News Summary
Golf enthusiasts should mark their calendars for March 2026 as Florida gears up to host two prestigious PGA Tour events: the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge and THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, featuring a $20 million purse, will take place from March 5-8, while THE PLAYERS Championship, boasting a $25 million purse, is scheduled for March 12-15. These events promise to showcase top-tier talent in exhilarating competitions.
Florida Gears Up for Premier PGA Tour Golf in March 2026
Hey golf fans! Get ready for a thrilling March as Florida is all set to host two of the most exciting events on the PGA Tour calendar. First up, we have the Arnold Palmer Invitational happening from March 5-8 at the iconic Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. Just a week later, from March 12-15, the spotlight will shift to THE PLAYERS Championship, the PGA Tour’s flagship event, set to unfold at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach. With significant prize money and a lineup of top-tier golfers, both tournaments promise to be unforgettable!
Arnold Palmer Invitational Details
The Arnold Palmer Invitational, presented by Mastercard, is etched in the hearts of golf enthusiasts as a PGA Tour Signature Event, boasting a hefty prize purse of $20 million. The winner will pocket an impressive $4 million, making this tournament a must-watch. Known for its challenging layout, the event will feature a 36-hole cut that advances the top 50 players and ties, or any player within 10 shots of the lead. Not only does this tournament attract the game’s elite, but it’s hosted at a revered venue, the Bay Hill Club & Lodge. Russell Henley, the defending champion, will surely be a name to watch! The par-72 course stretches a demanding 7,381 yards and is famous for its undulating terrain, precise fairways, quick greens, and tricky bunkers, along with some pesky water hazards. Notable past winners include Scottie Scheffler, who claimed victories in both 2022 and 2024, and Rory McIlroy, who triumphed back in 2018.
What to Expect at THE PLAYERS Championship
Next in line is THE PLAYERS Championship, often celebrated as “the strongest field in golf.” Scheduled for March 12-15, 2026, this prestigious tournament will take place at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course. The prize fund here is even higher, standing at an impressive $25 million, with the winner receiving a whopping $4.5 million. As the 52nd edition of this championship, it holds a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike. TPC Sawgrass, the home of the PGA Tour headquarters, is famous for its stunning layout designed by Pete and Alice Dye. Among its highlights is the iconic 17th “Island Green,” which has ensnared many a golfer over the years! The tournament welcomes a select group of players based on various eligibility criteria, such as recent PGA Tour winners, major champions, and those performing well in the FedExCup standings. This year, fans can also look forward to purchasing stadium passes for general grounds access and public spaces, ensuring a fantastic spectator experience!
Understanding a PGA Tour Signature Event
For those curious about what qualifies as a PGA Tour Signature Event (previously called designated events), these tournaments feature limited fields that shine the spotlight on the top players in the game. They come with significantly elevated prize money and offer increased FedExCup points to the competitors. In 2026, there are eight events like this, with each presenting a substantial $20 million purse and 700 points for the lucky winner. Some Signature Events, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational, are player-hosted and implement a cut after 36 holes for the top players. This is a great opportunity for rising stars to showcase their talent and secure a place among the best in the game.
Key Features of Upcoming Florida PGA Tour Events
| Event Name | Dates | Location | Course | Prize Purse | Winner’s Share | Event Type | Cut Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | March 5-8, 2026 | Orlando, Florida | Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge | $20 million | $4 million | Signature Event | 36-hole cut (top 50 and ties, or within 10 shots of lead) |
| THE PLAYERS Championship | March 12-15, 2026 | Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida | TPC Sawgrass (Stadium Course) | $25 million | $4.5 million | Flagship Event | N/A (Specific cut format for THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 was not detailed in search results.) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Final Highlights from Florida’s College Women’s Golf Tournaments
Bridgeman Leads Genesis Invitational with Six-Shot Advantage
Epson Tour Launches 2026 Season with Atlantic Beach Classic
Third Annual Arcis-HBCU Golf Championship Set for 2026
MacCurrach Family Honored at Celebration of Golf Banquet
Brooks Koepka Makes Dramatic Return to PGA Tour
Gainesville Incident: Mother Arrested for Drowning Daughter
Jacksonville’s ‘Playoffs in the Park’ Brings Community Together
Brooks Koepka Seeks Reinstatement to PGA Tour
Thirteen Students Charged in Landmark Middle School Incident
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
