The Arnold Palmer Invitational, presented by Mastercard, marks the conclusion of the first segment of the PGA TOUR Fantasy Golf season. This prestigious tournament is the last of ten events that contribute to Segment 1, which means that fantasy golf players can look forward to a refreshing roster management experience. With the launch of Segment 2 coinciding with THE PLAYERS Championship next week, all golfers will receive a replenishment of three starts, allowing for strategic lineup adjustments.
As we head into the Arnold Palmer Invitational, notable injuries have affected star players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Rory McIlroy, who has only participated in two tournaments this season, also adds a layer of complexity to roster choices. Scheffler, who was poised for up to six starts in Segment 1, has had a challenging season due to a hand injury sustained on Christmas Day. This week, he will be making his fourth start of the year at Bay Hill Club & Lodge, defending the title he won previously.
The reunion of these three top-tier golfers presents a unique opportunity for fantasy players. Despite their different circumstances, they remain highly coveted, with McIlroy leading the ownership percentage at 72.8%, followed by Scheffler at 67.1%, and Schauffele at 42.5%. Notably, Ludvig Åberg ranks third with an ownership percentage of 60.6%, a testament to his rising status on the tour. Schauffele's lower number is indicative of concerns surrounding his return from injury, especially with a 36-hole cut this week.
While it's tempting to focus solely on the most prominent players, such as McIlroy, Scheffler, and Åberg, fantasy managers should not overlook other strong contenders like Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, and Hideki Matsuyama. These players are equally capable of earning valuable FedExCup points and should be considered viable options for your roster. The winner of this week’s tournament at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge could very well be someone outside of the expected favorites, making it crucial to strategize effectively.
In the realm of fantasy golf, selecting your captain can significantly impact your success. Initially, I planned to consistently choose Scheffler as my captain due to his strong performance history. However, his recent hand injury and subsequent late start changed my approach. Following a commendable T9 finish at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where McIlroy emerged victorious, I find myself leaning towards McIlroy as a strong alternative for this week’s lineup.
It’s essential to note that moments of opportunity without much risk are rare. While both McIlroy and Scheffler are strong contenders, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had remaining starts for all of my top six picks in my Power Rankings. This flexibility allows for a more diverse strategy in fantasy play. Additionally, identifying players who warrant caution is critical, and my Power Rankings can help illuminate those who may not be wise picks this week.
Focusing on Xander Schauffele, this will be his fourth appearance at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, and he is still pursuing his first top-20 finish at this event. After being sidelined by an acute intercostal strain since early January, Schauffele has only recently resumed intensive practice. His status as a contrarian choice in fantasy leagues might be worth considering, especially given his impressive streak of 57 consecutive cuts made. Players interested in this prop bet should explore available markets.
In contrast, Jackson Suber has withdrawn from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, marking him among eight players who did not qualify for the tournament through the Aon Next 10 or Aon Swing 5. Despite this setback, Suber remains in contention for a spot in THE PLAYERS Championship next week, sitting at 93rd in the FedExCup standings, which should provide some comfort as he preps for his debut at TPC Sawgrass.
In summary, the Arnold Palmer Invitational presents both challenges and opportunities for fantasy golf players. With a mix of established stars and emerging talents, careful consideration and strategic planning will be key to optimizing your lineup and securing valuable points as the season progresses.
