The PGA remains in Florida for the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. The most interesting aspect of this course, at nearly 7,500 yards, are the Par 3s. They average 200 yards, making them the longest of the non-main courses on the tour. Here are three players who made it into the top 20 and can win right away.
Scotty Sheffler
Top 20 -200
Top 10 -120
Top 5 +170
To win +900
But he won this tournament last year. Aha! Why not shoot Scheffler to win in a row? He has the skills to do it. Looking at either the last 24 rounds or the last 36, Scheffler is second in the field from the tee and top five in the approach. The grass in Bermuda is not his best surface, but last year he was able to win thanks to his elite shot on the ball. It was this strength in his game that led to the Phoenix Open victory when he hit almost 10 irons. Not to mention, Scheffler is in the top 5 for scrambling, which can be advantageous given the thickness of the rough. Bay Hill is the second most difficult bout on the tour. If Scheffler doesn’t hit the fairway, I believe he can go up and down.
Ricky Fowler
Top 40 -145
Top 20 +250
Top 10 +400
Top 5 +900
Win +6600
I’m keeping an eye on Fowler, who looks set to return. After a tough struggle last season, Fowler is back in shape, having finished in the top 20 five times since September. This includes three consecutive top 20s, one of which was T10 in Phoenix. Fowler has landed hits on approach in seven straight tournaments played since September, which put him third in the game over the last 24 rounds and sixth in the last 36 rounds. Combine his recent iron game with his extensive fielding history (sixth in rounds recorded). in Bay Hill) and we have a good selection of the top 20 who might have a good chance of winning. Of all the players I’ve talked about for the API, I’m most excited to see what Fowler can create.
Chris Kirk
Top 20 +265
Top 10 +375
Top 5 +800
Win +5500
Kirk took his first tour win since 2015 after adding the Honda Classic to his resume. Of course he can’t win in a row, can he? Why not? Kirk has been playing some of his best golf lately, hitting at least four irons in three of the last four tournaments. Ride the wave. In his last four appearances at Bay Hill, Kirk has placed in the top 20 four times. This includes T8 in 2021 and T5 last year, winning each category in a row. Kirk seems to be happy with this course and enters the competition this week with a lot of momentum and confidence.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
