The Arnold Palmer Invitational has officially joined the PGA Tour Championship Series for 2028, according to tournament organizers, bringing the total number of locked-in host venues to 10 as the circuit builds its upcoming elite schedule. Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando joins TPC River Highlands and Torrey Pines among confirmed stops alongside the four major championships, The Players Championship, and the annual cup event.
Bay Hill Marks 50 Years in Orlando
When the PGA Tour Championship Series arrives at Bay Hill in two years, the tournament will celebrate its 50th anniversary in Orlando, according to API tournament director Drew Donovan. Donovan stated that the event will continue to deliver championship golf and give back to the Central Florida community while honoring the vision of Mr. Palmer to challenge the world’s best players.
The tournament currently holds signature status, with the upcoming event scheduled for March 18-21 on NBC and Golf Channel. Akshay Bhatia won the 2026 edition in a sudden-death playoff against Daniel Berger, securing his third career PGA Tour victory.
Did you know? Mastercard has served as the presenting sponsor of the Arnold Palmer Invitational for two decades, partnering with the event as it transitions into the new Championship Series structure.
Corporate Sponsorships Lock In for 2028
Mastercard joins a growing roster of corporate partners securing their spots for the 2028 Championship Series. According to tournament announcements, Japanese insurance company Sompo will sponsor the Napa Valley event—though a specific venue has not yet been locked down—while Travelers and Sentry have also finalized agreements to sponsor Series events.
The marketplace for these elite tournament slots remains exceptionally competitive. Golf Channel analyst Todd Lewis estimated during a recent broadcast that only four unclaimed spots remain for interested sponsors by the time the Tour’s Challenger Series debuts in 2026, according to discussions on Golf Today alongside Golf Digest’s Shane Ryan.
Confirmed 2028 Championship Series Venues
- Bay Hill Club and Lodge: Orlando, Florida (Arnold Palmer Invitational)
- TPC River Highlands: Cromwell, Connecticut
- Torrey Pines: La Jolla, California
- Napa Valley: Location TBA (Sponsored by Sompo)
- Core Events: Four major championships, The Players Championship, and the annual cup event
Pro Tip: Fans tracking the slow drip of the PGA Tour’s schedule releases can follow official updates via tournament social media channels like @APInv for real-time venue announcements and ticket information.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Arnold Palmer Invitational join the Championship Series?
The tournament will join the PGA Tour Championship Series in 2028, coinciding with its 50th anniversary celebration in Orlando.
Which companies have secured Championship Series sponsorships so far?
Mastercard, Sompo, Travelers, and Sentry have locked down sponsorship deals for the upcoming Championship Series events, according to Tour announcements.
Who won the most recent Arnold Palmer Invitational?
Akshay Bhatia won the 2026 tournament by defeating Daniel Berger in a sudden-death playoff to claim his third career PGA Tour victory.
Want to stay updated on the latest PGA Tour schedule changes and player announcements? Subscribe to our newsletter or leave a comment below to join the discussion.
Worth a look