Will Zalatoris found himself atop the 12th tee at Bay Hill on Saturday afternoon, enjoying a comfortable five-stroke lead. However, within a short span of less than an hour, his lead vanished due to untimely errors, while Scottie Scheffler, Shane Lowry, and Wyndham Clark surged with a flurry of birdies, reshuffling the leaderboard of the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Scheffler and Lowry emerged as co-leaders at 9 under after 54 holes, closely trailed by Clark, Hideki Matsuyama, and Russell Henley.
Scheffler, the world No. 1, expressed the need for another stellar round to conquer the challenging golf course and secure his first PGA Tour victory since the 2023 Players Championship. Despite a rocky start, Scheffler’s fortunes shifted dramatically, fueled by a remarkable par save and a series of impressive birdies, including a memorable shot from a fairway bunker.
In stark contrast, Zalatoris faltered down the stretch, surrendering his lead and allowing contenders like Lowry, Clark, and even Rory McIlroy to re-enter the fray. McIlroy’s impressive back-nine surge, coupled with the consistent play of other pursuers like Max Homa and Sam Burns, ensured a tightly contested final round.
As Sunday approached, the stage was set for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with multiple contenders vying for the coveted title. Scheffler’s resurgence after a shaky start showcased the unpredictable nature of golf, where fortunes can swiftly change over the course of a few holes. With the championship within grasp for several players, anticipation ran high for an exciting finale at Bay Hill.
ABOUT THE ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL
The Arnold Palmer Invitational is a professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour named after the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer. It is held annually in March. The tournament is renowned for its challenging course and rich history, attracting top players from around the world. In 2024, the Arnold Palmer Invitational is being held at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida. This iconic venue has been the host site for the tournament since 1979 and is closely associated with Arnold Palmer, who was not only a dominant figure in golf but also the owner of Bay Hill.
