This week sees one of the great Invitational’s as the Florida Swing stops off at one of the most iconic venues in World Golf which is the home of one of its most iconic players, it’s Bay Hill for the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
A smaller field than usual of just 120 players tee it up at this amazing venue and for once we can forgive the American coverage for being in full on grovel mode for the full 4 days as this venue and the old boy himself deserve it.
No one except Seve and in the modern era Phil Mickelson have ever excited crowds with such swashbuckling play as Palmer has. And in contrast to some of the top players today he always respected the game and what his role in it was. Never seen spitting all over the place, cursing in front of youngsters or not bothering to turn up if he didn’t think he would win he shines like a beacon for all that’s good in the game.
The fact he is attached to such a fantastic venue is only fitting because this place is synonymous with exciting golf and risk reward holes. Being in Florida there is more water than you will see in your average Ocean and great wildlife, Gators, Turtles and of course a Tiger!
A very grumpy Tiger and they’re the ones who you want to avoid. He simply cannot string four rounds together and he keeps claiming he has back problems on Sunday’s so he is an uneasy fave at 8/1 this week to clock another win in this. Phil and Rory are busy so Scotty is next and he will relish this place. In form Zach Johnson and Fedex Cup winner Henrik Stenson are others making bullish noises about winning this week.
For me the course is the star and though from emails I get that many of you see these Florida courses as novelty target golf for me they make for the most exciting viewing and fluctuating leaderboards. This place finishes with the devilishly difficult 18th which has ruined many a scorecard.
Sky will cover all four days extensively so if you can stomach host Jim Nance laughing hysterically when Arnold Palmer makes any comment at all during his stints in the commentary box then it’s essential viewing.
All in all it should be quite a week and at Golf Bet Profits we are playing four players against the field.
I look forward to seeing you on the fairways and not in the water.
Back next Tuesday.
Simon Holden
Golf Bet Profits
http://go.betfan.com/1000/47
Leave a Reply