Jake Knapp has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational shortly before the start of his opening round at Bay Hill Club & Lodge on Thursday.
The PGA Tour confirmed the late withdrawal at 11:50 a.m. ET, just 15 minutes before Knapp was due to tee off at 12:05 p.m. His agent told Golfweek’s Adam Schupak that the American is battling illness and chose to step aside to focus on recovering ahead of next week’s The Players Championship.
China’s Haotong Li, who began Thursday as first alternate, was dded to the field in Knapp’s place.
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Knapp’s absence is notable given the form he has shown early in the 2026 season.
The American arrived at Bay Hill ranked eighth in the FedEx Cup standings after producing four consecutive top-10 finishes.
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His most recent outing saw him claim solo sixth at the Genesis Invitational.
In fact, Knapp has yet to finish outside the top 11 this season, with his worst result a tie for 11th at the Sony Open in Hawaii.
The Arnold Palmer Invitational marks the third signature event of the 2026 PGA Tour season, featuring a reduced field and increased prize fund.
The top 50 players and ties after two rounds will make the cut, along with anyone within 10 shots of the lead, ensuring they receive a share of the purse.
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