Tournament History
Orlando’s Signature Event
Since moving to Bay Hill in 1979, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard has become one of the most important annual stops on the PGA TOUR.
Bearing the name of a legend, the tournament has seen the best players in the world compete for Arnie’s title at the place he called home. As Mr. Palmer once said, “You must play boldly to win” and for nearly five decades that statement has proven true every March at Bay Hill Club & Lodge.
Scroll through the decades
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1966–1969
The Citrus Open
The Arnold Palmer Invitational legacy begins with the Florida Citrus Open. Hosted at the nearby Rio Pinar, the Citrus Open was where the first seeds of Orlando’s Signature Sporting Event were sown.
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1970–1979
A New Era
Throughout the 60s and 70s, the Florida Citrus Open served as a proving ground for PGA TOUR pros like Lee Trevino, Julius Boros, and Arnold Palmer. Mr. Palmer even hoisted the trophy in 1971.
In 1975, Mr. Palmer purchased the Bay Hill Club & Lodge. And in 1979, it became home to the eventual Arnold Palmer Invitational.
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1980–1989
Prestige is Earned
The 1980s were the first full decade of the tournament at Bay Hill. In this ten-year span, the future of the tournament was shaped by winners like Payne Stewart and Paul Azinger who brought their A-game to the PGA TOUR newcomer – and etched their names in Bay Hill history.
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1990–1999
A Game-Changing Decade
In an era where the world changed dramatically numerous pros rose to the occasion, including PGA TOUR Rookie of the Year, Robert Gamez, who claimed the first victory of the decade.
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2000–2009
The Reign of Tiger
Across the golf world, one name can inspire both admiration and fear in the hearts of fans and players alike: Tiger. From his first win in 2000 to his sixth in 2009, his performances at Bay Hill defined the decade and changed the sport as a whole.
Despite Tiger’s dominance, however, it’s Vijay Singh who holds the distinct honor of becoming the first-ever winner after the name was changed to the Arnold Palmer Invitational in 2007.
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2010–2019
The Proving Ground
While Tiger Woods claimed back-to-back wins in 2012 and 2013, bringing his tournament total up to an eye-watering eight, the decade belonged to the next generation. Matt Every’s twin wins and Rory McIlroy’s back-nine charge to victory were evidence that for those with something to prove, Bay Hill was the place to do it.
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2020s
Orlando’s Signature Event
Just a few years into our fifth decade, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard has proven to be more than a golf tournament: it’s a destination for golf fans, pros, and families, and stands as an enduring tribute to the legacy of Mr. Arnold Palmer. Designated as a PGA TOUR Signature Event, our player field, purse, and prestige place us among the top stages in the sport.
Past Champions
Hospitality
Entertain at Orlando’s Signature Event.
Treat your guests to upscale food, great drinks, and air-conditioned views of the tournament action. Contact David Strahan, Director of Business Development, for all your hospitality and sponsorship needs.
Contact David:
