Arnold Palmer Invitational 2026: Your Guide to Round 2 Tee Times and Key Pairings

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Alright, let’s cut to the chase. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is in full swing at Bay Hill, and if you’re trying to catch all the action, you need to know who’s teeing off when. Friday’s second round is where things really start to heat up, especially after Thursday’s play. We’re talking about some of the biggest names in golf battling it out on a course that demands respect. Forget the fluff; you want the details. Who’s up? When? And who are they playing with? Let’s dive in.

Scheffler's Start: More Than Just a Slow Start?

You can’t talk about this tournament without talking about Scottie Scheffler. The guy’s a machine, plain and simple. He’s already got a win this year, plus a bunch of other top finishes. Some folks were chirping about him having slow starts to tournaments. He shot that down pretty quick, though, pointing out he’s only really had a couple of rough rounds out of his last few starts. When you look at his record, it’s hard to argue. A T12 isn’t exactly a disaster, is it?He looked solid on Thursday, too. Making birdies early in his opening round, he’s clearly here to make a statement and chase another Arnold Palmer trophy. You know he’s going to be dialed in. He’s paired up with Russell Henley for his second round, and they’re set to go off at a pretty decent time on Friday. It’s always interesting to see how the top players handle the pressure of round two, especially when they’re looking to build on a good start or recover from a shaky opening day. Bay Hill isn’t a walk in the park, and Scheffler’s performance here will be closely watched.

Catching the Action: TV and Streaming Details

So, you want to watch? Of course you do. Nobody wants to miss out on the drama. For the second round on Friday, you can tune into the Golf Channel from 2 to 6 p.m. ET. That’s your prime-time window for highlights and key moments. But if you’re an early riser or want to catch every single shot, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ has you covered. They’re kicking off their exclusive streaming coverage bright and early at 7:30 a.m. ET. Plus, they’ll have featured groups and holes all day long. That means you can follow your favorite players or specific dramatic moments without missing a beat. It’s a good deal for serious golf fans who want the full experience.

Round 2 Tee Times: Who's Up and When?

Alright, here’s the nitty-gritty. The pairings and tee times for Friday’s second round at Bay Hill. This is what you need to plan your day around. Remember, these times are ET.

7:40 a.m. – Nicolai Højgaard, Austin Smotherman
7:50 a.m. – Si Woo Kim, Bud Cauley
8:00 a.m. – Lucas Glover, Ryo Hisatsune
8:10 a.m. – Ryan Gerard, Jason Day
8:20 a.m. – Taylor Pendrith, Denny McCarthy
8:30 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Pierceson Coody
8:40 a.m. – Jordan Spieth, Sam Stevens
8:50 a.m. – Jake Knapp, Matt Fitzpatrick
9:05 a.m. – Sam Burns, Sungjae Im
9:15 a.m. – J.J. Spaun, Nick Taylor
9:25 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Maverick McNealy
9:35 a.m. – Ben Griffin, Tommy Fleetwood
9:45 a.m. – Nico Echavarria, Ludvig Åberg
9:55 a.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Chris Gotterup
10:05 a.m. – Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama

This first batch of tee times features some serious talent. You’ve got established winners and rising stars all looking to get their round started on the right foot. Watch out for groups like Justin Thomas and Hideki Matsuyama – that’s a pairing with a lot of firepower.

Mid-Morning Mayhem and Star Power

As the morning progresses, the tee times continue to roll, bringing out even more of the big names you’re eager to see. This is where you’ll find some of the most anticipated matchups, with players looking to make a significant move up the leaderboard before the day gets too old.

10:20 a.m. – Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland
10:30 a.m. – Rickie Fowler, Michael Kim
10:40 a.m. – Chris Kirk, Sahith Theegala
10:50 a.m. – Joel Dahmen, Daniel Bennett
11:00 a.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Tom Hoge
11:10 a.m. – Ryan Fox, Billy Horschel
11:20 a.m. – Brian Campbell, Patrick Rodgers
11:35 a.m. – Matt McCarty, Max Greyserman
11:45 a.m. – Taylor Moore, Andrew Putnam
11:55 a.m. – Daniel Berger, Alex Noren
12:05 p.m. – Min Woo Lee, Michael Thorbjornsen
12:15 p.m. – Harry Hall, Corey Conners
12:25 p.m. – Cameron Young, Sepp Straka
12:35 p.m. – Harris English, Patrick Cantlay

This section of the draw is stacked. Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland together? That’s a marquee group right there. You’ve also got players like Patrick Cantlay and Harris English who know how to win. Keep an eye on this stretch; it’s likely to produce some of the best golf of the day.

Afternoon Showdown: The Final Groups

As we head into the afternoon, the pressure mounts. The players teeing off later often have the advantage of seeing what the leaders have done, but they also face the possibility of tougher conditions as the day wears on. This is where the real contenders usually emerge.

12:50 p.m. – Andrew Novak, Robert MacIntyre
1:00 p.m. – Brian Harman, Akshay Bhatia
1:10 p.m. – Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose
1:20 p.m. – Xander Schauffele, Shane Lowry
1:30 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Russell Henley
1:40 p.m. – Aldrich Potgieter, Adam Scott
1:50 p.m. – J.T. Poston, Keith Mitchell

And here we are, the final groups of the day. Collin Morikawa and Justin Rose – two major champions, always a treat to watch. Then you’ve got Xander Schauffele and Shane Lowry, both incredibly dangerous players. And of course, the headliner: Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley at 1:30 p.m. ET. This is the group everyone will be talking about. Following them will give you a clear picture of who’s in contention heading into the weekend. Don’t forget Adam Scott, a legend of the game, still playing at a high level.

The Bay Hill Challenge: More Than Just Tee Times

Looking at these tee times is one thing, but playing Bay Hill is another. This course, designed by Dick Wilson and later modified by Tom Fazio, is a beast. It’s known for its demanding par-4s, tricky water hazards, and the sheer length that can really test a player’s mettle. Arnold Palmer himself loved this place, and you can feel his spirit in the design – it’s a classic test of golf.The fairways can be generous, but stray off them, and you’ll be dealing with the thick Florida rough or worse. The greens are often undulating and well-guarded, meaning approach shots need to be precise. Wind can also be a significant factor, especially with the open nature of some of the holes. It’s not a course where you can just bomb it around and expect to score. You need strategy, precision, and a bit of nerve. Watching these players navigate Bay Hill under tournament pressure is what makes the Arnold Palmer Invitational a must-watch event.

Wagering on the Action: A Little Extra Excitement

If you’re feeling lucky or just want to add another layer of excitement to your viewing experience, there are always opportunities to get in on the action. Sportsbooks are buzzing around major tournaments like this. For instance, you can often find special offers. Keep an eye out for promotions, like signing up with a specific code, which might give you a welcome bonus. It’s a way to make every shot count, even if you’re just watching from your couch. Just remember to gamble responsibly, folks. It’s supposed to be fun, not a financial crisis. For more on sports betting, you can check out resources like ESPN’s betting section, which often has guides and odds.

What to Expect on Friday

Friday at Bay Hill is all about execution. Players who had a solid opening round will be looking to consolidate their position, perhaps even extend their lead if they can get off to a good start. For those who struggled, it’s a chance to regroup, find their rhythm, and make a charge. The cut line will start to take shape after Friday’s play, so there’s a lot at stake for players trying to secure their spot for the weekend.Expect to see some brilliant golf, a few frustrating moments, and a whole lot of pressure. The Arnold Palmer Invitational always delivers compelling storylines, and this year is shaping up to be no different. Keep your eyes on the leaderboard and enjoy the show. This is what tournament golf is all about.