Arnold Palmer Invitational Power Rankings

10. Matt Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick loves Bay Hill, with 6 top 15s and a runner-up finish combined with his recent form, making him a really interesting prospect for this week. If he can have more success on the overseeded Bermuda this week and improve on his 141st-ranked putting, there’s no telling how far he might go.

Bryan Berlin, wikimedia

9. Hideki Matsuyama

Hideki has been playing some of the best golf, and I expect that to continue this week. Hideki has also found recent success at Bay Hill, finishing in the top 25 in 4 of his last 5 tries at Arnie’s place. If Hideki is able to find the fairway off the tee, it could mean a late tee time this Sunday.

8. Jacob Bridgeman

Fresh off his breakthrough victory at the Genesis Invitational, the Clemson grad looks to keep the momentum going in the sunshine state. Bridge garnered a top 15 in his last try at the event, and is playing some of the best golf in the world right now, who’s been in contention in all 5 of the tournaments he’s played in this year.

7. Jake Knapp

Jake Knapp has been playing the best golf of his life so far this year, and I expect that to continue this week. The Scottsdale, Arizona native’s worst finish this season was a T11 at the Sony Open. Knapp is leading the tour in top 10s, and I expect that to continue going into this week.

6. Russell Henley

It’s no surprise to see the defending champion on this list; in fact, he might be a bit high. Henley has continued his string of good play this year with 2 top 20s and a top 10 in 4 starts. However, a missed cut at Riviera leaves a small question mark on the table.

5. Shane Lowry

Lowry mentioned he has no choice but to move on after his Bear Trap collapse on Sunday at PGA National, and there might not be a better course for Lowry to do it. Lowry has garnered back-to-back top 10s at Bay Hill, and much like Tommy last year, his time must be due soon.

4. Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood got over the hump at last year’s Tour Championship, but is seeking his first full-field tournament win at this year’s Arnold Palmer Invitational. We haven’t seen much of Tommy this year, but the two times he has played have been a T4 and a T7— not too bad. File that up with the fact he’s achieved 5 top 20s, and it’s no secret why he’s a favorite this week.

3. Collin Morikawa

Despite opening up the season with a disappointing MC in Hawaii, and a lackluster T53 at the Waste Management, Morikawa seemingly found his swing, grabbing his first win in three years at Pebble Beach, followed by a T7 at the Genesis. Morikawa looks to avenge his runner-up finish and get back in the winner’s circle this week.

2. Rory McIlroy

McIlroy has proven to continue to be one of the best, despite his Masters hangover last year. He is seeking his second win at Bay Hill, a place where he has finished in the top 15 in 9 of his 11 starts.

1. Scottie Scheffler

Scottie has weirdly struggled in the first round of his last 3 tournaments. Despite this, Scottie has played like a completely different player in the final three rounds, almost like he’s playing a game of catch-up. I expect Scottie to stop playing games, and start winning tournaments, and what better place then at Bay Hill where he’s already won twice.

Dan Perry 

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