Arnold Palmer Invitational Added to Championship Series for 2028

Another piece of the 2028 PGA TOUR schedule puzzle has fallen into place. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, a staple at Bay Hill Club & Lodge for almost five decades, is the latest tournament to be added to the Championship Series, as announced by the tournament and the PGA TOUR on Thursday.

The anticipated TOUR schedule, first described by CEO Brian Rolapp in June, includes two separated levels, with the Championship Series being the more elevated. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is the fourth tournament to be included, joining the Travelers Championship, the Sentry (now at Torrey Pines), and a new tournament sponsored by Japanese insurance giant Sompo at a location to-be-determined.

RELATED: Sentry, Sompo Added as Championship Series Sponsors for 2028

“The Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard has a long history showcasing the best of the best in men’s professional golf, and becoming one of the PGA TOUR Championship Series events allows us to further recognize the strength of our tournament while celebrating the legacy of Arnold Palmer,” said Tournament Director Drew Donovan. “Mr. Palmer believed in challenging the world’s best players while creating an unforgettable experience for fans. As a PGA TOUR Championship Series event we will continue to deliver championship golf at Bay Hill and give back to the Central Florida community.”

The tournament, which has held position as a Signature Event on TOUR since 2024, will continue with Mastercard as the title sponsor. The world’s best will be no stranger to the course, as Bay Hill has long drawn the upper echelon of golfing talent to its fairways and greens (and water hazards). Its illustrious list of winners includes World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, two-time Masters champion Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Akshay Bhatia, Russell Henley and more.

Image: Getty Images

“For more than two decades, Mastercard has been proud to partner with the Arnold Palmer Invitational, helping create unforgettable experiences for fans while honoring Arnold Palmer’s enduring legacy of excellence, generosity and community impact,” said Michael Moutenot, SVP, Marketing & Communications, North America, Mastercard. “As one of golf’s most iconic events, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard has long brought together the game’s best players on one of its most celebrated stages. We’re excited to see the tournament continue to play a prominent role as part of the PGA TOUR Championship Series and look forward to building on our long-standing partnership with the PGA TOUR and the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation.”

While the Arnold Palmer Invitational’s inclusion as an upper-tier event for 2028 probably comes as no surprise, it’s a welcome indication that the TOUR is prepared to continue giving us breadcrumbs as we wait for Rolapp’s expected announcements at the TOUR Championship.

There’s still a lot unknown about the changes coming to the PGA TOUR in 2028, but one thing is for certain: one lucky golfer will be walking off the 18th green at Bay Hill, sporting an incredibly bright red cardigan and with a whole lot of money heading toward their bank account. Sounds pretty good to me.

RELATED: An Overhaul to the PGA TOUR is Coming in 2028

Image: Getty Images

I mean, c'mon. That's a snazzy piece of fabric.