For the fans, signature events are the go-to options after the majors. And why wouldn’t it be? With a star-studded roster, high prize purse and test of the skillet, the event offers the best of golfing experience for the fans. The fourth signature event of the 2025 schedule, the Arnold Palmer Invitational, there has already been a lot of movement, be it with adverse weather or sponsor exemption.

Earlier, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were left out of the sponsor exemption, which was the top decision to talk about. Now, with two rounds concluded, the ball comes down to the countdown for the winner of the final two rounds. The past three signature events have already set the tone for what to expect, as Hideki Matsuyama has recorded the lowest total. Following Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg, confirming about their great rhythm for the schedule.

Apart from the winner getting their form revived, 9 golfers out of the top 10 are featured in the event, making it doubtful to guess the winner. However, the players qualified after two rounds are assured to have some increase as the event, unlike the past year, has a payout for the top 72 golfers. But for the matter of fact, the top 10 golfers will take most of the $20 million prize pot away.

With all eyes on defending champion Scottie Scheffler, will he be able to take away the $4 million prize share, or will there be a new winner this year? Well, there are still a few days till we find out. Away from the $4 million, the runner will also take the major chunk with $2.2 million. But as we go down the final leaderboard, the fourth positioned golfer will have a $1 million increase, then a drop to $840K for fifth. Here is the complete breakdown of the $20 million prize pot.

Away from the top names, there will be close observation to the players who participated through sponsor exemption as Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler were the ones who were snubbed for the four players exempted.

Arnold Palmer Invitational sponsor exemption player’s performance

With the shocking revelation of not having Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, the outrage on social media was huge. However, Sam Saunders has backed the decision for Puerto Rico’s Rafael Campos. As earlier, during an interview with NBC Golf, he praised the golfer’s aim and how he resembles Arnold Palmer. However, despite being over Spieth, the golfer could not manage to qualify after two rounds. He scored 80-76 in two rounds, resulting in missing the cut.

Well, similar was the story for the Australian professional, Min Woo Lee. He was among the four exempted players, but he could not pass the cut line with his 78-73 scores. On the other hand, Mackenzie Hughes and Justin Rose have been close to the World No.1 with their performance. Both golfers are currently tied for 13th place with Ludvig Aberg, Sepp Straka, Scottie Scheffler, Sungjae Im, and Tony Finau. Hughes shot rounds of 73-70, while Rose had just the opposite with 70-73.

However, now with the difference of 7 strokes, will the two be able to make it to the top?