First Round Leader Odds at 2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational

• The Arnold Palmer Invitational from Bay Hill, FL tees off Thursday, March 3rd
• Jon Rahm is the +2000 favorite over Rory McIlroy to lead after the first round
• See the best bets and odds to grab the first-round lead in the article below 

Four of the top-six golfers in the world are teeing it up this week at the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational held at Bay Hill Club and Lodge. Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau opted not to play to rest up ailing injuries. He was the first non-international winner in the last six years at Arnie’s tournament.

A solid and fair test awaits the world’s best, with four of the last five winners shooting 12-under-par, or less. Jon Rahm, who is in search of his first win in 2022, is the favorite to win outright over 2018 champion Rory McIlroy. There are also plenty of opportunities for sleepers and longshots to make some noise.

2022 Arnold Palmer Invitational First Round Leader Odds

Odds as of March 2nd at DraftKings Sportsbook

The forecast is expected to be a mainly sunny all day in Florida, with temperatures at low 60’s in the morning, rising to mid 80’s in the afternoon. The players face a slightly more docile breeze in the AM, as it’ll reach just five MPH wind gusts, rising to twelve MPH for those finishing their afternoon rounds late.

A benefit for those teeing it up in the morning is the exact same as it is every week – less bumpy greens with fewer players chewing them up.

Tyrrell Hatton a Past Champion at Bay Hill

In 2020, Tyrrell Hatton broke through in the United States for his first PGA Tour triumph at Bay Hill. That’s been a part of five trips to this venue, where he’s made the cut each time (posting four top-30’s). Three years prior to notching that maiden victory stateside, he nearly was crowned champion, before settling for a T-4th result.

In his last twelve rounds at this track, the fiery Hatton has been great in several key categories.

Tyrrell Hatton’s Strokes Gained Stats In Last Twelve Rounds at Bay Hill

Though this is first start on the PGA Tour in 2022, he’s been playing very solidly on the DP World Tour, picking up top-10’s in three of his last four events.

• Pick: Tyrrell Hatton (+3500)

Billy Horschel Thrives on Thursday

On the campaign, Billy Horschel has feasted in opening rounds, posting five scores in the 60’s in six attempts. That has elevated him to second in scoring on Thursdays, and first of those playing this week (Patrick Cantlay is off).

2021-22 PGA Tour First Round Scoring Average Leaders

The six-time PGA Tour champ has been solid in 2022, posting Top 25’s in four of the five times teeing it up, highlighted by a T-6th two starts ago at the WM Phoenix Open. In his last twelve rounds, he’s also second in total strokes gained, making this line jump out.

• Pick: Billy Horschel (+5500)

Justin Rose Comfortable at Bay Hill

Throughout his decorated career, Justin Rose has had a number of close calls at Bay Hill, but has yet to seal the deal. In 2013, he finished runner-up, and he has a pair of T-3rd’s in 2011 and 2018. Last year, he was in the hunt through 36 holes before having to withdraw early into his third round with a back injury.

Given his solid track record around this venue, the 2013 US Open champ has impressive strokes gained numbers.

Justin Rose’s Strokes Gained Stats In Last 24 Rounds At Bay Hill

Rose hasn’t missed a cut anywhere since last summer’s US Open, and in three of his last five starts, he’s been inside the top-twelve (T-6th, T-9th, T-12th), making him attractive at this price.

• Pick: Justin Rose (+6000)