ORLANDO, Fla. – The third round of the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to tee off Saturday, March 7, at the iconic Bay Hill Club, and Lodge. Whereas final tee times are dependent on Friday’s completion of play and the resulting cut, anticipation is building for a weekend showdown among a star-studded field. The tournament has already showcased compelling competition between major champions and seasoned PGA Tour veterans.
Among those vying for position are two-time major winner Collin Morikawa, six-time Tour champion Rickie Fowler, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and the reigning Masters champion, Rory McIlroy. As the field narrows after Friday, players will commence strategically jockeying for a chance at victory at this prestigious event. The Arnold Palmer Invitational, a signature event on the PGA Tour, continues to live up to its reputation as a proving ground for the world’s best golfers.
Determining the exact third-round tee times requires the completion of Friday’s play. Once the cut is made, pairings will be established, with the leaders teeing off last in the afternoon, approximately around 2:00 p.m. ET. Players who barely make the cut are expected to begin play around 9:20 a.m. ET. Fans can follow all the action live on Golf Channel from 12:30-2:30 p.m. ET, then switch to NBC from 2:30-6:00 p.m. ET.
For those preferring to stream the action, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will offer exclusive coverage starting at 9:00 a.m. ET, including featured groups and featured holes. A simulcast of NBC’s broadcast will also be available online via Peacock.
How to Watch the 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational
The 2026 Arnold Palmer Invitational offers multiple viewing options to ensure fans don’t miss a moment of the action. Golf Channel and NBC will provide comprehensive television coverage, while PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ and Peacock offer streaming alternatives. Detailed broadcast schedules can be found on the Arnold Palmer Invitational website.
Bay Hill’s Legacy and the Tournament’s History
The Arnold Palmer Invitational has been a cornerstone of the PGA Tour since 1979, held annually at Bay Hill Club and Lodge, a course owned by the legendary Arnold Palmer since 1974. As noted by Wikipedia, the tournament evolved from the Florida Citrus Open Invitational, established in 1966, and has grow a highly respected and challenging event for professional golfers. The winner receives a red cardigan sweater, a tradition initiated in 2017 to honor Palmer’s memory.
Defending Champion and Notable Returns
Russell Henley is aiming to become the first golfer in a decade to win back-to-back titles at Bay Hill, according to PGA Tour’s First Look. The 2026 tournament also marks the return of Justin Thomas to PGA Tour competition following microdiscectomy surgery in November 2025, and Sungjae Im, who is recovering from a wrist injury. Scottie Scheffler, a two-time winner at Bay Hill (2022 and 2024), is also back in action, looking to continue his strong performance at this course.
As the tournament progresses, the competition is expected to intensify. Fans can anticipate a thrilling weekend of golf as these top players battle for the coveted Arnold Palmer Invitational title. Stay tuned for updates on Saturday’s tee times as they become available following the completion of Friday’s round.
What are your predictions for the weekend? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow golf enthusiasts!
