The PGA Tour’s problems of withdrawals continue, and the Arnold Palmer Invitational doesn’t seem immune. As the field lines up for the circuit’s third signature event of the season for the $20 million prize purse, one name has already bid adieu to the Bay Hill.

“Jake Knapp WD prior to the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard,” the PGA Tour Communications confirmed. “Haotong Li will replace Knapp in the 12:05 p.m. tee time.”

The exact details have not been revealed yet; however, his agent told Golfweek that Knapp is dealing with an illness. He withdrew shortly before he was set to tee off Thursday to rest ahead of next week’s Players Championship.

Jake Knapp had been in excellent form throughout the 2026 season. In the five events he played, he finished in the top-10 four times. The only time he finished outside it, he got a T11. He would have hoped to continue his excellent form at Bay Hill Club as well.

Seems like Knapp is prioritizing his trip to TPC Sawgrass over the $20 million Signature event. Maybe he, too, is influenced by the 5th major debate and wants to leave an impact on The PLAYERS Championship.

Already, the PGA Tour events are seeing multiple disruptions this year. At least three events have already had inclement weather and at the Cognizant Classic, three had also withdrew due to illness and injuries.

That said, there might be one other reason Knapp might prefer The PLAYERS Championship over the Arnold Palmer Invitational. And that has nothing to do with the fifth major conversation.

Jake Knapp has unfinished business at TPC Sawgrass

Jake Knapp hasn’t had that many opportunities to play in either of the big PGA Tour events. He has only participated in the Arnold Palmer Invitational once in the past. In 2024, he got a T57 finish at Bay Hill Club.

However, Knapp has managed to compete in two PLAYERS Championships so far. In his first attempt in 2024, he finished at T45 with a score of 4-under par. Last year, though, the 31-year-old was much closer to competing for the title on the iconic golf course.

His 6-under par helped him finish at T12. That, too, after he scored a 1-over 73 in the final round. Had he performed better on Championship Sunday, then fans might have seen him finish higher on the leaderboard. He might have even competed for the title against Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun.

Coming back to the course in 2026, Knapp certainly has unfinished business at TPC Sawgrass. And after the great start he has had to the season, he will be looking to score a great result in The PLAYERS Championship. So he can’t risk his appearance next week by playing through illness at Bay Hill this week.