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Four storylines for Arnold Palmer Invitational: Thomas returns

Justin Thomas. Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Four storylines for Arnold Palmer Invitational: Justin Thomas returns

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 11:55 AM ET

The PGA Tour's Florida Swing continues this week with the Arnold Palmer Invitational from Bay Hill Club & Lodge. With the best players in the world returning for another Signature Event, let's check out the top storylines for this week.

Scottie Scheffler fighting through a mini slump

Scheffler has finished first, T3, T4 and T12 in his four starts this season. It seems disrespectful to call that a slump, but Scheffler's ball-striking isn't at the elite level we've seen over the last few years.

Through four tournaments this season, the World No. 1 ranks 57th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained on approach and 114th in proximity to the hole. He gained fewer than 2.08 true strokes on approach in three of those four starts (per Data Golf). For reference, Scheffler gained more than 2.08 true strokes on approach in 22 of his previous 23 starts leading into 2026.

Scheffler's game is perfect for Bay Hill — as evidenced by his two wins here in the last four years — but that game isn't on its typical level right now.

How will Shane Lowry respond to his collapse at PGA National?

Lowry is coming off a demoralizing week in which he blew a three-shot lead with three holes to play at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. The Irishman dunked two balls in the water in his final three holes to gift the tournament to Nico Echavarria, and he was emotional after the fact.

Re-watched Shane Lowry's full media appearance. Real and heartbreaking but impressive, too. Didn't make excuses, didn't lash out, gave us insight, got vulnerable, owned it. That first line stands out, though.

"I had the tournament in my hands, and I threw it away."

That part… pic.twitter.com/wDW3erVoPP
— Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) March 2, 2026

It won't be easy for Lowry to tee it up again just four days later, but there are valuable FedEx Cup points and prize money on the line. He's also finished seventh and third in his last two trips to Bay Hill, so this is a good spot for him to avenge his collapse at PGA National.

Justin Thomas, Sungjae Im return to action

The Arnold Palmer Invitational marks the return of two PGA Tour mainstays: Thomas and Im. Thomas hasn't played competitive golf since the Ryder Cup in September because he underwent microdiscectomy surgery to treat a herniated disc. As for Im, he's been out since October with a wrist injury.

Thomas and Im will make their 2026 debuts at Bay Hill, giving them more than a month to properly prepare for the Masters in April. They probably won't be too sharp out of the gates, but it will be good for Thomas and Im to get the competitive juices flowing again.

Can Jake Knapp stay hot?

Knapp has quietly been one of the best golfers in the world in 2026. In five starts this season, the smooth-swinging 31-year-old has finished T11, T5, solo eighth, T8 and solo sixth. He ranks third on the PGA Tour this year in total strokes gained, fourth in strokes gained from putting, eighth in driving distance and second in adjusted scoring average.

Knapp's combination of elite driving and scorching hot putting makes him a great fit for Bay Hill. It wouldn't be surprising if he contended in a strong field once again.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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