Arnold Palmer Invitational Preview

With The Masters now just two weeks away, this weekends Arnold Palmer Invitational presents an opportunity for some of golf’s big names to find form. None more so than Tiger Woods. After a turbulent twelve months, Woods has began to show signs of his old form and ahead of  the Invitational at Bay Hill the question remains, will this be the weekend he gets his hands back on silverware? Though Tiger is the stand out name competing this weekend and the bookies favorite, Graeme McDowell, Phil Mickleson, Ernie Els and company will be looking to keep the former number one at bay. For me, the following men are the ones to watch.

The Contenders

Tiger Woods

There are several reasons Tiger is a great bet this weekend. Firstly, the former World Number One has a fantastic record off the Bay Hill course, winning here on six occasions. Secondly, he finished with an impressive 66 at the WGC Cadillac 10 days ago, hinting that he is almost back to his best. Thirdly, away from the course, Woods has made several TV appearances recently, displaying a very relaxed and happy front. This would indicate that he is clear of the dark twelve months that have passed and his mind in back in order. Finally, at 9/1 (Sporting Bet), you will not get Tiger Woods at better odds for a long time after this weekend.

Dustin Johnson

Johnson began to show some of his best form last time out when he finished second at the WHC Cadillac at Doral. Consider that this weekend he will be returning to familiar grounds and that he will be determined to continue his good from ahead of Augusta, Johnson has to be considered a contender this weekend. He is best priced at 16/1 (Bet365) but don’t overlook a top five finish at 4/1 (Paddy Power).

Graeme McDowell

McDowell has developed a reputation as a fine sand player and will go into this weekend as a man in form. Sitting as the world number four, he is the highest ranked player in the field this week. The Northern Irishman has finished in the top ten in three of his four starts in America and despite missing the cut at Bay Hill in 2010 and finishing 40th in 2009, at odds 18/1 to win (Victor Chandler) he is very appealing prospect. He can also be backed at 4/1 to place (Boyle Sports).

Best Value

Sergio Garcia

Garcia was impressive last weekend at the Transmittions Championship, recording his third top 20 finish in as many appearances. Statistics speak for themselves, revealing with 77% driving accuracy and 72% greens in regulation at Innisbrook, the Spaniard is back to his best. If he can get his putting in order he will not be far away on Sunday. On average, around -10 usually takes the prize in the Arnald Palmer, which should also suit Garcia. He is best priced at 50/1 (Boyle Sport) but he is certainly worth a punt at 9/1 for a Top 10 finish (Paddy Power).

Ian Poulter

 The Englishman has not been in the best form recently but purely on what we know he is capable of producing and his odds he cannot be overlooked. He is 80/1 (Betfair) for the win but for a top ten finish, 6/1 is another worthy punt. He is my outside shout.

My Tips

Tiger Woods Win

Dustin Johnson Top 5

Graeme McDowell Top 5

Sergio Garcia Top 10

Ian Poulter Top 10

• This article was published on www.fightingtips.co.uk.

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