Welcome to API week. The Arnold Palmer Invitational is always a great event to watch, and as an elevated event, the games best will be out in full force this weekend. This limited field includes: Scottie (defending champion), Rory, Xander (back from injury), Cantlay, Åberg and so much more. The API is a tough field and the course is very challenging. I’m only a few minutes away from API this week, as I am in Florida playing golf myself. I’ve heard from some members that the rough is very tough, and these players must keep the ball in the fairway. Bay Hill is a par 72, and can be stretched to about 7,400 yards. Accuracy will be huge this weekend for any player that wants to walk away with the win. I’m picking golfers that are playing well, but also are some of the best ball strikers, because I feel hitting the fairway, as well as approach, are the keys to victory. Enjoy watching the games best this weekend!
Player to Fade:
It’s no secret that Max Homa has not been playing his best golf for well over a year now. He’s missed four of his last eight cuts, and has zero top 10s. It’s honestly shocking for a guy that burst onto the scene with so much talent. I have no doubt he will get back to form one day, but I just can’t see it being this week on such a tough golf course.
Dark Horse:
We are going down the board for this pick, but Michael Kim has played really well as of late, and his name has been popping up on leaderboards more frequently. This is a more stacked field, however, so we will see if his game travels with the games best. He hasn’t finished worse than 13th in his last four events. He’s been gaining strokes in most categories, but especially on approach, according to Data Golf. If he keeps that up, then I look to see him on the leaderboard again.
Top 10:
Who doesn’t want one of the best ball strikers on tour when the course has challenging rough and tight fairways? I think this could be Collin Morikawa’s week if he brings his A game. Everybody knows Collin, but it’s been a while since he’s been in the winner’s circle. Collin consistently gains close to a stroke on approach and off the tee, and if that continues this weekend, you can expect him to be in contention. If he struggles, then I expect it to be due to one club. The putter. I think Collin makes enough putts to be there in the end!
Winner:
You’re telling me the World Number 1 hasn’t won since December when he won The Hero World Challenge? Okay, I’ll take him! Anytime you have a limited field with the games best, I have to go with who I think is the best player, and he’s won two out of the last three years here. We all know how good Scottie Scheffler can be when his game is on. His ball striking is starting to come back to form, as he’s gaining strokes off the tee and approach, which led to a 3rd place finish at the Genesis. If his putter shows up, then I could see a Scottie Scheffler runaway over the weekend.
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