Arnold Palmer Invitational preview: Loaded field takes on Bay Hill

While the Honda Classic wasn't short on drama last week at PGA National, the longtime event was lacking headline talent, with only three top-20 players in the field.

That won't be the case this week in Orlando, as 44 of the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking are in the field for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

Here's all you need to know for the PGA TOUR's fourth designated event of the season.

When: March 2-5
Where: Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando, Florida

How to watch

Marquee groups

3 reasons to watch

Race for No. 1

Three men have separated from the rest of the world this season, with Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy seemingly competing for the No. 1 slot on a weekly basis. Rahm currently holds that title thanks to his impressive victory at Riviera, but the Spaniard could lose that place to either Scheffler or McIlroy this weekend.

Both McIlroy and Scheffler have winning memories at Bay Hill, with Scheffler entering this week as the defending champion thanks to his exhausting victory in Orlando last season. McIlroy absolutely torched the challenging layout in 2018 by claiming the title at an incredible 18-under for the week. Rahm played the Arnold Palmer Invitational for the first time last season, finishing just inside the top 20 in 17th.

Difficult conditions

Last year's tournament proved to be one of the most challenging TOUR events in recent memory, with firm conditions, steady winds, and lengthy rough wreaking havoc on the field. Only 10 players finished under par for the entire week, with 5-under enough to claim the win.

McIlroy, who was the first-round leader after a 7-under 65, finished with back-to-back 76s on the weekend to end over par for the tournament. Afterward, he was very open about the immense challenge Bay Hill presents.

"I feel punch-drunk, to be honest," McIlroy told Adam Schupak of Golfweek. "It's frustrating. It's hard to keep your patience out there."

The weather looks clear for the tournament, with warm temperatures in the 80s forecast for the Orlando area. While the winds may not reach the same level as last year, Saturday's forecast of 30-mile-per-hour gusts could provide immense entertainment as pros navigate the tricky setup.

Blockbuster field

The first three designated events on the PGA TOUR calendar featured loaded fields with big-name winners, and the Arnold Palmer Invitational is poised to do the same this week. The entire top 30 in this year's FedEx Cup standings are in the field vying for their share of the whopping $20-million purse.

Last year's result

Scheffler survived outrageous conditions on the course during the final round at Bay Hill last year to emerge victorious for the second time in three events. Only four players of the 77 to make the cut shot under par on the last day, with baked-out conditions and blustery winds causing mayhem around the challenging layout.

Scheffler's final round of even-par 72 was enough to secure the one-shot victory over Viktor Hovland, Billy Horschel, and Tyrrell Hatton. The Texan went bogey-free over the final nine holes to secure the win and move to a then-career-best No. 5 in the world.

Last week's winner, Chris Kirk, finished in a tie for fifth with Gary Woodland last year, while Sam Burns, Matthew Fitzpatrick, and McIlroy were among those to crack the top 15.

Previous winners

2022 - Scottie Scheffler (-5)
2021 - Bryson DeChambeau (-11)
2020 - Tyrrell Hatton (-4)
2019 - Francesco Molinari (-12)
2018 - Rory McIlroy (-18)
2017 - Marc Leishman (-11)
2016 - Jason Day (-17)
2015 - Matt Every (-19)
2014 - Matt Every (-13)

Betting odds

Jon Rahm +650
Rory McIlroy +900
Scottie Scheffler +1,100
Collin Morikawa +1,800
Max Homa +1,800
Will Zalatoris +1,800
Xander Schauffele +2,000
Justin Thomas +2,200
Patrick Cantlay +2,200
Tony Finau +2,500
Viktor Hovland +2,800
Cameron Young +3,300
Jason Day +3,300
Jordan Spieth +3,300
Sungjae Im +3,300
Matthew Fitzpatrick +3,300
Tyrrell Hatton +3,300
Sam Burns +4,000

Odds via theScore Bet