Register for FREE to read this article.

Already have an account?

You have article views left.
Register for FREE to read more articles.

Already have an account?

Remind me next time

The PGA Tour makes its way to Florida this week as the stars of the golfing world go head to head in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the the Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando. David August is on hand with his best bets from the event including some huge price picks…

David August's AP Invitational Tips

Hunter Mahan 1pt ew @ 28-1

Keegan Bradley 1pt ew @ 33-1

Will Mackenzie 1pt ew @ 55-1

Matt Every 1pt ew @ 66-1

WHERE: Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida.

NOTES ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT: As always there is a strong line-up for this event and all eyes will no doubt be on Tiger Woods as he bids for a ninth win at Bay Hill. There are seven others from the top-20 in the world rankings out to stop him achieving that feat along with six of the PGA tour's nine winners in 2014. Only one European golfer (Scotland's Martin Laird in 2011) has landed the title in 35 years at Bay Hill.

COURSE CHARACTERISTICS: Conquering the four par fives is paramount at the par-72 track. That's been the key to victory for Tiger Woods over the years. Putting is also a key factor, while the 18th remains a tough finishing hole.

The Main Men

TIGER WOODS (8-1): If he is going to bounce back to form than Bay Hill is probably the most likely place he will do it. However, even 8-1 doesn't tempt me given his current problems.

JUSTIN ROSE (14-1): One to consider as he’s last three outings in the AP Invitational have yielded a second (2013) and third (2011). Returned to his best when eighth on Sunday.

ADAM SCOTT (16-1): For a player of his class and ability he has a dismal record at Bay Hill and that's why I shall be avoiding the Aussie star this week.

BUBBA WATSON (16-1): Obvious chance having posted two top-10s and a couple of top-25s in his last six starts at Bay Hill. Also in good form with a win in the Northern Trust Open and two runner-up finishes in his last four outings this term.

ZACH JOHNSON (25-1): Picked up three top-10s at Bay Hill in the last 10 years and that form along with a 16th  in the recent Cadillac Championship makes him of interest.

GRAEME McDOWELL (25-1): Enjoyed a degree of success at Bay Hill with two second place finishes in six recent appearances. Add to that three top-10s in 2014 and he has to be one for the short-list.

HUNTER MAHAN (28-1): Picked up a sixth and four top-25s in last six appearances at Bay Hill and that form along with four top-10s (including last time out) this year makes 28-1 look a reasonable offer.

KEEGAN BRADLEY (33-1): I'm encouraged to back him once again this year as he proved he could handle Bay Hill when third last year. Playing steadily enough to warrant a small investment.

HENRIK STENSON (33-1): Looked in better shape when 16th at Doral last time out and that form along with a Bay Hill eighth 12 months ago gives him a good chance.

HARRIS ENGLISH (35-1): Has to be of interest having posted four top-10s since winning the OHL Classic in Mexico in November.

PATRICK REED (35-1): Missed the cut on his debut 12 months ago but has been in the form of his life in 2014 with two wins, the latest of which came in the Cadillac Championship a couple of weeks ago.

RYAN MOORE (50-1): Disappointed in the AP Invitational last term having posted a fourth in 2012. Could make the top five again if back to the form of his CIMB Classic win and sixth in Phoenix.

GARY WOODLAND (50-1): Tournament form is nothing special, however, a tied ninth at Innisbrook on Sunday brings him into the reckoning.

WILL MACKENZIE (55-1): His current price looks decent value given that he has posted three top-10s, including tied fourth on Sunday. I certainly think he can make the top-10 or higher again this week.

MATT EVERY (66-1): Third at the halfway stage in the Valspar Championship last week before eventually finishing eighth. That effort and the sixth in the Northern Trust Open makes him slightly overpriced in my opinion.

JAMIE DONALDSON (66-1): I was close to selecting the Welshman as he has shown he can compete on the US tour, particularly a last time out runner-up finish at Doral.

CHRIS KIRK (80-1): Encouraging 16th in the AP Invitational in 2013 and with a win and second in his last eight outings he could easily improve on that this time round.

JOHN SENDEN (80-1): Wouldn’t be a complete surprise to see him figure in the top-10 as his last four outings at Bay Hill have yielded a fourth and a couple of top-25s and he arrives on the back of his superb win on Sunday.