuted in 1966 at the Rio Pinar Country Club.
1971: Arnold Palmer's Victory at the Florida Citrus Open
Arnold Palmer emerged victorious at the Florida Citrus Open in 1971.
1974: Arnold Palmer Acquires 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: Conclusion of the Florida Citrus Open Invitational at Rio Pinar
In 1978, the Florida Citrus Open Invitational concluded its run at the Rio Pinar Country Club.
1979: Multiple Name Changes for the Tournament
Since 1979, the tournament has undergone several name changes, often incorporating "Bay Hill."
1979: Inception of the Arnold Palmer Invitational
The Arnold Palmer Invitational was established in 1979, succeeding the Florida Citrus Open Invitational.
2007: Adoption of the Palmer Name
The tournament has been played under the Palmer name since 2007.
March 21, 2012: MasterCard Extends Sponsorship
On March 21, 2012, MasterCard extended its "Presented by" sponsorship of the Arnold Palmer Invitational until the 2016 tournament.
June 2014: Three-Year Exemption for Winners
In June 2014, the PGA Tour granted winners of the Arnold Palmer Invitational a three-year exemption, matching exemptions for winners of other prestigious tournaments.
2016: Arnold Palmer's Passing
Arnold Palmer passed away in 2016.
2016: End of MasterCard's "Presented by" Sponsorship
MasterCard's "Presented by" sponsorship of the Arnold Palmer Invitational concluded in 2016.
2017: Introduction of the Red Cardigan Sweater Tradition
The tradition of awarding the winner a red cardigan sweater in memory of Arnold Palmer began in 2017, following his passing in 2016.
2019: Inclusion in the Open Qualifying Series
The Arnold Palmer Invitational was added to the Open Qualifying Series in 2019, providing entry to The Open Championship for non-exempt players.
2024: Multiple-Time Winners
As of 2024, eight men have achieved multiple victories in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.