Arnold Palmer Invitational Weak Field Reflects Tight PGA Schedule

The field is disappointingly weak for the 2017 Arnold Palmer Invitational.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational field is missing some top players this year. Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, and Patrick Reed are all skipping Bay Hill. It’s a disappointing situation for Palmer’s many fans.

The PGA Tour heads to Bay Hill Club & Lodge this upcoming week, March 16-19, for the 2017 Arnold Palmer Invitational. This is the first time the tournament will be played since the passing of Arnold Palmer on Sept. 25, 2016.

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Bay Hill has seen the world’s best golfers frolic its canvas over the past 50 years, making it one of the most well-known stops on Tour. This year may bring a less star studded field to the table.

“The King” was one of golf’s most legendary figures, as well as one of the greatest to ever play the decorative game.

Palmer won 95 times across 4 pro tours – the PGA TOUR, European Tour, PGA Tour of Australiasia, and Champions Tour. He was a 7-time major champion, making his streak in golf history.

Many in the golf world have regarded the 2017 Arnold Palmer Invitational as the opportunity for the game to pay its collective respects to Palmer and officially honor the games favorite icon.

Apr 9, 2015; Augusta, GA, USA; Honorary starter Arnold Palmer hits a ceremonial tee shot during the first round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s a Scheduling Problem?

Some say the problem lies in scheduling. The Arnold Palmer Invitational comes two weeks after the WGC-Mexico Championship and one week before the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. As a result the tight scheduling has spawned some complications for many top players.

Still, it is Arnie’s event.

Golf Channel’s Cara Robinson tweeted out her frustration with the weak field, although players still have until 5 p.m. EST on Friday to commit to the event.

Only 10 of the world's top 25 golfers are currently committed to next week's @APinv (49 of the top 50 played @WGCMexico last week) #TheKing https://t.co/2HZZzTmvBu
— Cara Banks (@CaraBanksGC) March 7, 2017

Players sketch out their schedules months in advance, allowing for time off in between big name events, just like in this case.

2015 FedEx Cup winner Billy Horschel probably understands players’ scheduling issues as well as anybody, but he shares Robinson’s frustration with the weak field at Arnie’s Bay Hill tourney.

Disappointing. Totally understand schedule issues. But 1st year without AP. Honor an icon! Without him wouldn't be in position we are today https://t.co/yzaIqbbSpM
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) March 7, 2017

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Nevertheless, schedule choices are a reality for the players. Along with the WGC Events, which are designed to attract elite fields, the Masters sits just four weeks away, putting the Arnold Palmer Invitational in an unfortunate position.

As players look past Arnie’s event that will be held just outside of Orlando, they derive their energy from big-purse tournaments and upcoming majors.

Despite some big name absentees at Bay Hill, this year’s highlighted tournament commits include Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day, Hideki Matsuyama, Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose.

Next: Top 50 Golfers of the Tiger Woods Era

In honor of “The King”, a 13-foot statue will be launched on Saturday to pay tribute to the tournaments late host.

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