Photo Credit: Reinhold Matay.

PGA Tour Florida Swing Preview: Bay Hill Edition

Originally posted on EasySportz | By Patrick Ward | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 5:17 AM ET

This weekend the Florida Swing rolls on with a signature event at Bay Hill. The Arnold Palmer Invitational will feature a full complement of stars, including those who skipped last week’s event. Most notably, this week will be the season debut for fan favorite Justin Thomas.

Thomas has been sidelined since September with injury. After surgery and a lengthy rehab, he says he is ready for the challenge. JT noted in his presser that he should not set his expectations too high for his return, but he is focused on making sure he can make it through a full weekend comfortably after his longest career hiatus.

2025 was a year to remember at Bay Hill for Russell Henley

He looks to defend his title this year @APInv.

(Presented by @Darktrace) pic.twitter.com/vpFkPoxTx1
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 4, 2026

Also back this weekend is weekly superstar Scottie Scheffler. Some might speculate whether or not he is struggling so far this year, but he is not. He just set the bar so high last year. Scottie already has a win under his belt at the AmEx, and he maintains a massive lead in the Official World Golf Rankings. As somebody who has won at Bay Hill twice in the last four years, this could be his shot to light back on fire.

Jordan Spieth will also be returning to Bay Hill this week after missing out on the tournament in 2025. He was given a sponsor exception this season and will try to reclaim a top five position by Sunday evening (a feat he has accomplished twice at the Arnold Palmer throughout his career).

In addition to guys returning from injury, a week off, or just not playing in this particular tournament last year, we also have a newcomer in the field. Palmer Cup Award winner Daniel Bennett will make his PGA debut at the ripe old age of 20 this week. Hopefully his professors at the University of Texas don’t mind him skipping classes this week to take part in this huge opportunity.

All-in-all it should be a fun week of golf. Bay Hill is always a challenging course and with all of the OWGR top 20 in the field, this one is anybody’s to win.

This article first appeared on EasySportz and was syndicated with permission.

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