Arnold Palmer controversies from PGA Tour icon’s disqualification, apology and cheating storm

The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational comes to an end at on Sunday, and this year’s event has been tame compared to some of the previous instalments and their respective controversies

The Arnold Palmer Invitational has seen its fair share of controversy over the years, from claims of cheating golfers to smashed up tee-box markers.

And as the 2025 edition of the event comes to a close at the Bay Hill Golf Club on Sunday, Mirror US is reflecting on the noteworthy events of years gone by. This year’s tournament hasn’t been without talking points, notably the omission of Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler after they finished outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup standings last year.

While they received sponsor exemptions for the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Genesis Invitational, they did not receive the same honor for this year’s event at Bay Hill, and therefore were unable to tee off on the historic course. Palmer’s grandson, Sam Saunders said that the decision to not allow Spieth and Fowler to play was devastating, explaining: “It genuinely kills us. But you know what kills us more? Only having 70 players to pick from. So, if you want to write something, it should be on the fact that there’s only 70 players.

“None of the exemptions are chosen lightly. None of them are for personal or self-interest. It’s not about TV ratings or dollars. It’s about what’s good for the game of golf. And I mean, quite honestly, I’d go on the record of saying, these elevated events with limited field, if you really want to do what’s fair, there shouldn’t be any exemption. But, when there’s only 70 guys, it’s just too tough to do.”

However, the instance is tame when compared to some of the other controversies which have surrounded the tournament over the years.

Wyndham Clark’s cheating controversy

Wyndham Clark found himself embroiled in a cheating scandal at last year’s edition of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, when his ball seemingly moved as he was using a wedge to set grass surrounding it in the rough on the 18th hole. While this usually would count as a one-stroke penalty, officials explained that as the ball had reached back to its original position, no action was needed.