The PGA Tour remains in Florida for one of the most prestigious non-major events of the season — the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Hosted at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, this Signature Event carries a massive $20 million purse and consistently features one of the strongest fields of the year. For One and Done players, this is a pivotal week. Choosing the right Arnold Palmer Invitational One and Done pick for 2026 can dramatically impact season-long standings, especially with elevated payouts and a demanding course setup.
Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026: Tournament Overview
- Event: Arnold Palmer Invitational
- Dates: March 5–8, 2026
- Location: Orlando, Florida
- Course: Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge
- Purse: $20,000,000
- Defending Champion: Russell Henley
Bay Hill is one of the toughest tests players will face outside the majors. Thick rough, firm greens, long par 4s, and ever-present Florida winds make scoring difficult. Winning scores are often modest relative to par, meaning patience and elite ball-striking are essential when evaluating Arnold Palmer Invitational One and Done picks 2026.
Best Arnold Palmer Invitational One and Done Pick 2026: Viktor Hovland
When narrowing down the top One and Done picks for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Viktor Hovland stands out as a high-ceiling, high-leverage option.
Why Viktor Hovland Is an Elite Arnold Palmer Invitational One and Done Pick
- Elite Tee-to-Green Profile: Bay Hill rewards strong long-iron play and consistent ball-striking — core strengths in Hovland’s game.
- Signature Event Performer: Hovland has proven he can contend against elite fields, making him ideal for a $20 million purse week.
- Aggressive but Controlled Style: His ability to make birdies on tough setups provides separation upside.
- Ownership Pivot: With Henley likely drawing defending-champion attention, Hovland offers leverage in large-field One and Done contests.
Among all Arnold Palmer Invitational One and Done picks, Hovland provides one of the best blends of win equity and roster strategy without forcing you to burn ultra-premium names like Scheffler or McIlroy.
Contest to Join on Splash Sports
Once you’ve locked in your Arnold Palmer Invitational One & Done pick, here’s one featured contest worth building your long-term strategy around — with additional contests available in the Splash Sports lobby.
Splash $100K PGA O&D – A $125 entry contest offering $100,012.50 in guaranteed prizes, ideal for players looking for a season-long One & Done at a lower entry point. Top prize payouts include $12,701.98 for first, $10,001.25 for second, and $7,500.93 for third. Standard golf One & Done rules apply: one golfer per tournament, no repeats, Dollar Winnings scoring, and up to 26 entries per player.
Be sure to explore the Splash Sports lobby for additional contests and formats available throughout the season.
Final Thoughts on Arnold Palmer Invitational One and Done Picks 2026
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most important early-season decision points for One and Done players. Bay Hill punishes mistakes and rewards elite ball-striking — a combination that elevates players with complete tee-to-green profiles.
If you’re searching for strong Arnold Palmer Invitational One and Done picks for 2026, Viktor Hovland offers upside, leverage, and strategic flexibility in a $20 million Signature Event.
For Splash Sports players looking to gain ground before THE PLAYERS Championship, this is a calculated swing worth taking.
