$8 Million Golfer Abruptly Withdraws From Arnold Palmer Invitational

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 12:33 PM ET

The field this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational is quite star-studded. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, two of the fan favorites in the golfing world, will tee off on Thursday.

With a purse of $20 million, it promises to be one of the biggest events before the Players Championship and the majors beginning next month.

But one star has decided to forego his spot at the tournament. Jake Knapp, a golfer with more than $8 million in career earnings and a California native, has withdrawn from Bay Hill.

Knapp will be replaced by Chinese golfer Haotong Li. He teed off alongside Scheffler in the final rounds at the Open Championship last year, finishing with a score of 11-under par. It was a commendable showing from someone who had played in only three PGA Tour events.

Jake Knapp on the third hole during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament.© Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

His agent told Nick Stavas of GolfWeek that the golfer had to withdraw due to an illness and will rest up before next week. Knapp has been in strong form since the start of this season. His worst finish came at the Sony Open, where he tied for 11th. Since then, he has recorded back-to-back top-10 finishes.

He finished tied for sixth at the Genesis Invitational last month, a field that included players such as Scheffler and McIlroy. His score of 11-under par was two strokes better than the World No. 1.

Jake Knapp WD prior to the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard.

Haotong Li will replace Knapp in the 12:05 p.m. tee time.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) March 5, 2026

Knapp was a betting favourite this week due to his consistent performance and his sudden withdrawal will surely hurt some fans. He is scheduled to play at The Players Championship this month.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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