5 players to watch at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Rory McIlroy
The 2018 champion has finished in the top 10 six of the past seven years, including a tie for second in 2023. With at least one score of 66 or better, including an opening 65 in last year, McIlroy can go low at Bay Hill. But a penchant for high numbers in 2024 has derailed him during the Dubai Invitational, where he drove it into the water on the 72nd hole; Genesis Invitational, when he went double-bogey, triple-bogey during a two-hole stretch; and Cognziant Classic, courtesy of a third-round triple bogey. If the 35-year-old can avoid a blowup hole, expect him to be in the Sunday mix.
Jordan Spieth
Two visits to Bay Hill have yielded two fourth-place ties. Spieth is one of the game’s biggest attractions and would be a popular winner at Arnold Palmer’s tournament. The 30-year-old’s flair for the dramatic, popularity and raw emotion is reminiscent of The King. But Spieth has won just twice since his stunning comeback at the 2017 Open Championship. He’s winless in 37 starts since his 2022 triump at the Heritage.
Tommy Fleetwood
The Englishman’s poor showing in 2023 (T-61) was uncharacteristic on a course where he’s posted four top-20 finishes, including a tie for third in 2019. Strong iron play is the hallmark of the 33-year-old’s game and a necessity on a course with perhaps golf’s most-demanding quartet of par-3s, averaging more than 215 yards from the tips.
Viktor Hovland
The 2023 FedEx Cup champion is off to a slow start, without a top-10 finish in three starts. Brutish Bay Hill suits the 26-year-old, but has ultimately frustrated him. Hovland finished in a three-way tie for second in 2022 after closing with a 2-over 74 on a day just two golfers broke 70. But his final round 75 in 2023 was the highest score among those in the top 20.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Seems to always be in the API mix. A tie for 14th ended a string of four straight top-10 finishes at Bay Hill, where Fitzpatrick also tied for 13th in 2017. Until a late-season surge in 2023, injuries stalled the momentum of a breakout 2022 season, highlighted by his U.S. Open win. A demanding golf course and good vibes could be the ticket for the 29-year-old.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com.
