The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, attracting top-ranked players and offering a substantial purse for the winners. The tournament has been around since 1966 and has undergone several changes over the years, including its name, location, and sponsors. However, one thing that has remained constant is the high payout that the players receive. In this article, we will explore the Arnold Palmer Invitational payout, who got paid the most, and how much.
History of the Arnold Palmer Invitational
Before delving into the payout structure of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, let’s take a brief look at the history of the tournament. The tournament was first played in 1966 as the Florida Citrus Open Invitational and was held at the Rio Pinar Country Club in Orlando, Florida. The inaugural winner was Lionel Hebert, who took home a prize of $20,000.
In 1979, the tournament was renamed the Bay Hill Classic and moved to the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, which was owned by golf legend Arnold Palmer. Palmer became the tournament’s host and played in the event every year until he retired in 2004. After Palmer’s death in 2016, the tournament was renamed the Arnold Palmer Invitational in his honor.
Arnold Palmer Invitational Payout Structure
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a part of the PGA Tour, and like most golf tournaments, it has a purse that is divided among the top players. The total purse for the 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational was $9.3 million, with the winner taking home $1.674 million, or 18% of the total purse. The payout for the top ten players in the 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational is as follows:
- Rory McIlroy – $1,674,000
- Bryson DeChambeau – $1,013,700
- Viktor Hovland – $641,700
- Sungjae Im – $454,700
- Louis Oosthuizen – $380,700
- Corey Conners – $323,700
- Scottie Scheffler – $298,700
- Joaquin Niemann – $273,700
- Harris English – $256,500
- Justin Thomas – $239,300
It is worth noting that the payout structure may vary slightly from year to year, depending on the total purse and the number of players who make the cut.
How is the Payout Calculated?
The payout for the Arnold Palmer Invitational is calculated based on the performance of the players throughout the tournament. The winner of the tournament receives the largest share of the purse, followed by the runner-up, the third-place finisher, and so on. The payout for each position is predetermined, and the amounts are made public before the start of the tournament.
In addition to the standard payout for each position, there are also bonuses and incentives available for players who achieve certain milestones or perform exceptionally well. For example, there may be a bonus for a hole-in-one or for breaking a course record. These bonuses are usually sponsored by the tournament’s sponsors and are not included in the standard payout structure.
Who Got Paid the Most in Arnold Palmer Invitational History?
Over the years, many players have won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and taken home a substantial payout. However, there are a few players who have earned the most in the tournament’s history. The top five players in terms of Arnold Palmer Invitational earnings are:
- Tiger Woods – $7,668,000
- Ernie Els – $2,994,905
- Davis Love III – $2,926,040
- Vijay Singh – $2,825,059
- Phil Mickelson – $2,518,456
It is worth noting that Tiger Woods has won the Arnold Palmer Invitational a record eight times, which has contributed to his substantial earnings from the tournament.
Conclusion
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, and it offers a substantial payout to the winners. The payout structure is predetermined, and the amounts vary based on the players’ performance throughout the tournament. Tiger Woods is the highest-earning player in the tournament’s history, thanks to his record eight wins. With the tournament’s popularity and the high level of competition it attracts, the Arnold Palmer Invitational payout is sure to remain a significant topic of discussion in the world of golf.
FAQs
- How is the Arnold Palmer Invitational payout determined?
- The payout for each position is predetermined, and the amounts are made public before the start of the tournament.
- Who has won the most money in the Arnold Palmer Invitational?
- Tiger Woods is the highest-earning player in the tournament’s history, with earnings of $7,668,000.
- Is the Arnold Palmer Invitational payout structure the same every year?
- The payout structure may vary slightly from year to year, depending on the total purse and the number of players who make the cut.
- Are there any bonuses or incentives available for players at the Arnold Palmer Invitational?
- Yes, there may be bonuses and incentives available for players who achieve certain milestones or perform exceptionally well.
- How long has the Arnold Palmer Invitational been around?
- The tournament has been around since 1966, and it has undergone several changes over the years, including its name, location, and sponsors.
