The PGA Tour continues its Florida swing this week and we have a cracking tournament to look forward to at Bay Hill. The 2019 Arnold Palmer Invitational will be the 54th edition of the event and the 13th known under the current name.
The Bay Hill golf course was purchased by Arnold Palmer in 1976 and he has spent much time adding his own personality to the course. Water comes into play on over half the holes and there are 84 bunkers to avoid for the players.
Greens are set to be fast this weekend and putting will be vital.
McIlroy Defends Title
The defending champions is Rory McIlroy who finished on 18 under par last year and 3 shots clear of the field. He putted superbly last year and with the greens set to be quick, McIlroy will need to be at his best again with the putter if he is to retain his title.
The Northern Irishman has looked good in recent tournaments and has a T4, T5, T4 and 2nd in his last four events. There is a win just around the corner for McIlroy and the bookmakers believe it will come at Bay Hill. McIlroy is the favourite, priced at 7/1 with Ladbrokes.
Fowler on Form
Behind McIlroy in the betting we have a group of golfers including Justin Rose, Jason Day and Brooks Koepka but perhaps the standout among the players in this group is Rickie Fowler. The American finished T2 at the Honda Classic last week and has already picked up a victory on the PGA Tour this year, claiming the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
A win here could be the signal for something special from Fowler this season and he will be determined to do well. You can back Fowler to win the 2019 Arnold Palmer Invitational at 12/1 with William Hill.
Rose Returns
Justin Rose has enjoyed a little break but comes into the tournament showing good form at Bay Hill. The Englishman has finished inside the top nine in four of his last seven starts and coupled with the break, this makes him a dangerous opponent. While he will be fresh, Rose may take a little while to get back up to speed but if he remains in contention over the weekend, Rose has what it takes to win.
Rose is available at 12/1 with Ladbrokes to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The Outsider
Those looking for an outside bet could do worse than the man brought in to replace Tiger Woods, Bud Cauley. He would not have played if Woods did not withdraw but Cauley enjoyed a good weekend at the Honda Classic and has finished 4th and 14th in four appearances at Bay Hill and knows the course well.
Everything but his iron play, which is normally strong, looked good last week and if that iron play returns to normal levels this week, Cauley could be in with a chance. You can back Cauley to win the 2019 Arnold Palmer Invitational at 125/1 with Ladbrokes.