PGA Tour – Arnold Palmer Invitational: Our Expert Selections & Staking Plan

5 years ago - Sportingbase

The PGA Tour stays in Florida as it heads to Bay Hill for one of the biggest tournaments of the year, the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Course form

Rory McIlroy has been strongly backed this week and it is clear to see why. 5-6-1-4 are his past four finishes here and while he does not have a win, he has four top 16s in his past five starts including a sixth at last week’s WGC.

Last season’s runner up and 2017 champion Marc Leishman is also a very intriguing prospect. He obviously loves the course and is available at a much more tempting price.

No player likes playing in Florida more than Sungjae Im over the past couple of years and after back to back third place finishes at the tournament, he is in line for another strong showing. He played well enough last week to give me hope that he can do well at a course he obviously enjoys.

Players in good touch

Viktor Hovland is cementing his place as one of the games best golfers. The youngster has top 6 finishes in each of his past four starts and he has a real chance of getting another tour win here.

A long shot

Justin Rose is one of the biggest names in golf but he has had some struggles of late. But he has some decent history here – although not recently – but he can get back into form with a strong week here at a big price.

The picks

Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland feel like really good picks for this week, but I am looking for a little more value. They are just a bit on the short side for me to back, but I wouldn’t blame anyone for putting their cash on the two stars.

Instead I am going to plump for Sungjae Im and Marc Leishman here at some bigger prices. Both have great course form and Bay Hill is one of those places where players seem to find something.

Justin Rose certainly has some value, but I am sticking with the two for this week.

Expert Picks