Arnold Palmer Invitational: Preview, betting tips & how to watch

It’s one of the most anticipated weeks on the calendar, the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

With one of the strongest fields outside the majors and Bay Hill as the venue, there’s a lot to get excited about for this week’s PGA Tour event.

The course underwent plenty of change at the hands of Palmer, to make it the tough test that it is today.

Being one of only five tournaments on the PGA Tour with ‘invitational’ status, it has a smaller than usual field of just 120 players, but being a designated event, that field is very strong.

Rahm, Scheffler and McIlroy are in teeing it up this week, with the Masters champion coming to Bay Hill as the defending champion. Last year, Scottie’s win saw him presented with the famous red cardigan, a tradition that has been in place since the death of the tournament’s host in 2016.

The event has been named after Palmer since 2007, and has been at Bay Hill in Florida since 1979. Mastercard are the title sponsors of the event, and you’ll likely see their logo on the back of the flags this week.

There’s also the small matter of three spots up for grabs for the Open Championship, as this week is part of the Open Qualifying Series. The top three not already exempt will book their place at the 151st Open.

Here’s all the details ahead of the week.

Arnold Palmer Invitational details

Course: Bay Hill, Florida

Course stats: 7,466 yards, par 72

Defending champion: Scottie Scheffler

Purse: $20,000,000

Winner’s share: $3,600,000

Arnold Palmer Invitational betting tips

Here’s who the bookies fancy this week…

Jon Rahm 13/2

Rory McIlroy 9/1

Scottie Scheffler 10/1

Patrick Cantlay 20/1

Tony Finau 22/1

Xander Schauffele 22/1

Collin Morikawa 22/1

Will Zalatoris 22/1

Max Homa 25/1

Viktor Hovland 30/1

The bunkered Bet

Max Homa

In his last four starts, Homa has three top-three finishes. In such a strong field it’s not easy to find value but at 25/1 Homa definitely gives us that.

Arnold Palmer Invitational how to watch

Here’s how UK viewers can tune into this week’s action.

Thursday: Sky Sports Golf, 12 noon

Friday: Sky Sports Golf, 12 noon

Saturday: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm

Sunday: Sky Sports Golf, 12.30pm

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