2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational: Preview

After what ended up being a fun weekend at the Honda Classic, the PGA Tour continues the Florida Swing with another designated event. Unlike last week, the big dogs are back in action, battling for a piece of that $20M purse. This week the winner walks away with $3.6M and whoever makes the cut and comes in DFL (dead fucking last) cashes in for a little over $43K! Who are the some of the favorites and players I think might have a big week? Let's find out.

There is one man that seems like a juggernaut coming into this event, and for good reason. That is OWGR #1 Jon Rahm. He took a week off after a masterful performance in The Genesis where he out-dueled Max Homa to win, and comes in as the favorite at +700. He's got the hot hand at the moment, and nobody sees him going cold anytime soon.

Coming in at +950 is Rory McIlroy, OWGR #3. He won this event in 2018 and looks to add another win on Sunday. Rory has been playing well, but has been a bit underwhelming in his last 2 starts, finishing T32 at The Genesis and T29 at The Waste Management Open. Now, dont be mistaken in looking at those results, he played good golf, he just never went on a tear like the guys who won. If his putter gets hot, look out. Rory can beat anyone when the flat stick cooperates.

Rounding out the usual suspects is none other than the defending champion and OWGR #2, Scottie Scheffler at +1100. He won the Waste Management earlier this year and came in tied for 12th at Genesis. Scottie hasn't finished lower than 12th in his last seven starts, this is a guy that you can lock in for a top-10. He's dangerous any time he tees it up, and nobody would be surprised if he's our winner and new #1 this week.

Pivoting to some other players to look out for based on current form and past performances at this event:

• Colin Morikawa (+2100) - Finished inside the top-7 in four of his last five starts. This is his first time playing this event in his career, which could be a pro or a con depending on how you look at it. However this is a guy with something to prove, so don't count him out. He's hungry.

• Will Zalatoris (+2400) - He ended last season with a back injury and is in the process of a swing change. However, Will looked great at Genesis. He's ramping up with Augusta in sight, and he very well could be a contender this week.

• Viktor Hovland (+3100) - He finished T2 last year, and has a habit of hanging around near the tops of leaderboards early in tournaments. He has some short game deficiencies, but if he's hitting greens in regulation, watch out for Viktor.